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Demographic Analysis of Matlock, Iowa (51244): A Low Diversity Community
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Matlock, Iowa (zip code 51244) exhibits a demographic profile characterized by an extremely small population and limited racial diversity. As of 2022, this community is categorized as "Low Diversity," with a population of 4 individuals, all identified as white. This homogeneous racial composition has remained consistent over the past decade, reflecting a stable but extremely small community structure.
Throughout the 2013-2022 period, Matlock has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community. The racial composition has been predominantly white, with no significant representation from other racial groups. This lack of demographic change indicates a highly stable, albeit tiny, community structure that has not experienced the diversification trends observed in many other parts of the country.
Despite the demographic stability, the community has experienced notable fluctuations in median income. The median income reached its highest levels between 2013-2015, peaking at $81,603 in 2013. From 2016-2019, there was a consistent downward trend in median income, reaching a low of $56,416 in 2019. A slight rebound and stabilization occurred from 2020-2022, with median income settling around $59,332 by 2022.
These economic shifts occurred against a backdrop of minimal population change, fluctuating between 3 to 4 individuals throughout the decade. The significant income changes in such a small population suggest that individual household circumstances, rather than broader community trends, likely drive these fluctuations.
The demographic stasis of Matlock contrasts with national trends, where many communities have experienced increasing racial diversity over the past decade. However, the economic volatility seen in Matlock, particularly the decline in median income from 2016 to 2019, aligns with broader trends of economic challenges faced by many rural American communities during this period.
With such a small population, individual household changes can dramatically impact community-wide statistics. This makes it challenging to draw broader conclusions or identify clear socio-economic trends that might be applicable to larger communities.
Matlock represents an extreme case of a "Low Diversity," micro-community that has remained demographically stable over the past decade. While its racial composition has not changed, the community has experienced significant economic fluctuations, likely reflecting individual household circumstances rather than broader demographic shifts. This case study highlights the limitations of applying standard demographic analysis to extremely small populations and underscores the need for nuanced interpretation of data in such contexts.
