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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Zip Code 18466: A Study of Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 18466 in Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community as of 2022. The area has a population of 19,339 and a median income of $59,328. The racial composition shows no single group exceeding 50%, with White (38%), Hispanic (28%), and Black (25%) populations forming the largest groups.
Pocono Pines has undergone a significant transformation in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, the community was classified as having a "White Plurality," with 44% of the population identifying as White. By 2022, the area had transitioned to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with a more balanced distribution among White, Hispanic, and Black populations.
The Hispanic population has shown the most substantial growth, increasing from 20% in 2013 to 28% in 2022. This trend suggests that Pocono Pines could be characterized as a "Transitional Community," with increasing diversity over time. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 21% and 31% over the decade. The Asian population, while small, has seen growth from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022, contributing to the area's increasing diversity.
The demographic shifts in Pocono Pines have occurred alongside some economic fluctuations. The median income peaked in 2018 at $68,104 but has since declined to $59,328 in 2022. This downward trend in income coincides with the increase in diversity, potentially indicating economic challenges associated with the demographic transition. Despite the income decline, the population has grown steadily from 19,056 in 2013 to 19,339 in 2022, suggesting that the area remains attractive to new residents despite economic pressures.
The trends observed in Pocono Pines align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and rural areas. Many communities across the United States have experienced similar transitions from predominantly White areas to more diverse populations, particularly with growth in Hispanic and Asian demographics. The economic challenges faced by Pocono Pines, as evidenced by the declining median income, are also reflective of wider trends in many transitional communities. As areas become more diverse, they often grapple with economic adjustments, including changes in the job market and housing affordability.
Pocono Pines exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a White Plurality to a Moderate Diversity classification over the past decade. This shift brings both opportunities and challenges, as the community adapts to a changing demographic landscape while navigating economic fluctuations. The area's ability to integrate its growing diverse population while addressing economic pressures will likely shape its future development and character.
