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Demographic Trends in Zip Code 18509: White Majority with Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 18509 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is classified as a "White Majority" community with "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The population is 13,330 with a median income of $46,321. The white population comprises 77% of the total, while the Hispanic population has reached 11%.
Over the past decade, this zip code has gradually transitioned from a highly homogeneous "White Majority" area towards a more diverse community, while maintaining its "White Majority" status. The white population decreased from 87% in 2013 to 77% in 2022, indicating a slow but steady shift towards increased diversity.
The most significant change has been the growth of the Hispanic population, which increased from 6% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. This trend suggests that the area may be evolving into a "Transitional Community," with the Hispanic population showing consistent growth over the years.
The Asian population has increased modestly from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022, while the Black population has remained relatively stable at around 5-6%. The emergence of a small but growing "Two or More Races" category (3% in 2022) further supports the transitional nature of this community.
The demographic shifts have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income peaked in 2016 at $50,309 but has since declined to $46,321 in 2022. This downward trend in income coincides with the increasing diversity of the area.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. This stability, combined with changing demographics, might indicate that the area is experiencing a gradual replacement of long-term residents with new, more diverse inhabitants, rather than significant overall population growth or decline.
The trends observed in this Scranton zip code reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. The growth of the Hispanic population aligns with national trends of Hispanic population growth in various parts of the United States.
The area's economic trajectory, with declining median income, may be more reflective of challenges faced by smaller cities in the Rust Belt region. Many similar-sized cities in Pennsylvania and neighboring states have struggled with economic transitions and population shifts in recent years.
The persistence of a strong white majority, despite increasing diversity, suggests that this zip code may be in the early stages of demographic transition compared to more rapidly diversifying urban areas across the country. The gradual nature of these changes could provide opportunities for community integration and adaptation, but may also present challenges in terms of maintaining economic stability and addressing potential cultural shifts.
In conclusion, while this Scranton zip code remains categorized as a "White Majority" area with "Low Diversity," it shows clear signs of evolving into a more diverse community. This transition, coupled with economic challenges, suggests that the area may be at a crucial juncture in its demographic and economic development.
