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Demographic Stability in Zip Code 04002: Persistence of White Majority Population
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 04002 in Alfred, Maine, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority" as of 2022. The area has a population of 7,625 and a median income of $57,681. This rural zip code, covering 68.25 square miles, has maintained a predominantly white population throughout the observed period.
From 2013 to 2022, Alfred has consistently been categorized as "Low Diversity," with the white population comprising over 95% of the total. Minimal changes have occurred in the racial composition, with no significant shifts between diversity categories. The community has remained in the "White Majority" classification.
Subtle indications of gradual diversification are present. In 2022, a slight increase in the Black population (1%) and those identifying as two or more races (2%) was observed, while the white population decreased slightly to 96% from 99% in previous years. The Asian population has fluctuated minimally, showing 1% in 2019 but 0% in most other years. Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations have remained consistently at or near 0% throughout the observed period.
The median income in Alfred has shown fluctuations over the past decade. Peak income was observed in 2013 at $70,246. A general declining trend occurred from 2013 to 2015, reaching $63,286. Income levels stabilized around $66,000-$68,000 between 2016 and 2019. A significant drop occurred in 2020 to $57,721, followed by a recovery in 2021 to $67,737, but 2022 showed another decline to $57,681. These economic fluctuations do not appear to correlate strongly with the minimal demographic changes observed.
Population growth has been steady but slow, increasing from 7,386 in 2013 to 7,625 in 2022, an approximate 3.2% growth over a decade.
Alfred's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban and suburban areas in the United States have experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, this rural Maine community has maintained its homogeneous racial composition.
The economic fluctuations, particularly the sharp drops in 2020 and 2022, likely reflect broader economic challenges faced nationally, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recovery efforts.
Alfred represents a stable, predominantly white rural community that has experienced minimal demographic change over the past decade. While the area has faced economic fluctuations, these have not significantly altered its racial composition. The community's resistance to diversification trends seen in many other parts of the country may be attributed to its rural nature and geographical location in Maine, a state known for its predominantly white population.
