Loading Content...
Demographic Transition in Zip Code 17109: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 17109 in Colonial Park, Pennsylvania, transitioned from a "White Majority" status to "Moderate Diversity" between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, white residents comprise 48% of the population, followed by Black (24%) and Asian (12%) populations. This shift represents a significant change from the 2013 demographic composition.
The area experienced a steady decline in the white population percentage, decreasing from 65% in 2013 to below 50% around 2020-2021. Concurrently, the Black population grew from 20% to 24%, and the Asian population increased from 3% to 12%. The Hispanic population remained stable at 8-10% throughout the decade. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% to 5%.
Economic indicators show modest growth during this period of demographic change. The median income increased from $54,719 in 2013 to $58,321 in 2022, a 6.6% growth. The population grew by 13.5%, from 22,030 in 2013 to 25,015 in 2022. This combination of modest income growth and significant population increase suggests the area is attracting diverse socioeconomic groups.
The trends observed in zip code 17109 align with broader patterns seen in many suburban areas across the United States. The shift from a predominately white community to a more diverse one reflects nationwide demographic changes, particularly in suburban areas near major cities. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as "suburban diversity," is characterized by formerly homogeneous suburban areas becoming more racially and ethnically diverse.
The stability of the Hispanic population and the significant growth in the Asian population mirror broader national trends of increasing Asian-American populations in suburban areas and the continued growth of Hispanic communities across various geographic settings. These changes are often attributed to a combination of factors including immigration, migration from urban centers, and changing housing preferences among younger generations.
Zip code 17109 in Colonial Park, Pennsylvania, presents a case study of suburban diversification. Its transition from a White Majority area to one of Moderate Diversity over the past decade, accompanied by modest economic growth and significant population increase, suggests a dynamic and evolving community that reflects broader national trends of suburban diversification and demographic change.
