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Demographic Shifts in Zip Code 59212: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 59212 in Bainville, Montana, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The white population comprises 67% of the total, while Native Americans make up 23%. Over the past decade, the area has transitioned from a highly homogeneous community to one with increasing diversity, although still predominantly white.
From 2013 to 2019, the community maintained its "Low Diversity" status with a strong "White Majority" above 80%. However, from 2020 onwards, a significant shift towards increased diversity occurred. The white population decreased from 92% in 2013 to 67% in 2022, while the Native American population increased from 2% to 23% in the same period. This trend indicates that Bainville is becoming a "Transitional Community," moving away from its historically low diversity composition.
The median income has shown an overall upward trend, increasing from $46,704 in 2013 to $66,408 in 2022, a rise of approximately 42%. A notable spike in median income occurred in 2017 ($70,546), coinciding with the onset of more significant demographic changes. The population has fluctuated, peaking at 530 in 2017 and settling at 453 in 2022, showing an overall growth of about 14% since 2013. The economic improvements appear to correlate with the increasing diversity, suggesting that the demographic shifts may be linked to economic opportunities attracting a more diverse population.
This trend of increasing diversity in rural areas is consistent with broader national patterns. Many rural communities across the United States have experienced demographic changes due to factors including economic opportunities in specific industries, lower cost of living compared to urban areas, and changing migration patterns of both domestic and international populations.
The significant increase in the Native American population is particularly noteworthy and may be related to specific local factors such as proximity to reservations, tribal economic initiatives, or changes in self-identification practices. The economic growth experienced in Bainville, as evidenced by the rising median income, is also consistent with trends seen in some rural communities that have successfully attracted new residents and industries. However, the income levels and growth rate appear to be higher than what many rural areas typically experience, suggesting that Bainville may be benefiting from specific local or regional economic drivers.
Bainville exemplifies a rural community in transition, moving from a highly homogeneous population to one with increasing diversity, particularly with growth in the Native American population. This demographic shift has occurred alongside economic improvements, suggesting a complex interplay between population changes and economic opportunities. As the community continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how these changes impact local social structures, economic development, and community cohesion.
