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Demographic Transition in Willard/Wharton: From White Majority to Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Willard/Wharton neighborhood in Moline, Illinois, currently presents a White Majority community with emerging diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 56% of the residents, with a Hispanic presence of 31%. The neighborhood's median income is $57,472 in 2022. This area has experienced demographic shifts over the past decade, indicating a potential transition to a Majority-Minority community.
Over the past decade, Willard/Wharton has undergone a transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, it was categorized as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority (81%). By 2022, it had evolved into a Moderate Diversity area. The Hispanic population has grown from 17% in 2013 to 31% in 2022. This shift appears to be part of a Transitional Community trend, with the white population decreasing from 81% to 56% over the same period.
The Black population has grown from 2% in 2013 to 8% in 2022. The emergence of a multi-racial category (two or more races) at 4% in 2022 further indicates the increasing diversity of the neighborhood.
The demographic changes in Willard/Wharton have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $46,617 to $57,472, representing a 23% growth. The neighborhood experienced a dip in median income around 2018 ($40,871) before rebounding in recent years, with a peak of $67,510 in 2021.
These economic shifts might correlate with the changing demographic makeup. The initial decrease in median income could be associated with the influx of Hispanic residents. The subsequent rise in income might indicate successful economic integration and upward mobility within this growing demographic group.
The demographic shifts observed in Willard/Wharton align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban and urban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population mirrors national patterns. The economic fluctuations seen in Willard/Wharton may reflect broader economic trends such as recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Willard/Wharton exemplifies a community in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity with potential for further change. This demographic evolution, coupled with overall positive economic trends, indicates a dynamic neighborhood adapting to broader societal shifts. The coming years will likely determine whether this area fully transitions to a Majority-Minority community and how these changes will shape its economic and social fabric.
