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Demographic Transition in Zip Code 08852: From White Plurality to Asian-Influenced High Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 08852 in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. As of 2022, the area is classified as "High Diversity" with a strong Asian plurality. The population is 19,942 with a median income of $120,779, indicating an affluent suburban area. This zip code has transformed from a predominantly white area to one of the most diverse in the region.
The demographic shifts in this zip code have been substantial. In 2013, the area was classified as "Moderate Diversity" with a white plurality (47%). Over the next decade, the community transitioned through several categories: Moderate Diversity (White Plurality) from 2013-2015, High Diversity (Asian Plurality) from 2016-2019, and briefly Asian Majority in 2021 before returning to High Diversity in 2022. The Asian population increased from 39% in 2013 to 50% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 47% to 32%.
The Hispanic population grew steadily, doubling from 3% to 9% over the decade. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 7% and 11%. The community also saw an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, growing from 1% to 4%. These changes represent a clear example of a "Transitional Community," with the Asian population becoming the largest group and nearly achieving majority status.
The demographic shifts correlate with a significant increase in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose from $112,942 to $120,779, peaking at $133,453 in 2021. This trend suggests that the influx of Asian residents, particularly in professional fields, may have contributed to the area's economic growth. The population has also grown steadily, from 18,814 in 2013 to 19,942 in 2022, indicating the area's attractiveness to new residents.
The demographic changes in this zip code reflect broader trends seen in many suburban areas near major metropolitan centers, particularly those with strong tech and professional service sectors. The growth of the Asian population, especially in high-income brackets, is consistent with patterns observed in other tech hubs across the United States. The area's high median income significantly exceeds the national median household income, positioning it as an affluent suburb.
The transition from a white plurality to an Asian plurality, while maintaining high diversity, suggests that this community has become a destination for skilled immigrants and second-generation Asian Americans. This shift likely reflects broader patterns of migration, education, and economic opportunity in the region. Zip code 08852 exemplifies a "Transitional Community" that has evolved into a "High Diversity" area with a strong Asian influence. These demographic changes have coincided with economic growth, suggesting a relationship between increasing diversity and rising prosperity.
