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Demographic Shifts in Belvidere, Illinois: White Majority to Transitional Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Belvidere, Illinois, a city with 28,146 residents as of 2022, is experiencing demographic changes. The city currently has a white majority, comprising 61% of the population. However, there is evidence of increasing diversity, particularly with a growing Hispanic population.
Over the past decade, Belvidere has been transitioning from a low diversity community to one of moderate diversity. In 2013, the white population was 65% of the total, while the Hispanic population was 30%. By 2022, the white population decreased to 61%, and the Hispanic population increased to 35%. This trend indicates a transitional community status, with consistent growth in the Hispanic population.
The Black and Asian populations have remained relatively stable, each comprising about 1-2% of the total population throughout the period. A small but consistent "Two or More Races" category (1%) emerged since 2015, further supporting the transition towards greater diversity.
The median income in Belvidere has shown moderate fluctuations over the years, with a general upward trend. In 2013, the median income was $56,600, which increased to $62,083 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $57,815 in 2022. This overall increase in median income, despite some volatility, suggests a relatively stable economic environment amidst demographic changes.
The population peaked in 2013 at 28,636 and has since experienced minor fluctuations, settling at 28,146 in 2022. This relative stability in population, coupled with the changing racial composition, indicates that the demographic shifts are likely due to natural population changes and migration patterns rather than significant influxes of new residents.
The trends observed in Belvidere align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in many American cities, particularly with growth in Hispanic populations. The moderate income growth also reflects national trends of slow but steady economic recovery post-2008 recession, although the recent dip in 2022 may be indicative of broader economic challenges faced nationwide.
Based on the observed trends, Belvidere will likely continue its transition towards greater diversity. If current trajectories persist, the city may shift from a "White Majority" to a "Majority-Minority" status within the next decade. The Hispanic population is poised to become an increasingly significant demographic, potentially reaching or exceeding 40% of the population.
Economically, the city appears poised for continued moderate growth, barring any major economic disruptions. The increasing diversity may bring new economic opportunities, potentially attracting diverse businesses and cultural enrichment to the area.
Belvidere exemplifies a transitional community moving towards moderate diversity. This transition is likely to continue, potentially reshaping the cultural and economic landscape of the city in the coming years. City planners and policymakers should be prepared to address the needs and opportunities presented by this evolving demographic composition.
