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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 04421: Racial Composition and Diversity Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 04421 in Castine, Maine, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community as of 2022. The population is 86% white, meeting the criteria for one racial group comprising over 75% of the population. The community has shown gradual diversification over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Castine remained predominantly white but demonstrated a slow transition towards increased diversity. In 2013, the white population was 98%. By 2019, it decreased to 96%. The most significant change occurred between 2019 and 2022, with the white population decreasing to 86%. Other racial groups, particularly those identifying as two or more races and Hispanic, increased during this period.
The trend suggests Castine may be in the early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community." The percentage of residents identifying as two or more races increased from 2% in 2019 to 7% in 2022, while the Hispanic population grew from 2% to 5% in the same period.
The median income in Castine has fluctuated over the years. From 2013 to 2019, there was a general upward trend, rising from $56,052 to $64,249. In 2020, it dropped to $60,483. In 2021, there was a substantial increase to $78,703, followed by a return to $60,483 in 2022. These economic changes coincide with the demographic shifts, particularly the more rapid diversification observed from 2019 onwards.
Population trends show a general decline from 1,474 in 2013 to 1,264 in 2022, with the lowest point being 1,096 in 2019. The slight population increase since 2019 aligns with the period of increased diversification.
The trends observed in Castine reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in rural and small-town America. Many small communities across the U.S. are experiencing gradual demographic shifts, often driven by economic factors, educational opportunities, or changing social dynamics.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the dramatic rise and fall in median income between 2020 and 2022, may be indicative of broader economic volatility experienced nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Castine remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community, but shows clear signs of transitioning towards greater racial diversity. This shift, coupled with recent economic fluctuations, suggests a community in flux. As this trend continues, it may lead to changes in local culture, services, and community dynamics, potentially moving Castine towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification in the coming years if current trends persist.
