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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 04008: A Predominantly White Community in Bowdoinham, Maine
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 04008 in Bowdoinham, Maine, is classified as having "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The population is 96% white. The current median income is $96,994, which has increased significantly from previous years. This analysis examines the community's demographic and economic changes over the past decade.
Throughout 2013 to 2022, Bowdoinham has maintained a "Low Diversity" categorization. The white population has consistently remained above 90% during this period, with minor fluctuations. The percentage of white residents decreased slightly from 97% in 2017 to 93% in 2018, before increasing to 96% by 2022. This brief decrease coincided with small increases in Asian, Black, and multiracial populations. There has been a small but consistent presence of Black residents (1-2%) and Hispanic residents (1-2%) since 2013. The community has seen a slight increase in residents identifying as two or more races, from 0% in 2013 to 1-2% in recent years.
The median income in Bowdoinham has shown significant fluctuations and an overall upward trend. From 2013 to 2019, the median income fluctuated between approximately $66,000 and $80,000. A substantial increase occurred in 2020, with median income rising to $91,313. After a slight decrease in 2021, the median income reached its highest point in 2022 at $96,994. This economic growth does not appear to have significantly altered the racial demographics of the area. The stability in racial composition suggests that the economic improvements have likely benefited the existing population rather than attracting a more diverse influx of new residents.
Population growth has been steady but modest, increasing from 3,144 in 2013 to 3,372 in 2022. This gradual growth aligns with the economic improvements but has not led to notable demographic shifts.
The "Low Diversity" status of Bowdoinham is not uncommon for rural areas in Maine, which is one of the least diverse states in the U.S. The significant increase in median income, particularly since 2020, may reflect broader economic trends seen during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, where some rural areas experienced economic boosts due to remote work opportunities and urban out-migration. The stability in racial demographics, despite economic growth, contrasts with national trends where economic prosperity often correlates with increasing diversity. This suggests that local factors, such as the area's rural nature or established community dynamics, may be influencing demographic patterns more than economic factors alone.
In conclusion, while Bowdoinham has experienced notable economic growth over the past decade, its racial demographic composition has remained remarkably stable, maintaining its status as a low-diversity, predominantly white community. This stability in the face of economic change presents an interesting case study in how local factors can influence the relationship between economic growth and demographic shifts in rural America.
