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Demographic Transition in Zip Code 67880: From White Majority to Hispanic-White Parity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 67880, encompassing Ulysses, Kansas, presents a demographic landscape as of 2022. The population is 7,387 with a median income of $69,161. This area is categorized as a "Transitional Community" with elements of "Moderate Diversity." The racial composition shows a nearly even split between Hispanic (49%) and White (48%) populations, with small representations of other racial groups.
Over the past decade, Ulysses has undergone a demographic transition. In 2013, the community was classified as having a "White Majority" with 53% of the population identifying as white and 45% as Hispanic. By 2022, the area shifted towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with Hispanic and White populations reaching near parity.
This transition is evident in the consistent increase in the Hispanic population share, rising from 45% in 2013 to 49% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 53% to 48%. This trend suggests a gradual but steady shift towards a more diverse community composition. The appearance of small but measurable Asian, Native American, and multiracial populations in recent years further supports the "Transitional Community" classification, indicating an increasing diversification of the area.
The median income in Ulysses has shown volatility over the observed period. Starting at $71,093 in 2013, it dropped to $60,433 in 2016 before reaching a peak of $79,836 in 2021, then declining again to $69,161 in 2022. The period of lowest median income (2016-2019) coincides with the acceleration of the demographic shift towards greater Hispanic representation. This could suggest that the changing racial composition might be linked to economic factors, such as changes in local industries or job markets attracting a more diverse workforce.
The population of the area has seen a gradual decline from 7,915 in 2013 to 7,387 in 2022, a decrease of about 6.7%. This decline, coupled with the changing racial composition, might indicate outmigration of some demographic groups and in-migration of others, possibly driven by evolving economic opportunities.
The demographic shift observed in Ulysses aligns with broader trends seen in many rural and small-town areas across the United States. The increasing Hispanic population percentage is consistent with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various parts of the country, particularly in areas with agricultural or food processing industries. The income volatility and overall population decline are also reminiscent of challenges faced by many small cities in the Midwest, where economic restructuring and changing industry landscapes have led to fluctuating prosperity and demographic changes.
Ulysses, Kansas (zip code 67880) exemplifies a "Transitional Community" moving towards "Moderate Diversity." The area has experienced significant demographic shifts, transitioning from a White majority to a more balanced racial composition, primarily between White and Hispanic populations. These changes have occurred against a backdrop of fluctuating economic conditions and gradual population decline, reflecting broader trends seen in similar communities across the United States. The interplay between demographic changes and economic factors suggests a complex and evolving social landscape in this Kansas community.
