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Zip Code 28604: A Study of Low Racial Diversity in Beech Mountain, North Carolina
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 28604 in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community as of 2022. The population is predominantly white, comprising 89% of the total. The current median income is $52,639, with a population of 6,967.
Over the past decade, this zip code has maintained its "Low Diversity" status. The white population has remained the majority, consistently above 89% from 2013 to 2022. There have been minor demographic shifts during this period. The white population percentage decreased slightly from 92% to 89%. The Hispanic population increased modestly from 3% to 5%. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races grew from 1% to 3%.
The median income in this zip code has fluctuated over the past decade. From 2013 to 2015, there was a steady increase from $47,752 to $51,846. Between 2015 and 2020, the median income remained relatively stable around $50,000-$53,000. In 2021, there was a significant increase to $59,707, followed by a decrease to $52,639 in 2022.
The economic trends do not appear to have a strong correlation with the minor demographic shifts observed. The community has maintained its predominantly white composition despite these income fluctuations.
The zip code's slow increase in Hispanic and multiracial populations aligns with broader national trends, but at a much slower pace. The median income has generally remained below the national median income, which was $69,021 in 2022.
The stability of the racial composition in this area, despite economic fluctuations, suggests that other factors such as geographic location, local industry, or community culture may play a significant role in maintaining the demographic makeup of this zip code. The recent spike in median income in 2021 followed by a decline in 2022 might reflect broader economic trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
In conclusion, while zip code 28604 in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, remains a "Low Diversity" community, there are subtle signs of very gradual diversification. The economic trends, while showing some volatility, do not appear to have significantly impacted the racial composition of the area. Future observations will determine if these slow trends towards increased diversity continue or accelerate, potentially influenced by broader national demographic shifts and economic factors.
