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Demographic Transition to Black Majority in Zip Code 60422: A Study of Racial Composition and Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 60422 in Flossmoor, Illinois, is classified as a "Black Majority" community as of 2022, with African Americans comprising 58% of the population. The median income in this area is $114,356. This classification is based on the African American population exceeding the 50% threshold for a racial majority. The area demonstrates moderate economic prosperity, with a median income above the national average.
Flossmoor has experienced a significant demographic transition over the past decade. In 2013, the community was characterized as having "Moderate Diversity," with a near-even split between Black (47%) and White (42%) populations. By 2017, it had shifted to a "Black Plurality" as the African American population surpassed 50%. This trend continued, solidifying into a "Black Majority" by 2018 and maintaining that status through 2022.
The White population has decreased from 42% in 2013 to 32% in 2022, while other racial groups have remained relatively stable with slight increases in the multiracial category (from 1% to 5% over the decade). The shift towards a Black Majority has coincided with an upward trend in median income. The median income increased from $105,334 in 2013 to $114,356 in 2022, with a peak of $122,718 in 2021. This suggests that the demographic transition has not negatively impacted the overall economic prosperity of the area and may indicate a growing affluent African American community.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 10,100 and 11,000 residents. This stability, combined with rising incomes, indicates a community that has maintained its desirability while undergoing demographic changes.
The demographic shift in Flossmoor is notable when compared to national trends. The transition to a Black Majority in a relatively affluent suburb is less common. This could represent an example of suburban integration and economic mobility for African Americans, contrasting with historical patterns of suburban white flight and urban decay.
The consistent rise in median income, even as the racial composition changed, challenges some common narratives about the economic impacts of demographic shifts. It suggests that this community has maintained and enhanced its economic status while becoming predominantly African American.
Flossmoor represents a "Transitional Community" that has evolved from "Moderate Diversity" to a "Black Majority" over the past decade. This transition has been accompanied by economic stability and growth, potentially offering insights into successful models of suburban diversity and prosperity. The community's ability to maintain high median incomes while undergoing significant demographic changes could provide lessons for other areas experiencing similar transitions.
