Racial Composition and Diversity Analysis of Wausau, Wisconsin: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Wausau, Wisconsin, exhibits characteristics of a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 80% of the city's residents, surpassing the 75% threshold for Low Diversity classification. The city's median income is $57,386 in 2022, with a population of 43,128 spread across 20.33 square miles.
Over the past decade, Wausau has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. Subtle shifts in racial composition suggest a slow trend towards increased diversity. The white population has experienced a slight decline, from 82% in 2013 to 80% in 2022. The Asian population has remained relatively stable at around 11-12%. The Hispanic population has shown a small but steady increase from 3% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races has grown from 2% in 2013 to 4% in 2022.
The median income in Wausau has shown overall growth, rising from $49,756 in 2013 to $57,386 in 2022, an increase of about 15.3%. This economic improvement correlates with the subtle demographic shifts. The rise in median income coincides with a slight increase in racial diversity, potentially indicating that diverse populations are finding economic opportunities in the area. The population has remained relatively stable, growing only marginally from 42,696 in 2013 to 43,128 in 2022, suggesting that economic growth hasn't led to significant population influx.
Wausau's demographic composition differs significantly from national averages. The U.S. as a whole is considerably more diverse, with non-Hispanic whites making up about 60% of the population. Wausau's 80% white population indicates it is less diverse than the national average. The gradual increase in diversity, albeit slow, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many communities.
Based on the observed trends, Wausau is likely to continue its gradual shift towards increased diversity over the next decade. However, given the slow pace of change, it's probable that the city will remain categorized as a Low Diversity, White Majority community for the foreseeable future. If current trends persist, the white population may decrease to around 78-79% by 2032. The Hispanic and multiracial populations might each reach 5-6%. The Asian population could remain stable or see a slight increase.
While these changes would still keep Wausau within the Low Diversity category, they might push it closer to being classified as a Transitional Community. The continued economic growth, if sustained, could potentially accelerate these demographic shifts by attracting more diverse populations seeking employment opportunities.
In conclusion, while Wausau is experiencing slow demographic changes and steady economic growth, it remains predominantly a Low Diversity, White Majority community. The coming years may see a continuation of these gradual shifts, potentially setting the stage for more significant demographic transitions in the longer term.
