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Demographic Shifts in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois: A Study of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is currently categorized as a "White Majority" community, with 60% of its population identifying as white in 2022. The city's demographic composition has been evolving over the past decade, showing signs of increasing diversity. With a population of 4,927 in 2022 and a median income of $73,473, Oakbrook Terrace presents a case study of demographic and economic shifts in a small suburban setting.
Over the past decade, Oakbrook Terrace has gradually transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the white population comprised 66% of the total, with minimal representation from other groups. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 60%, while other racial groups, particularly Black and Asian populations, saw significant increases.
The Black population showed the most dramatic increase, rising from 3% in 2013 to 16% in 2022. This change suggests a trend towards a more diverse community composition. The Asian population also saw growth, increasing from 18% to 20% between 2013 and 2018, before slightly declining to 15% by 2022.
These shifts indicate that Oakbrook Terrace is becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing representation from minority groups. If current trends continue, the city could soon transition from a "White Majority" to a "Majority-Minority" community.
The demographic shifts in Oakbrook Terrace have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income rose from $73,927 in 2013 to $81,970 in 2021, before decreasing to $73,473 in 2022. This recent decline coincides with the most significant increases in the Black population percentage, potentially indicating changing economic dynamics within the community.
The city's population has grown steadily over the decade, from 3,981 in 2013 to 4,927 in 2022, a 23.8% increase. This population growth, combined with the evolving racial composition, suggests that Oakbrook Terrace is attracting a diverse range of new residents.
The demographic shifts observed in Oakbrook Terrace align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many suburbs across the United States have been experiencing similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse populations, often driven by factors such as changing housing preferences, job opportunities, and generational shifts.
Based on the observed trends, it is likely that Oakbrook Terrace will continue its trajectory towards greater diversity. If current patterns persist, the city could transition into a "Majority-Minority" community within the next 5-10 years. The Black and Asian populations may continue to grow, potentially leading to a "High Diversity" categorization if their representation continues to increase while the white population decreases.
Economically, the recent dip in median income could be a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a new trend. As the community becomes more diverse, there may be shifts in the local economy and job market that could influence future income levels. The city's leadership should monitor these trends closely to ensure equitable economic opportunities for all residents as the demographic landscape evolves.
Oakbrook Terrace exemplifies the dynamic nature of suburban demographics in the United States. Its transition from a "Low Diversity" to a "Transitional Community" approaching "Moderate Diversity" reflects broader societal changes and presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion and economic development in the coming years.
