Demographic Discussion 65605
Written by Lesallan
Ohio Christian University
MIN3150 Ministry Leadership (ONLF23)
Dr. Steven Gerig
November 29, 2023
Demographic Discussion 65605
According to the websites referenced, the demographics for Aurora, Missouri (65605) are as follows: As of 2019, 65605’s population was 14,848, with a -0.1% growth rate since 2010 and a population density of 1,029 people, per square mile. The median age was 38.4 years, slightly higher than the state median of 38.3 years. The age distribution as of 2020 is as follows: 24.6% under 18, 8.2% aged 18-24, 23.8% aged 25-44, 25.7% aged 45-64, and 17.7% aged 65 or older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020; City-Data, 2020). In 2019, 93.5% of the population in 65605 identified as white alone. Other ethnic and racial groups included 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% two or more races, 1.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.8% Asian, and 0.6% black or African American (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).
In 2020, the median household income in 65605 was $40,714, with a poverty rate of 16.4%. Per capita income was $22,544 in the past 12 months as of 2020, according to City-Data (City-Data, 2020). In 65605, only 15.5% of those aged 25 and above held a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2019, while the state average was 29.7%. The school enrollment rate for individuals aged three and above in 65605 was also lower than the state average, at 69% in 2019 compared to 75.6%. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). In 2019, the labor force participation rate in 65605 was 62%, with an unemployment rate of 4%. The top occupations were service, production, transportation, sales, management, business, science, and arts. This data was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau and City-Data (2020).
In 2019, 77% of 65605’s population identified as Christian, with the Baptist denomination being the largest at 32%, followed by Methodist (11%), Pentecostal (10%), and Catholic (8%). Additionally, 47% of the population attended religious services weekly, higher than the national average of 39% (NeighborhoodScout, 2021). In 65605, married couples accounted for 54% of households in 2019. Nonfamily households were 27%, while female and male householder families without spouses were 11% and 6%, respectively. The remaining 2% were other family households. In 2019, 53% of the 65605 population aged 15 and over were married, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Other marital statuses included never married (23%), divorced (13%), widowed (7%), and separated (4%) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).
Statistics paint a stark picture of the economic and social obstacles confronting the inhabitants of 65605, a ZIP code region in Missouri. Compared to statewide benchmarks, the area exhibits lower income levels, higher poverty rates, lower educational achievement, and reduced school enrollment. These metrics point to a dearth of opportunities and resources for the population, potentially hindering economic growth and upward mobility. These findings are particularly noteworthy given the national trend of increasing income and education rates and remind us of the enduring inequalities and imbalances that persist within our state and nation.
From analyzing the demographics of 65605, it is clear that improving educational attainment and school enrollment is a crucial socio-economic need. Current rates are below the state average and may hinder residents’ access to opportunities and income. Fortunately, organizations are working towards addressing this need, such as the Aurora R-VIII School District, which offers public education for pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade students, and the Southwest Area Career Center, which provides vocational and technical training for high school students and adults (Aurora et al. District, 2021; Southwest et al. Center, 2021).
One critical socio-economic need that stands out from the demographics of 65605 is the necessity to decrease the poverty rate and raise the household income of the residents. These figures currently fall below and above the state average, respectively, which may have a negative impact on their quality of life and overall well-being. To tackle this issue, several organizations have stepped up to help, including the Aurora Community Foundation, which supports various charitable causes and projects in the area, and the Ozarks Food Harvest, which provides food assistance and hunger relief to low-income families and individuals (Aurora Community Foundation, 2021; Ozarks et al., 2021).
Lesallan
References:
Aurora Community Foundation. (2021). About us. Retrieved from
https://www.auroracommunityfoundation.org/about-us/
Aurora R-VIII School District. (2021). Home. Retrieved from https://www.aurorar8.org/
City-Data. (2020). Aurora, Missouri (MO 65605) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders. Retrieved from https://www.city-data.com/city/Aurora-Missouri.html
NeighborhoodScout. (2021). Aurora, MO demographics. Retrieved from
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/mo/aurora/demographics
Ozarks Food Harvest. (2021). About us. Retrieved from https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/about-us/
Southwest Area Career Center. (2021). Home. Retrieved from https://www.swacc.net/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). QuickFacts: Aurora City, Missouri. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/auroracitymissouri/PST045219
