Community Trends
Population trends within Yellow Springs have fluctuated over the past 20 years. The 2000 Census indicated that 3,874 persons called Yellow Springs home. Between 2000 and 2010, there was a 1.0% annual decline in population to 3,497 persons, while the number of households increased annually by 0.3% to 1,675 households. The increase in the number of households, coupled with the overall population decline, indicates households within the Village continue to get smaller, mirroring the national trend.
Between 2010 - 2020, Census estimates indicate both the population and the number of households increased at a very modest and manageable annual pace of 0.21% and 0.33%, respectively, to 3,610 persons within 1,756 households.
The Yellow Springs community is older than most. The median age is 51.4 and 28% of the population is over 65 years old.
Yellow Springs residents are highly educated. 62% of its residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and only 4% have no high school diploma. The median household income is $71,565 and the median home value is estimated to be $232,255. High home values are a potential cause of concern, because younger workers and residents may be priced out of the Village.
Over the next five years to 2025, Yellow Springs is estimated to modestly grow its population to 3,694 persons. While the population is estimated to grow during this five year period, the 2025 population is still estimated to be less than the population in 2000.
Land use policies should reflect the changing demographics of the Village. For example, as household size declines and home prices remain high, there may be a higher demand for smaller homes on smaller lots. Density policies should reflect these changes and desires. An aging population may require a different public infrastructure approach as individuals become less reliant on personal automobiles. Sidewalks may need to be widened to accommodate a variety of users, from pedestrians and small children to individuals with electric scooters. The Plan should be periodically reviewed to stay relevant with current and projected demographic trends.