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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 59927 in Olney, Montana, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. As of 2022, 78% of the population identifies as white, with 11% identifying as two or more races. The area has 9 residents as of 2022, down from 14 in 2014 and 2016. The median income in 2022 was $38,570, lower than the national median income.
From 2013 to 2022, Olney maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. The percentage of white residents fluctuated between 77% and 100%. The appearance of individuals identifying as two or more races in 2022 (11%) represents the first recorded instance of racial diversity in the available data.
The median income in Olney has shown volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2018, there was a general upward trend, peaking at $45,908 in 2018. Since then, there has been a significant decline, with the 2022 median income of $38,570 representing a 16% decrease from the 2018 peak. This economic downturn coincides with a decrease in population from 13 in 2018 to 9 in 2022.
The correlation between demographic shifts and economic trends is not strongly evident in this case, likely due to the extremely small population size which makes statistical analysis less reliable. The slight increase in diversity in 2022 coincides with one of the lowest median income years, which could suggest that economic pressures may be influencing demographic changes, albeit on a very small scale.
The demographic profile of Olney contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban and suburban areas across the United States have been experiencing significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity over the past decade, Olney has remained overwhelmingly white.
The economic trajectory of Olney diverges from national trends. While the U.S. saw general economic growth and recovery in the years following the 2008 recession, Olney's median income has been volatile and ultimately declined. The 2022 median income figure ($38,570) is significantly below the national median income, which was approximately $70,784 in 2021.
The extremely low population density (less than 2 people per square mile) is far below the national average and even below Montana's average of about 7 people per square mile. This extreme rurality likely contributes to the area's demographic homogeneity and economic challenges.
Olney represents an ultra-rural, predominantly white community that has experienced economic decline and minimal demographic change over the past decade, contrasting with broader national trends of urbanization, diversification, and economic growth in many areas. The community's future may depend on its ability to attract new residents and diversify its economic base to reverse the trend of population decline and income stagnation.