Wooster Demographics: A Comprehensive Population Analysis
Analyzing the demographic evolution of a city provides vital insights into its growth, social structure, and economic trajectory. Wooster has experienced a steady climb in population over two centuries, transforming from a small settlement into a vibrant urban center. By examining census data from 1810 through 2021, we can trace the patterns of development that have shaped the community.
Key Facts
- 2020 Population: 27,232 residents.
- Median Age: 37.7 years (as of 2020).
- Urbanization: 99.6% of residents live in urban areas.
- Primary Language: English is spoken by 93.3% of the population (2011 data).
- Housing: 11,868 total housing units with a 6.8% vacancy rate.
- Gender Ratio: 90.6 males for every 100 females.
Population Growth and Historical Trends
Wooster's growth has been characterized by periods of rapid expansion followed by steady stabilization. In 1810, the population stood at just 291 residents. The city saw significant surges in the mid-19th century, particularly between 1830 and 1850, where the population grew from 977 to 2,797.
The 20th century brought continued growth, crossing the 10,000-resident threshold by 1930. By the 2020 census, the population reached 27,232, though 2021 estimates suggest a slight dip to 26,751, representing a -1.8% change.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Historical Population Summary
| Census Year | Population | Percentage Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 291 | — |
| 1850 | 2,797 | 46.2% |
| 1900 | 6,063 | 2.7% |
| 1950 | 14,005 | 21.3% |
| 2000 | 24,811 | 11.8% |
| 2020 | 27,232 | 4.3% |
Community Composition and Age Distribution
The age profile of Wooster remains relatively balanced. As of 2020, the median age—the age that divides the population into two numerically equal groups—was 37.7 years. Residents under 18 make up 18.4% of the population, while those 65 and older account for 20.2%.
Gender distribution shows a higher proportion of females. For every 100 females, there are 90.6 males. This trend is more pronounced in the adult population, where there are 88.0 males for every 100 females aged 18 and over.
Race, Ethnicity, and Language
Wooster is predominantly White, comprising 86.9% of the population according to 2020 data. The community also includes a diverse mix of other backgrounds, including Black or African American (3.6%), Asian (2.0%), and those identifying with two or more races (6.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents, regardless of race, make up 3.1% of the population.
Linguistic diversity is also present, though English is the primary language. According to the 2011 American Community Survey, 93.3% of residents spoke English, followed by Spanish at 2.4% and German at 1.3%.
Household and Housing Dynamics
The city's housing landscape consists of 11,868 units. The overall vacancy rate is 6.8%, with a notably low homeowner vacancy rate of 1.1% compared to a rental vacancy rate of 6.1%.
Household structures vary significantly. Out of 11,065 households, 40.4% are married-couple households. A significant portion of the population lives alone or in non-traditional setups: 37.3% of all households consist of individuals, and 16.2% are individuals aged 65 or older living alone.
Economic Indicators (2000 Census)
Historical economic data from the 2000 census provides a baseline for the city's financial landscape. At that time, the median household income was $37,400, while the median family income was higher at $47,118. There was a notable gap in median earnings between genders, with males earning $34,021 and females earning $23,608.
During this period, the per capita income was $21,505. Poverty rates affected 10.4% of the total population, with a higher concentration among those under 18 (14.5%) compared to those 65 and over (8.0%).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the population of Wooster in the 2020 census?
The population of Wooster as of the 2020 census was 27,232 residents.
What is the racial composition of Wooster?
As of 2020, the population is 86.9% White, 6.1% two or more races, 3.6% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, 1.2% some other race, and 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native.
How many residents in Wooster live in rural areas?
A very small minority of the population lives in rural areas, accounting for only 0.4% of residents, while 99.6% live in urban areas.
What are the primary languages spoken in Wooster?
Based on 2011 data, the primary languages are English (93.3%), Spanish (2.4%), and German (1.3%).
What is the current median age in Wooster?
According to the 2020 census, the median age of Wooster residents is 37.7 years.