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Demographic Transition in Zip Code 98502: From White Majority to Increasing Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
As of 2022, zip code 98502 in Olympia, Washington, is categorized as having a "White Majority" with 71% of the population identifying as white. The community shows signs of becoming a "Transitional Community" with increasing racial diversity over the past decade. The median income of $79,012 in 2022 suggests a relatively affluent area, though income has fluctuated in recent years.
Over the past decade, this zip code has experienced a gradual transition from "Low Diversity" to a more diverse community, while maintaining a "White Majority" status. In 2013, the white population comprised 83% of the total, classifying it as "Low Diversity." By 2022, this percentage decreased to 71%, indicating a shift towards greater diversity.
The Hispanic population has shown the most substantial growth, increasing from 6% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. The Asian population grew from 5% to 7%, and the Black population from 1% to 3%. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races increased from 4% to 6%. These trends suggest a community in transition, moving towards "Moderate Diversity."
The median income in the area has shown overall growth, rising from $71,757 in 2013 to $79,012 in 2022, an increase of about 10%. This growth has not been linear. There was a peak in 2021 at $86,240, followed by a decrease in 2022. This fluctuation could be related to the demographic shifts, as changing population dynamics often influence local economic conditions.
The population has grown from 30,161 in 2013 to 35,389 in 2022, an increase of about 17%. This population growth, coupled with increasing diversity, suggests that the area is attracting a range of new residents, potentially due to economic opportunities or lifestyle factors.
The demographic shifts observed in this zip code align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. The growth in the Hispanic population reflects a nationwide demographic shift. However, the area remains less diverse than many urban centers, maintaining a white majority.
The median income in this zip code ($79,012 in 2022) is higher than the national median household income (approximately $70,784 in 2021), indicating that this is a relatively affluent area. The income growth over the past decade, despite fluctuations, generally outpaces national averages.
The increasing diversity coupled with rising incomes suggests that this area is integrating new populations while maintaining economic stability. However, the recent decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022 warrants attention, as it could indicate emerging economic challenges or shifts in the local job market.
Zip code 98502 in Olympia, Washington, is experiencing a gradual but significant transition towards greater diversity while maintaining a relatively high economic status. This "Transitional Community" is likely to continue evolving in the coming years, potentially moving towards "Moderate Diversity" if current trends persist. The economic implications of these demographic shifts will be crucial to monitor, especially given the recent fluctuations in median income.
