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Oil City, Pennsylvania: A Low Diversity Community with 95% White Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Oil City, Pennsylvania, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population comprises 95% of the total, exceeding the 75% threshold for Low Diversity classification. The city's median income in 2022 was $44,298, and its population was 9,599, showing a decline over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Oil City has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. The white population has remained stable at approximately 95-96% of the total. The Hispanic population has increased from 1% in 2013 to 2% in 2022. The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has also risen from 1% to 2% during this period. These changes, while minimal, may indicate the early stages of a Transitional Community, albeit at a slow pace.
The median income in Oil City has fluctuated over the past decade. From 2013 to 2021, there was a general upward trend, with income rising from $36,878 to $51,469. However, 2022 experienced a significant decrease to $44,298, negating some of the gains made in previous years. The population has steadily declined from 10,465 in 2013 to 9,599 in 2022, a decrease of approximately 8.3% over a decade.
The trends observed in Oil City align with patterns seen in many small, predominantly white communities in rural or post-industrial areas. These include slow population decline, gradual increase in diversity primarily through growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations, and fluctuating economic conditions.
Based on the observed trends, the most likely prediction for Oil City's future demographic and economic landscape is continued slow population decline, gradual increase in diversity, potentially transitioning from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity over the next 10-20 years, and economic variability, with potential for modest growth if the community can attract new residents or businesses.
Oil City is likely to remain a White Majority community for the foreseeable future. However, it may eventually transition into a Transitional Community category if the growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations continues and accelerates. This transition could bring opportunities such as increased cultural diversity and new business opportunities, as well as challenges including the need for integration services and potential cultural tensions.
The economic future of Oil City will likely depend on its ability to retain its current population, attract new residents or businesses, and adapt to changing economic conditions. The recent drop in median income suggests that the community may face ongoing economic challenges that could impact its demographic composition and overall development trajectory.
