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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 81242: A Predominantly White Population in Poncha Springs, Colorado
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 81242, located in Poncha Springs, Colorado, exhibits characteristics of Low Diversity with a predominantly White population (96% in 2022). The area has a population of 24 people as of 2022, with a median income of $51,829. This small, rural community has experienced fluctuations in its demographic and economic composition over the past decade.
Throughout the observed period (2013-2022), Poncha Springs has consistently maintained a Low Diversity classification. The White population has remained the dominant racial group, with percentages ranging from 83% to 96%. There has been a slight increase in the White population percentage from 2013 (87%) to 2022 (96%), reinforcing its status as a White Majority area.
The Hispanic population, while small, showed fluctuation. It peaked at 11% in 2014 but has since declined to very low levels (4% in 2021, with no data available for 2022). This suggests a minor trend towards decreased diversity over time.
The median income in Poncha Springs has shown volatility over the years. From 2013 to 2017, there was an increase from $34,027 to $73,558. However, this was followed by a decline, with the median income dropping to $51,829 in 2022.
The period of highest median income (2015-2019) coincided with a slight decrease in the White population percentage (to around 83-86%). As the White population percentage increased in recent years, the median income showed a decline. This suggests a correlation between greater diversity and higher economic prosperity for the area.
The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 22 and 37 people over the decade. This small population size means that minor changes in resident composition can lead to significant percentage shifts in demographic and economic metrics.
While national trends have generally shown increasing diversity in many areas, this small Colorado town appears to be moving in the opposite direction, becoming less diverse over time. This could be indicative of trends in some rural American communities, where demographic changes may be slower or reversed compared to urban areas.
The economic volatility seen in Poncha Springs may reflect the challenges faced by many small, rural communities in maintaining stable economic growth. The decline in median income in recent years could be part of a larger pattern affecting similar communities across the country.
With such a small population, individual family movements or changes in circumstances can have significant effects on the overall demographic and economic statistics. This makes it challenging to draw broader conclusions or to compare directly with larger, more stable populations.
Poncha Springs (zip code 81242) remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community with a very small population. It has experienced economic volatility, while its racial composition has remained largely stable, with a slight trend towards decreased diversity in recent years. These patterns highlight the unique challenges and dynamics of small, rural communities in maintaining diversity and economic stability.
