The historical population data for the zip code 62461, which corresponds to Shumway in Illinois, reveals a predominantly rural lifestyle and limited urban development activity over the past decade. With a total area of 30.3 square miles and a population of 1,446 in 2022, the population density stands at 47.72 people per square mile, placing it firmly within the remote rural classification.

Throughout the 2010s, the population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 846 and 1,079 residents. The population density during this period ranged from 27.92 to 35.61 people per square mile, consistently below the 50 people per square mile threshold that characterizes remote rural areas. This suggests that the area has maintained its rural character, with large expanses of land per household and a focus on privacy and self-sustainability.

The estimated number of housing units in 2022, based on the national average household size of 2.61, is approximately 554. This low number of housing units spread across the 30.3 square mile area further reinforces the sparse population distribution and rural nature of the zip code.