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Demographic Trends in Gardner, Illinois: A Study of Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Gardner, Illinois, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community based on demographic data from 2022. The white population comprises 82% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for this category. However, the city is experiencing a gradual transition towards increased diversity over the past decade.
Over the past ten years, Gardner has maintained its status as a predominantly white community, but there are clear indications of a slow transition towards greater diversity. The white population has decreased from 94% in 2014 to 82% in 2022, while the Hispanic population has grown from 3% to 14% during the same period. This trend suggests that Gardner may be evolving into a "Transitional Community".
The emergence of data for the "two or more races" category (3% in 2022) and the consistent presence of a small Asian population (2%) further support this transition towards increased diversity. The black and Native American populations remain negligible throughout the observed period.
The median income in Gardner has shown moderate fluctuations over the years, with an overall increasing trend. From $61,744 in 2013, it rose to $69,570 in 2021, before slightly decreasing to $63,775 in 2022. This general upward trend in median income coincides with the gradual increase in diversity, suggesting that the economic landscape may be evolving alongside demographic changes.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between approximately 1,800 and 2,000 residents throughout the observed period. This stability in population size, combined with increasing diversity and rising median income, may indicate a gradual influx of new residents from diverse backgrounds, potentially attracted by economic opportunities.
The trends observed in Gardner align with broader patterns seen in many small American towns, where increasing Hispanic populations and growing diversity are gradually reshaping traditionally white-majority communities. The economic growth trend also mirrors national patterns of recovery and growth following the 2008 financial crisis.
Based on the observed trends, Gardner is likely to continue its transition towards greater diversity in the coming years. If the current trajectory persists, the community may evolve from its current "Low Diversity" categorization to a "Moderate Diversity" status within the next 5-10 years.
Predictions for Gardner include: 1) The white population potentially dropping below 75%, moving the community out of the "Low Diversity" category. 2) The Hispanic population continuing to grow, possibly exceeding 20% within the next decade. 3) The "two or more races" category expanding, reflecting increasing interracial families and cultural mixing. 4) Median income continuing its general upward trend, potentially with some fluctuations, as the community attracts a more diverse workforce.
These changes could lead to a more dynamic local economy, with new businesses and cultural influences enriching the community. However, this transition may also present challenges in terms of community cohesion and the need for inclusive policies and practices to ensure all residents benefit from the evolving socio-economic landscape.
