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Demographic Transition in Hawley, Pennsylvania: White Majority and Increasing Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hawley, Pennsylvania, is a small community with a population of 1,110 as of 2022. The town is categorized as having "Low Diversity" with a clear White Majority. The median income in 2022 was $49,815, indicating a moderate economic status for a small town.
Over the past decade, Hawley has experienced a gradual shift in its racial composition, though it has consistently maintained a White Majority. In 2013, the white population constituted 94% of the total. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 75%, still within the "Low Diversity" category but showing signs of a "Transitional Community." The most significant change has been the growth of the Hispanic population, which increased from 5% in 2013 to 22% in 2022. This trend suggests that Hawley is slowly moving towards a more diverse community composition.
The median income in Hawley has shown modest growth over the past decade, increasing from $45,732 in 2013 to $49,815 in 2022, representing a 9% increase. This growth has been relatively slow and uneven, with some years showing slight declines. The population of Hawley has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 1,364 in 2015 before declining to 1,110 in 2022. This population decrease, coupled with the changing racial demographics, suggests that the community may be experiencing some economic or social pressures influencing both its size and composition.
The demographic shifts observed in Hawley align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in small towns and rural areas across the United States. The growth of the Hispanic population reflects a pattern seen in many parts of the country where traditionally homogeneous communities are becoming more diverse.
Based on the observed trends, it is likely that Hawley will continue its transition towards greater diversity in the coming years. If the current rate of change persists, within the next 5-10 years, the community may shift from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity." The Hispanic population is likely to continue growing, potentially reaching or exceeding 25% of the total population.
Economically, if current trends continue, modest income growth may be expected, potentially reaching a median income of around $52,000-$55,000 in the next five years. However, the declining population trend is a concern and may impact the local economy if it continues.
Hawley is showing clear signs of being a "Transitional Community," moving steadily from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse community with a growing Hispanic population. This demographic shift, coupled with modest economic growth, suggests that the community is in a period of change that may bring both opportunities and challenges in terms of social integration and economic development.
