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Arbon Valley in 2022: City with the lowest population density in Idaho
CATEGORY
Top Regions
DATA
Population Density
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Top Regions
Population Density
Arbon Valley, a rural community in Idaho, has distinguished itself as the city with the lowest population density in the state as of 2022. This sparsely populated area, characterized by its vast open spaces and agricultural landscape, presents a unique case study in urban demographics and land use patterns. With a population density of just 22 people per square mile in 2022, Arbon Valley stands out as an exemplar of rural living in an increasingly urbanized world.
The population density of Arbon Valley has fluctuated over the years, but has consistently remained low. In 2022, the city reached its lowest point in recent years at 22 people per square mile, a slight decrease from 24 people per square mile in 2021. This downward trend is particularly notable when compared to the peak of 32 people per square mile observed in both 2013 and 2019. The variation in population density over the past decade reflects the dynamic nature of rural communities and the challenges they face in maintaining a stable population base.
An examination of Arbon Valley's population figures provides further insight into its low density. In 2022, the city had a population of 752, a decrease from 830 in 2021. This represents a continuation of a general downward trend from the peak of 1,116 residents in 2019. The fluctuation in population numbers directly correlates with the changes in population density, highlighting the sensitive nature of density metrics in areas with small populations.
When considering factors that may contribute to Arbon Valley's distinction as the city with the lowest population density in Idaho, several demographic and economic indicators merit attention. The city's median income, which stood at $44,499 in 2022, has shown some volatility over the years. This economic factor may play a role in population retention and attraction, potentially influencing the overall population density.
Another significant aspect is the high rate of owner-occupied housing in Arbon Valley. In 2022, 92.64% of housing units were owner-occupied, the highest percentage in the past decade. This high rate of homeownership might contribute to a more stable, albeit sparse, population distribution. Conversely, the percentage of renter-occupied housing has decreased to its lowest point at 6.98% in 2022, which could impact population mobility and density.
The racial composition of Arbon Valley also presents an interesting demographic profile. As of 2022, the population was predominantly white (53.99%), with significant Hispanic (20.08%) and Native American (18.35%) populations. This diverse mix in a low-density area suggests a unique cultural landscape that may influence settlement patterns and community dynamics.
Employment patterns in Arbon Valley provide additional context for its low population density. The employment-to-population ratio stood at 0.509 in 2022, indicating that just over half of the population was employed. This ratio has remained relatively stable over the years, suggesting a consistent economic base despite the low population density.
In conclusion, Arbon Valley's status as the Idaho city with the lowest population density in 2022 is the result of a complex interplay of factors. The city's rural character, fluctuating population numbers, high rate of homeownership, diverse racial composition, and stable employment base all contribute to its unique demographic profile. While the population density has reached a new low in 2022, the historical data suggests that Arbon Valley has maintained a consistently low density over the years, reflecting the enduring nature of rural communities in the face of broader urbanization trends. This low-density environment presents both challenges and opportunities for community development and resource management in Arbon Valley.
