Demographic Shifts in Zip Code 28318: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Zip code 28318 in Autryville, North Carolina, has been categorized as a "White Majority" community as of 2022, with 68% of the population identifying as white. The area is showing indications of transitioning towards a "Transitional Community" status, with an increase in Hispanic and other minority group representation over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, the area has shifted from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity". In 2013, 78% of the population was white, which decreased to 68% by 2022. The Hispanic population has grown consistently, increasing from 9% in 2013 to 18% in 2022. This trend, along with slight increases in other minority groups, suggests a "Transitional Community" status. The Black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 7-9% throughout the decade.
The median income in the area has fluctuated over the years, ranging from $53,352 in 2016 to $59,888 in 2020. The overall trend shows a slight increase from $56,866 in 2013 to $59,204 in 2022. Despite increasing diversity, the total population has decreased from 4,695 in 2013 to 4,332 in 2022, a decline of about 7.7%.
There is no clear correlation between the community's increasing diversity and median income. The income fluctuations do not appear to be directly linked to the increasing diversity. The population decline coupled with increasing diversity suggests that while some white residents may be leaving the area, they are being partially replaced by Hispanic and other minority groups.
The trends observed in this zip code align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in many suburban and rural areas. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide trend of Hispanic population growth and dispersion beyond traditional urban centers.
The economic fluctuations and overall population decline may indicate challenges in the local economy, possibly related to changes in local industries or broader economic shifts. This could be contributing to demographic changes as different groups move in or out of the area in search of economic opportunities.
Zip code 28318 is experiencing a gradual transition from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse community, primarily driven by growth in the Hispanic population. While these demographic shifts are clear, their economic impacts are less pronounced, with income levels remaining relatively stable despite population decline. This suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing the area's socio-economic landscape, warranting further investigation into local economic conditions and migration patterns.
