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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59761: A Study of Racial Composition in Wisdom, Montana
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
The zip code 59761 in Wisdom, Montana, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority as of 2022. The area has a population of 268 and a median income of $62,812. The population density is approximately 0.41 people per square mile, characterizing it as a rural community.
Wisdom has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority over the past decade. The white population has remained above 90% from 2013 to 2022. There have been minor changes in the racial composition during this period. The Hispanic population increased from 3% in 2019 to 5% in 2022. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races rose from 1% in 2017 to 3% in 2022. A small but consistent Native American presence, ranging from 0-1% of the population, has been observed in recent years.
The median income in Wisdom has shown an upward trend over the past decade. It increased from $36,551 in 2013 to $62,812 in 2022, representing a 72% increase over nine years. The median income reached a peak of $66,531 in 2021 before slightly decreasing in 2022. The population has fluctuated during this period, decreasing from 292 in 2013 to a low of 226 in 2016, then increasing to 304 in 2021 before settling at 268 in 2022.
The persistent White Majority and Low Diversity in Wisdom aligns with demographic patterns observed in many rural areas of Montana and other parts of rural United States. These areas often experience slower demographic changes compared to urban areas.
The substantial increase in median income over the decade may reflect broader economic trends in Montana or the United States, such as recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and the general economic expansion of the 2010s.
The small but noticeable increases in Hispanic and multiracial populations align with national trends of increasing diversity, albeit at a much slower pace in this rural community compared to urban areas.
The variations in population, particularly the decrease in the mid-2010s followed by a rebound, could be related to local economic factors, such as changes in agricultural practices or other industries important to the area.
Wisdom remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community, with subtle signs of demographic change. The significant income growth suggests economic improvement, though its impact on the community's diversity and population dynamics appears limited. This pattern of slow demographic change coupled with notable economic growth presents a case study of rural American communities in the context of broader national trends towards urbanization and diversification.
