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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59253: A Study of Racial Composition in Peerless, Montana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 59253 in Peerless, Montana, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has 272 residents and a median income of $75,688, which exceeds the national median. This rural zip code spans 602.57 square miles, indicating a low population density.
Over the past decade, Peerless has maintained its "Low Diversity" status with a "White Majority." The percentage of white residents decreased from 98% in 2013 to 89% in 2022, remaining the majority. Small increases in other racial groups have occurred, with Native American representation fluctuating between 1-4% and Hispanic representation varying between 0-5%. As of 2022, the community saw the introduction of 1% Black residents and an increase to 2% of those identifying as two or more races.
The median income in Peerless has shown significant fluctuations. It increased from $51,033 in 2013 to a peak of $84,581 in 2019, representing a growth of about 66% over six years. After 2019, there were notable fluctuations, with a decrease to $61,364 in 2021, followed by a rebound to $75,688 in 2022. Despite recent volatility, the overall trend shows an increase in median income over the decade.
The population has shown a general declining trend from 343 in 2010 to 272 in 2022, representing a decrease of about 21% over 12 years. This decline may indicate rural outmigration, a common trend in many small, rural communities across the United States.
The low population density and predominant white majority are typical of many rural areas in Montana and other parts of the rural United States. The increase in median income, despite population decline, could suggest that those remaining in the community are experiencing economic improvements. While the community remains predominantly white, the small increases in other racial groups might reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity, albeit at a much slower pace in this rural setting.
The ability to maintain and even increase median income levels, especially during the economically turbulent years of 2020-2022, suggests a degree of economic resilience in this small community. While Peerless remains a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "White Majority," subtle shifts in racial composition and significant changes in median income indicate a slowly evolving rural community. The economic improvements, coupled with population decline, may indicate changing dynamics that warrant further investigation into local industries, migration patterns, and community development strategies.
