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Racial Composition and Demographic Trends in Hazel Crest, Illinois: A Predominantly Black Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Hazel Crest, Illinois, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" with a "Racial Majority." As of 2022, the Black population constitutes 85% of the community, establishing it as a Black Majority area. The village's median income of $59,791 in 2022 positions it slightly below the national median, indicating moderate economic challenges.
Over the past decade, Hazel Crest has maintained its status as a Black Majority community, with the Black population consistently representing over 80% of residents. This stability in racial composition suggests a deeply rooted African American community. There have been subtle shifts: the Hispanic population has increased from 3% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, the White population has decreased from 10% in 2013 to 7% in 2022, and a small "Two or More Races" category (1% by 2022) has emerged. Despite these minor changes, the community has not transitioned between major diversity categories, remaining in the "Low Diversity" classification due to the overwhelming Black majority.
The median income in Hazel Crest has fluctuated over the decade. It peaked at $65,134 in 2021 before declining to $59,791 in 2022. There has been an overall upward trend from $57,937 in 2013 to $59,791 in 2022, representing a 3.2% increase over nine years. This slow income growth, coupled with a declining population from 15,299 in 2013 to 13,610 in 2022, suggests economic challenges. The population decrease of about 11% over this period could indicate outmigration, possibly due to limited economic opportunities.
Hazel Crest's demographic stability contrasts with national trends of increasing diversity in many urban and suburban areas. The modest income growth also lags behind national averages, potentially reflecting broader economic challenges in similar post-industrial Midwestern communities.
Based on the observed trends, Hazel Crest is likely to remain a Black Majority, Low Diversity community in the near future. However, the gradual increase in Hispanic population and the emergence of multiracial identities suggest a slow transition towards slightly more diversity. If current trends continue, Hazel Crest might evolve towards a "Transitional Community" over the next decade, with a continued, though still dominant, Black majority (potentially decreasing to around 80-82%), a growing Hispanic population (potentially reaching 7-8%), and an increase in those identifying as two or more races (possibly to 2-3%).
Economically, unless there are significant local or regional economic developments, the community may continue to face challenges with slow income growth and population decline. This could potentially lead to further outmigration of working-age residents seeking better opportunities elsewhere. To mitigate these challenges, local policymakers might consider focusing on economic development initiatives, improving educational opportunities, and fostering community programs that embrace and leverage the town's growing diversity to attract new residents and businesses.
