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Demographic Transition in Zip Code 64001: Increasing Racial Diversity in Alma, Missouri
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 64001 in Alma, Missouri, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a white racial majority of 85% as of 2022. This represents a change from previous years, indicating a potential transition towards increased diversity. The area has a population of 486 people with a median income of $62,430 as of 2022.
Over the past decade, this zip code has evolved from an extremely homogeneous community to one with slightly more diversity, while remaining predominantly white. In 2013, the community was 98% white. By 2022, the white population had decreased to 85%, with increases in Asian (9%) and Black (2%) populations. This gradual shift suggests the community may be in the early stages of becoming a "Transitional Community."
The most significant changes occurred between 2019 and 2022, with the Asian population growing from nearly non-existent to 9% of the community. This rapid change in a short period indicates demographic transition. The median income in the area has fluctuated over the years but generally trended upward, from $59,927 in 2013 to $62,430 in 2022, with a peak of $71,058 in 2021.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 400 and 500 residents. This suggests that the demographic changes are likely due to a combination of new residents moving in and possibly some existing residents leaving, rather than significant overall population growth.
The gradual increase in diversity in this small Missouri city reflects broader national trends of increasing diversity, particularly in suburban and rural areas. However, the pace of change in Alma appears to be slower than national averages. The sudden increase in the Asian population between 2019 and 2022 is noteworthy and may require further investigation to understand if it is part of a larger regional trend or specific to this community.
The median income in Alma has generally been above the national median income, which was around $67,521 in 2020. This suggests that despite its small size and rural location, Alma has maintained a relatively strong economic position. The slight decline in median income from 2021 to 2022, coinciding with increased diversity, may be worth monitoring to see if it is a temporary fluctuation or part of a longer-term trend related to the changing demographics.
Alma (zip code 64001) remains a predominantly white, low-diversity community, but shows early signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This shift, particularly noticeable in the last few years of the data, could potentially lead to changes in local culture, economy, and community dynamics in the coming years. The economic stability of the area, as evidenced by the generally high median income, may be a factor in attracting a more diverse population.
