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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59460: A Study of Racial Composition in Loma, Montana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 59460 in Loma, Montana, is classified as a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The population is 95% white, surpassing the 75% threshold for low diversity. Loma has a small population of 130 in 2022 and has experienced fluctuations in population and median income over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2022, Loma has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" area with a "White Majority." The white population has consistently remained above 90%. There has been a slight increase in diversity, with the introduction of 1% Black residents from 2019 onwards and an increase in those identifying as two or more races from 1% in 2013 to 4% in 2022. These minor changes could potentially indicate the beginnings of a "Transitional Community" at a slow pace. The Hispanic population has remained stable at 1-2% throughout the period.
The median income in Loma has fluctuated significantly over the past decade. It peaked at $58,215 in 2014, dropped to $40,029 in 2019, and recovered to $48,747 in 2022. This income volatility could be attributed to the small population size. The periods of higher diversity (2019-2022) coincide with lower median incomes compared to earlier years, suggesting that the slight increase in diversity might be linked to economic factors.
Population trends have been variable, peaking at 171 in 2017 and declining to 130 by 2022. This population decline corresponds with the period of increasing, albeit still minimal, racial diversity.
Loma is changing at a slower rate compared to national trends of increasing diversity. The overwhelming white majority is not uncommon for rural parts of Montana. The economic volatility in Loma is more pronounced than in larger communities, likely due to its small population size. The median income has remained below the national median income, which was $70,784 in 2021.
The declining population trend observed in recent years is consistent with many rural areas across the United States, which have been experiencing population loss as younger generations move to urban centers for economic opportunities.
Loma shows early signs of potential demographic shifts but remains a predominantly white, low-diversity area with a small, declining population and volatile economic conditions. The community's evolution over the next decade will be crucial in determining whether these small changes in diversity develop into more significant demographic shifts or if the area maintains its current characteristics.
