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Demographic Shifts in Zip Code 79118: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 79118 in Amarillo, Texas, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The area has a population of 26,132 and a median income of $73,243. Whites constitute 55% of the population, while Hispanics represent 37%, indicating a diverse suburban landscape.
Over the past decade, this zip code has undergone a demographic transition. In 2013, it was categorized as "White Majority" with 72% of the population. By 2022, the white population decreased to 55%, barely maintaining majority status. This shift can be characterized as a "Transitional Community," with increasing diversity primarily driven by growth in the Hispanic population.
The Hispanic community grew from 22% in 2013 to 37% in 2022, representing the most significant demographic change. Other racial groups, including Asian, Black, and multiracial populations, have also seen slight increases, contributing to the area's growing diversity.
The median income in the area has shown overall growth, rising from $70,244 in 2013 to $73,243 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. There was a spike in 2021 to $81,168 before dropping in 2022. This general upward trend in income correlates with the increasing diversity of the area, suggesting that demographic shifts may be tied to economic opportunities attracting a more diverse population.
The population has grown steadily from 20,906 in 2013 to 26,132 in 2022, a 25% increase. This population growth, combined with the changing racial composition, indicates that the area is attracting new residents from diverse backgrounds, possibly due to job opportunities or affordable housing.
The demographic shifts observed in this Amarillo zip code align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have been experiencing similar transitions from predominantly white communities to more diverse neighborhoods, often driven by the growth of Hispanic and Asian populations.
The economic resilience of the area, as evidenced by the generally increasing median income, suggests that this demographic transition has not negatively impacted the local economy. The diversity may be contributing to economic vitality by bringing in new skills, businesses, and cultural perspectives.
The population growth rate in this zip code (25% over 9 years) outpaces the national average, which typically hovers around 0.5-1% annually. This above-average growth could indicate that the area is particularly attractive to new residents, possibly due to a combination of economic opportunities and quality of life factors.
Zip code 79118 in Amarillo, Texas, exemplifies a "Transitional Community" moving towards greater diversity while maintaining economic stability. The area's evolution from a predominantly white suburb to a more multicultural community reflects broader national demographic trends and suggests a dynamic, changing local landscape that may bring both opportunities and challenges as it continues to develop.
