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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59722: White Majority and Emerging Racial Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 59722 in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity, with a predominantly White population (86% in 2022). The area has maintained a consistent racial composition over the past decade, with minimal changes in its demographic makeup. As of 2022, the median income stands at $48,869, reflecting moderate economic stability in this rural community.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), the community has consistently fallen under the Low Diversity category, with the White population comprising over 75% of the total. There has been a slight decrease in the White population from 89% in 2013 to 86% in 2022, indicating a very gradual shift towards increased diversity, though not enough to change its categorization.
The most notable changes have been a slight increase in the Native American population (from 5% to 6%), the emergence of a small Asian population (2% by 2022), and a marginal increase in the Hispanic population (from 2% to 3%). These minor shifts suggest the community may be in the very early stages of becoming a Transitional Community, but the change is occurring at a very slow pace.
The median income has shown fluctuations over the years, with an overall increasing trend. In 2013, it was $44,733, rising to $47,836 in 2017, and reaching $48,869 in 2022. This represents a modest 9.2% increase over a decade, slightly above the rate of inflation. The economic growth appears to be steady but slow, which may be contributing to the gradual demographic changes observed.
The population has seen a slight increase from 5,440 in 2013 to 5,599 in 2022, representing a 2.9% growth. This modest population growth, coupled with the slow diversification, suggests a community that is experiencing gradual change while maintaining its core demographic structure.
The persistence of a predominantly White population (86%) is higher than the national average (about 60% as of 2020 census), which is typical for many rural areas, especially in states like Montana. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly the growth in Native American and Hispanic populations, reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity, albeit at a much slower pace in this community.
The economic growth, while positive, appears to be slower than national averages, which could be a factor in the community's ability to attract and retain a more diverse population. This slow but steady growth may be contributing to the community's stability and the gradual nature of its demographic changes.
In conclusion, while Anaconda-Deer Lodge County remains categorized as Low Diversity, there are early indications of a slow transition towards increased diversity. This gradual change, coupled with modest economic growth, suggests a community that is evolving slowly while maintaining its core characteristics. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these trends accelerate, potentially shifting the community towards a more diverse demographic profile.
