Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59008: Predominant White Population with Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
The zip code 59008 in Belfry, Montana, is categorized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 97 people and a median income of $58,813. This rural community has maintained a predominantly white population over the past decade, with minimal representation from other racial groups.
Over the past decade, Belfry has consistently remained in the "Low Diversity" category with a strong "White Majority." The white population has remained above 90% throughout the entire period, showing only a slight decrease from 97% in 2013 to 90% in 2022. This minimal shift does not indicate a significant trend towards increased diversity.
There are small but notable changes in the community's composition. These include the emergence of a Hispanic population (2% by 2020-2022) where previously there was none reported, an increase in the "Two or More Races" category from 0% in earlier years to 5% in 2022, and a slight decrease in the Native American population, which was sporadically reported between 1-2% in earlier years but not present in recent data. These changes, while small, could potentially categorize Belfry as a "Transitional Community," albeit at a very slow pace.
The median income in Belfry has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear long-term trend. Notable points include a significant increase from $61,780 in 2019 to $75,659 in 2021, followed by a sharp decrease to $58,813 in 2022. The highest median income was recorded in 2021, coinciding with the lowest white population percentage (93%) up to that point. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 78 and 102 residents over the decade.
Belfry's demographic makeup is consistent with many rural areas in Montana, which tend to have predominantly white populations. However, the slight increase in diversity, particularly in the Hispanic and multi-racial categories, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in rural areas, albeit at a much slower pace than urban centers.
The economic fluctuations seen in Belfry are not uncommon in small, rural communities where individual employment changes can have outsized effects on overall income statistics. The median income, while variable, generally remains above the Montana state median income (approximately $57,153 as of 2021), suggesting that despite its small size and limited diversity, Belfry maintains a relatively stable economic status.
In conclusion, while Belfry remains a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "White Majority," there are subtle signs of demographic change that may indicate the very early stages of a transition towards greater diversity. However, these changes are occurring at a much slower pace than national trends and have not yet significantly impacted the community's overall demographic or economic character.
