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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59474: Racial Composition Changes from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 59474 in Shelby, Montana, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community as of 2022. The area's population is predominantly white, comprising 81% of the total. The median income for this zip code is $50,305.
Over the past decade, Shelby has maintained its "Low Diversity" status, with the white population consistently representing over 75% of the total. However, subtle signs of increasing diversity are evident. The white population percentage has decreased from 87% in 2014 to 81% in 2022. The Native American population has increased from 5% in 2013 to 7% in 2022. The Black population has grown from negligible levels to 2% by 2022. The Hispanic population has increased from 2% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
The economic landscape of Shelby has shown volatility over the past decade. Median income peaked in 2014 at $59,734 but has since declined, stabilizing around $50,000 in recent years. The population has fluctuated, decreasing from 3,880 in 2015 to 3,312 in 2020, followed by a slight rebound to 3,481 in 2022. The decline in median income coincides with the period of increasing diversity.
The gradual diversification trend in Shelby aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in many American communities, although at a slower pace. The economic volatility, particularly the decline in median income, may reflect challenges faced by many rural American communities in recent years. The population fluctuations could be indicative of outmigration, possibly due to economic factors or changing demographics.
Shelby remains a "Low Diversity" community, but there are signs of slow but steady demographic changes. These shifts, coupled with economic fluctuations, suggest a community in transition. The challenge for Shelby may be to navigate these changes while maintaining economic stability and fostering inclusive growth for all residents. Future years will be crucial in determining whether these trends accelerate, potentially moving the community towards a "Moderate Diversity" classification, or whether they stabilize, maintaining the current demographic balance.
