City Demographics and Population Trends: A Century of Change
Analyzing the demographic evolution of a community provides critical insights into its growth, social structure, and economic health. By examining data from the U.S. Decennial Census—the official count of the population conducted every ten years—we can trace how this city has transformed from the early 20th century through 2020.
The city's population has experienced various cycles of growth and contraction. After a significant surge in the early 1900s, the population stabilized, peaking in 2010 before seeing a slight decline in the most recent census.
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Key Facts
- Population Peak: The population reached its highest recorded point in 2010 with 2,682 residents.
- Median Age: There is a clear aging trend, with the median age rising from 41 in 2000 to 47 by 2020.
- Racial Composition: The city remains predominantly White, comprising approximately 94.9% of the population as of 2020.
- Household Trends: A significant portion of the population lives alone, with 42.7% of households consisting of a single individual in 2020.
- Gender Balance: As of 2020, the gender split is nearly equal, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
Population Growth and Historical Trends
The city's growth trajectory began with 1,453 residents in 1910. The most dramatic increase occurred between 1910 and 1920, where the population grew by 57.8%. Throughout the mid-century, the population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 2,300 and 2,600 residents.
| Census Year | Population | Percentage Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 1,453 | — |
| 1920 | 2,293 | 57.8% |
| 1930 | 2,426 | 5.8% |
| 1940 | 2,639 | 8.8% |
| 1950 | 2,597 | −1.6% |
| 1960 | 2,398 | −7.7% |
| 1970 | 2,444 | 1.9% |
| 1980 | 2,365 | −3.2% |
| 1990 | 2,464 | 4.2% |
| 2000 | 2,653 | 7.7% |
| 2010 | 2,682 | 1.1% |
| 2020 | 2,477 | −7.6% |
Detailed Demographic Analysis
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The city has maintained a consistent racial profile over the last two decades. In 2020, the makeup was 94.9% White, 5% from two or more races, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.6% African American, and 0.65% from other races. Hispanic or Latino residents, regardless of race, accounted for 2.7% of the population in 2020, up from 1.3% in 2010 and 1.21% in 2000.
Household and Family Structure
Household dynamics have shifted toward smaller living arrangements. In 2020, there were 1,266 households with an average size of 1.97 people. In contrast, the average household size in 2000 was 2.22. A notable trend is the increase in single-person households, which reached 42.7% in 2020. Additionally, 47.4% of households in 2020 included at least one person aged 60 or older.
Age and Gender Distribution
The population is aging. The median age—the point at which half the population is older and half is younger—rose from 41 in 2000 to 47 in 2020. By 2020, 26.7% of the population was 65 years of age or older, while 20.1% were under 18.
Economic Indicators (2000 Census)
Based on the 2000 census data, the median income for a household was $27,768, while the median family income was $39,677. The median income for individual residents was $16,390. During this period, 11.9% of the total population lived below the poverty line, with the highest rate found among those under age 18 (12.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest population recorded in the city?
The highest population was recorded during the 2010 census, with a total of 2,682 residents.
How has the median age changed over time?
The median age has steadily increased, moving from 41 years in 2000 to 41.6 years in 2010, and reaching 47 years by 2020.
What is the most common household type in the city?
As of 2020, the most common household type is individuals living alone, accounting for 42.7% of all households.
What was the racial makeup of the city in 2020?
In 2020, the city was 94.9% White, 5% from two or more races, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.6% African American, and 0.65% from other races.
What was the population density in 2010?
In 2010, the population density was 815.2 inhabitants per square mile (314.8/km²).