Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Polebridge, Montana: Analysis of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Polebridge, Montana, a small community, has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. As of 2022, the city is categorized as having "Low Diversity," with a white population comprising 84% of the total. This represents a shift from earlier years, suggesting a gradual transition towards increased diversity.
From 2013 to 2019, Polebridge consistently fell under the "Low Diversity" category, with the white population consistently above 75%. Recent years have shown a subtle but noticeable shift. The introduction of a small black population (7% in 2021, increasing to 11% in 2022) and the presence of a Native American population (varying between 3-5% over the years) indicates a move towards "Moderate Diversity," though not quite reaching that threshold yet.
The median income in Polebridge has fluctuated over the years, showing no clear upward or downward trend. It ranged from a low of $46,590 in 2019 to a high of $56,332 in 2021. The increase in diversity coincides with a period of higher median income (2021-2022), suggesting that the influx of new residents might be tied to economic opportunities.
The population has grown significantly, from 15 in 2010 to 63 in 2022, a 320% increase. This rapid growth, particularly accelerating from 2020 onwards, aligns with the increase in racial diversity, potentially indicating an influx of new residents from various backgrounds.
The trend in Polebridge towards increasing diversity, albeit slowly, aligns with broader national trends of increasing diversity in rural and small-town America. However, the community remains predominantly white, which is common in many rural areas of Montana and the broader Mountain West region.
Based on the observed trends, Polebridge appears to be on a trajectory towards increased diversity, albeit at a slow pace. If current trends continue, the community might transition from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" within the next 5-10 years.
The rapid population growth, if sustained, could accelerate this transition. As the community grows, it may attract a more diverse population, potentially leading to a "Transitional Community" status in the near future. This transition could be driven by factors such as economic opportunities attracting a diverse workforce, the natural beauty of the area drawing retirees and remote workers from various backgrounds, and potential spillover effects from nearby urban areas or tourist destinations.
Small communities can be significantly affected by minor changes in population, so these predictions should be viewed with caution. The economic stability of the area, as evidenced by the relatively consistent median income, may continue to attract new residents, potentially fueling further diversification of the community.
