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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 15346: Persistent Racial Homogeneity in Mather, Pennsylvania
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 15346 in Mather, Pennsylvania, demonstrates characteristics of Low Diversity. The white population consistently represents 98% of the community from 2013 to 2022, with a brief period of complete homogeneity in 2021. The area has a small population, ranging from 47 to 75 residents over the past decade, with a current population of 50 as of 2022. This small, predominantly white community has experienced significant fluctuations in median income over the years.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Mather has maintained a status of Low Diversity, with the white population consistently representing 98% of the community. A brief shift to complete homogeneity occurred in 2021 when the white population reached 100%. However, this change was temporary, returning to 98% in 2022. The lack of significant demographic shifts indicates a stable, non-diverse racial composition in the community.
Despite the stable racial demographics, the median income in Mather has shown considerable fluctuation. From 2013 to 2016, there was a decline in median income from $45,384 to $41,666. A significant upward trend began in 2017, with median income rising from $47,832 to a peak of $62,571 in 2019. After 2019, the median income has fluctuated, settling at $61,428 in 2022. These economic changes occurred against a backdrop of relatively stable, albeit slightly declining, population numbers. The population decreased from 75 in 2010 to 50 in 2022, with some fluctuations in between.
The lack of racial diversity shifts coupled with significant income fluctuations suggests that economic changes in this community are likely driven by factors other than demographic shifts, such as changes in local industry, employment opportunities, or broader economic trends affecting rural Pennsylvania.
The experience of Mather differs from many national trends. Many areas in the United States have been experiencing increasing diversity over the past decade, while Mather has remained consistently homogeneous. The median household income in the United States has generally trended upward over the past decade, which aligns with the overall increase seen in Mather, despite the fluctuations. The extremely small population of Mather (50 residents as of 2022) makes it more susceptible to large percentage changes in demographics or income based on the decisions or circumstances of just a few residents.
Mather represents a case of a very small, racially homogeneous community that has experienced significant economic fluctuations without corresponding demographic shifts. This suggests that in small, rural communities, economic changes may be more closely tied to local economic factors or the circumstances of a few individuals rather than broader demographic trends.
