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Demographic Stability in Zip Code 52657: A Study of Racial Homogeneity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Zip code 52657 in St. Paul, Iowa, exhibits low population density and demographic homogeneity. As of 2022, the area has a population of 8 people, spread over 0.85 square miles. From 2013 to 2022, the community consistently falls under the "Low Diversity" category, with the white population comprising 100% of the residents throughout this period.
The racial composition of this zip code has remained static over the observed period, firmly categorized as "Low Diversity" with a complete "White Majority." There have been no transitions between diversity categories. This lack of change suggests a stable, possibly isolated community with little in-migration from diverse backgrounds.
Despite the unchanging racial demographics, there have been notable fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2015, there was a steady increase in median income from $62,323 to $66,509. A significant drop occurred in 2016 and 2017, with income falling to $58,213 in 2017. A recovery phase followed, with income rising to $62,586 by 2019. A dramatic increase occurred in 2020 and 2021, peaking at $86,666 in 2021. As of 2022, the median income settled at $76,515.
These economic shifts do not appear to correlate with demographic changes, as the racial composition remained constant. Instead, they may reflect broader economic trends or changes in the employment situations of the few residents in this small community. Population trends show a slight decline from 10 residents in 2010 to 8 residents from 2012 onwards, indicating a stable but extremely small community over the past decade.
The extreme homogeneity and tiny population of this zip code make it an outlier compared to most American communities. The income fluctuations, particularly the sharp increase in 2020-2021, might align with national trends of income growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly due to government stimulus or changes in high-paying remote work opportunities. However, in such a small community, these changes could also be attributed to individual circumstances rather than broader economic trends.
Zip code 52657 in St. Paul, Iowa, represents an extremely small, racially homogeneous community that has remained demographically stable over the past decade. While racial diversity is nonexistent, the area has experienced significant economic fluctuations, particularly in recent years. This case study highlights how small, isolated communities can maintain their demographic character while still being subject to broader economic forces.
