The ZIP code 62231, corresponding to Carlyle in Illinois, spans an area of 217.03 square miles and had a population of 9,650 in 2022, resulting in a population density of 44.46 people per square mile. This population density falls below 50 people per square mile, indicating that the area can be classified as remote rural.

Remote rural areas are characterized by very sparse populations, minimal infrastructure, and limited services. The lifestyle in such areas is predominantly agricultural or undeveloped, with a focus on privacy and self-sustainability. Residents often engage in outdoor and recreational activities due to the natural environment surrounding them. The typical land use in remote rural areas involves large expanses of land per household, often more than 5 acres.

The historical population data for this ZIP code shows a slight decline from 10,237 in 2010 to 9,650 in 2022, with the population density remaining consistently below 50 people per square mile throughout this period. This trend suggests that the area has maintained its remote rural character over the years, with no significant shifts towards urbanization or suburbanization.