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Demographic Transition in Zip Code 61821: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 61821 in Champaign, Illinois, has transitioned from a "White Majority" community to one of "Moderate Diversity" between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, the area is characterized by a white plurality (57%), with significant representation from Black (24%) and Hispanic (7%) populations. The current median income is $60,126, and the population is 28,786, indicating a moderately sized, middle-income urban area.
The demographic shift in this zip code is evident in the changing racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, the white population constituted 65% of the total, classifying the area as "White Majority." By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 57%. Concurrently, the Black population increased slightly from 20% to 24%, while the Hispanic population doubled from 3% to 7%. The Asian population and those identifying as two or more races also increased during this period.
The economic trends in the area show an overall upward trajectory in median income, despite some fluctuations. From $61,546 in 2013, the median income rose to a peak of $71,136 in 2021 before settling at $60,126 in 2022. The population has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations, decreasing slightly from 29,357 in 2013 to 28,786 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in zip code 61821 align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions from majority-white populations to more diverse communities, particularly with growth in Hispanic and Asian populations. The economic trends, showing a general increase in median income despite fluctuations, also reflect national patterns of economic recovery and growth following the 2008 recession.
The sharp increase in median income in 2021 followed by a decrease in 2022 may be related to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many urban areas across the country. The stability in population, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, may indicate a gradual process of urban renewal or gentrification, attracting a more diverse, potentially younger demographic to the area.
In conclusion, zip code 61821 in Champaign, Illinois, exemplifies a "Transitional Community" moving towards greater diversity. This transition is accompanied by generally positive economic indicators, suggesting that the area is adapting to demographic changes. The community's evolution from a "White Majority" to "Moderate Diversity" status reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas, potentially driven by economic opportunities and changing social dynamics.
