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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 05260: Predominantly White Population in North Pownal, Vermont
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 05260 in North Pownal, Vermont, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a predominantly White population (99% in 2022). The area has a population of 269 as of 2022, with a median income of $81,672. This rural community has maintained its racial homogeneity over the past decade, showing minimal change in its demographic composition.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), North Pownal has consistently fallen under the Low Diversity category. The White population has remained dominant, accounting for 100% of the population from 2013 to 2020, with a slight decrease to 98-99% in 2021-2022. This minimal shift does not indicate a significant trend towards increased diversity or a transition to another category.
The introduction of a small percentage (1%) of individuals identifying as Two or More Races in 2021-2022 represents the only noticeable change in racial composition. However, this change is too minor to classify the community as transitional or to suggest a trend towards increased diversity.
The median income in North Pownal has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $70,383 in 2013 to $81,672 in 2022. This represents a growth of about 16% over the decade. There was a significant increase in median income between 2018 and 2019, rising from $76,762 to $85,525, followed by a slight decline and stabilization around $81,000-$82,000 in subsequent years.
The population has fluctuated over the years, with no clear trend. It reached a peak of 420 in 2020 but dropped to 269 by 2022, the lowest in the observed period. This volatility in population, combined with the consistent racial composition, suggests that any population changes have not significantly altered the community's demographic makeup.
The persistent low diversity in North Pownal aligns with broader demographic patterns in Vermont, which is one of the least diverse states in the U.S. As of 2021, Vermont's population was approximately 92.5% White, making North Pownal even less diverse than the state average.
The increase in median income observed in North Pownal generally mirrors national trends of rising incomes over the past decade. However, the community's median income remains above the national median ($69,021 as of 2022), suggesting a relatively affluent rural area.
The population decline observed in recent years, particularly the sharp drop from 2020 to 2022, could be attributed to various factors such as outmigration, aging population, or impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend contrasts with Vermont's overall slight population growth in recent years, indicating that North Pownal may be facing unique local challenges affecting its population retention.
North Pownal represents a stable, low-diversity community with a strong economic base. While it has experienced some economic growth, its demographic composition has remained largely unchanged, resisting broader national trends towards increased diversity. The community's future may depend on its ability to attract and retain residents, potentially by leveraging its economic strengths while addressing the factors contributing to recent population decline.
