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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 59873: Predominantly White Population with Emerging Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 59873 in Belknap, Montana, is categorized as having "Low Diversity" as of 2022. The area is predominantly white, with 90% of the population identifying as such. The current median income is $44,772, and the population is 2,917.
Over the past decade, this zip code has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" area. However, there are subtle signs of a gradual shift towards becoming a "Transitional Community". The white population has decreased from 96% in 2013 to 90% in 2022. The Hispanic population has shown steady growth, increasing from 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. The "Two or More Races" category has emerged and grown from 0% in 2013 to 3% in 2022.
The median income in this zip code has shown overall growth, rising from $35,299 in 2013 to $44,772 in 2022, an increase of about 27% over nine years. This trend correlates with the subtle demographic shifts. The period of most significant income growth (2018-2021) coincides with the acceleration in Hispanic population growth and the emergence of the "Two or More Races" category. The slight dip in median income from 2021 to 2022 (from $47,525 to $44,772) occurred alongside the most rapid increase in diversity, potentially indicating economic adjustments during this transition.
Population figures have remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 2,800 and 3,200 residents. This suggests that demographic changes are likely due to shifts within the existing population or a balanced in-and-out migration, rather than significant influxes of new residents.
The gradual increase in diversity, albeit slow, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in rural and small-town America. The overall growth in median income over the decade is positive, though it's worth noting that the 2022 figure ($44,772) is still below the national median household income, which was around $70,784 in 2021. The emergence and growth of the Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races mirror national demographic trends, even if occurring at a slower pace in this particular zip code.
While Belknap remains a "Low Diversity" area, it shows early signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This shift is occurring alongside overall positive economic growth, suggesting a community in the early stages of demographic and economic change. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these trends accelerate, potentially moving the area towards "Moderate Diversity" or maintaining its current "Low Diversity" status with slight increases in minority populations.
