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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 81650: White Majority with Growing Hispanic Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 81650 in Rifle, Colorado, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 59% of the total, while the Hispanic population represents 37%. The current median income is $69,527.
Rifle has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity" over the past decade. In 2013, the white population was 70% of the total, with Hispanics at 27%. By 2022, the white population decreased to 59%, while the Hispanic population increased to 37%. This shift indicates a trend towards a more diverse community, though it still maintains a white majority.
The community shows signs of becoming a "Transitional Community," with a steady increase in the Hispanic population and slight growth in the "two or more races" category. This trend suggests a gradual move towards greater diversity, though not yet reaching the threshold for "High Diversity" as defined in the study.
The demographic shifts have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income has seen both increases and decreases. It started at $66,098 in 2013, dropped to $56,650 in 2016, then reached $77,116 in 2021 before settling at $69,527 in 2022.
Periods of increasing diversity seem to correlate with overall income growth, suggesting that the influx of diverse populations may have contributed to economic vitality. However, the relationship is not straightforward, as evidenced by the recent dip in median income despite continued diversification.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 13,322 in 2013 to 14,445 in 2022. This growth, combined with the changing racial composition, indicates that the new residents are contributing to the area's increasing diversity.
The trends observed in Rifle align with broader patterns seen in many American communities. The increase in Hispanic population is consistent with national demographic shifts, particularly in Western states. The economic fluctuations mirror national economic trends influenced by factors such as recovery from the 2008 recession and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The transition towards greater diversity, while maintaining a white majority, is a common pattern in many suburban and small urban areas across the United States. This gradual change often brings both opportunities and challenges as communities adapt to evolving demographics and economic conditions.
Rifle, Colorado (zip code 81650) exemplifies a community in transition, moving from low to moderate diversity while experiencing economic fluctuations. The interplay between demographic changes and economic trends suggests a complex relationship that may continue to shape the community's future development and character.
