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Demographic Transition to Black Majority in Zip Code 21117: A Decade of Change (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 21117 in Owings Mills, Maryland, transitioned to a "Majority-Minority" community with a "Black Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 58,695 and a median household income of $101,097. This indicates a relatively affluent suburb. The community has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade, shifting from a moderately diverse area to one with a clear racial majority.
In 2013, Owings Mills exhibited "Moderate Diversity" with significant representation from both White (40%) and Black (43%) populations, and a small Asian presence (7%). Over the next decade, the area transitioned towards a "Black Majority" status. By 2020, the community became a "Majority-Minority" area, with the Black population surpassing 50%. This trend continued, and by 2022, the Black population reached 53%, solidifying its status as a "Black Majority" community. Concurrently, the White population decreased from 40% in 2013 to 30% in 2022.
The Asian population remained relatively stable around 6-7% throughout the decade. There was a slight increase in the Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races, indicating a gradual increase in overall diversity within minority groups.
The demographic shifts in Owings Mills occurred alongside significant economic growth. The median household income rose from $88,503 in 2013 to $101,097 in 2022, an increase of about 14%. This growth outpaced inflation, suggesting real economic gains for the community. The most substantial income growth occurred between 2019 and 2021, coinciding with the period when the Black population became the majority. The median income increased from $96,404 in 2019 to $104,641 in 2021, an increase of over 8% in two years. This suggests that the demographic shift towards a Black majority did not negatively impact the area's economic prosperity.
The population grew steadily over the decade, from 55,396 in 2013 to 58,695 in 2022, an increase of about 6%. This growth indicates that Owings Mills remained an attractive place to live throughout its demographic transition.
The demographic changes in Owings Mills reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many suburbs across the United States have seen growth in minority populations over the past decade. The economic trajectory of Owings Mills is noteworthy, as it maintained and accelerated its affluence during this transition. The median household income of $101,097 in 2022 is significantly higher than the national median of about $70,784 for the same year. This indicates that Owings Mills remains an upper-middle-class community despite its demographic changes.
Owings Mills presents a case study of a suburban area transitioning from moderate diversity to a Black majority while experiencing economic growth. This trend challenges narratives that link demographic changes to economic decline and suggests a model of inclusive prosperity that could be informative for other evolving suburban communities.
