Loading Content...
Demographic Analysis of Rudyard, Montana (ZIP 59540): Persistent Low Diversity and Economic Growth
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Rudyard, Montana (ZIP code 59540) is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community, with a White population of 93% as of 2022. This small rural area has experienced subtle demographic shifts over the past decade, while also seeing notable changes in its economic landscape.
Throughout the observed period from 2013 to 2022, Rudyard has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" community. The White population has remained above 90% throughout this period, indicating a stable racial composition. The White population percentage decreased from 98% in 2013 to 93% in 2022. There has been an increase in the "Two or More Races" category, from 0% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. The "Other" race category appeared in the data from 2020 onwards, reaching 2% by 2022.
The median income in Rudyard has shown significant fluctuation and overall growth over the past decade. In 2013, the median income was $48,089. It dropped to a low of $42,416 in 2014. From 2015 onwards, there has been a general upward trend, reaching $63,531 in 2022. This represents an increase of about 32% from 2013 to 2022, outpacing inflation for the same period.
Population trends have been relatively stable, with some fluctuations. The population decreased from 280 in 2010 to a low of 216 in 2015. It has since rebounded, reaching 261 in 2022. The stability in population, combined with the increasing median income, suggests an improving economic situation for the existing residents rather than significant in-migration changing the community's composition.
The persistent "Low Diversity" categorization of Rudyard is not uncommon for rural areas in Montana, which tends to have a predominantly White population. The increase in median income from 2013 to 2022 (32%) is significant and may outpace national averages for the same period, suggesting local economic resilience or growth. The subtle increase in diversity, while small, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity, even in traditionally homogeneous rural areas.
Rudyard represents a stable, predominantly White rural community that has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. While there are slight indications of increasing diversity, these changes are minimal and have not fundamentally altered the community's demographic composition. The economic improvements, particularly in median income, appear to be the most significant change in the community over this period, potentially improving the quality of life for residents without drastically changing the area's demographic makeup.
