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Barrett Farm, Concord: A Study of Racial Demographics in a High-Income Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Barrett Farm, a neighborhood in Concord, Massachusetts, is characterized as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." As of 2022, the white population constitutes 79% of the neighborhood. The area has a median income of $197,423 in 2022, significantly above national averages. Barrett Farm has historical significance as it was once owned by Colonel James Barrett, a figure in the American Revolutionary War.
Over the past decade, Barrett Farm has experienced demographic changes. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity" with a 93% white population. From 2014 to 2019, there was a gradual increase in diversity. By 2018, the white population decreased to 69%, nearly reaching a "Moderate Diversity" classification. This period saw increases in Asian and Hispanic populations.
From 2020 onwards, there was a reversal of this trend. The white population increased again, reaching 79% by 2022, reinforcing the "Low Diversity" and "White Majority" status. This fluctuation suggests a "Transitional Community" characteristic, with a recent trend towards less diversity.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic trends. The median income has shown an upward trend, rising from $189,432 in 2013 to $197,423 in 2022. The period of greatest diversity (2017-2019) coincided with some of the highest median income figures, peaking at $199,979 in 2018. This suggests that increased diversity in the neighborhood was associated with economic prosperity.
The population has fluctuated over the years, dropping from a peak of 2,224 in 2015 to 1,910 in 2020, before rising again to 2,112 in 2022. The recent increase in population coincides with a return to a higher percentage of white residents and a slight decrease in median income from its peak.
The demographic trends in Barrett Farm diverge from national trends. While many areas across the U.S. have been experiencing increasing diversity, Barrett Farm's recent reversal towards less diversity is notable. This could be indicative of broader socio-economic factors in high-income communities.
The median income in Barrett Farm is high compared to national averages. In 2022, the U.S. median household income was around $70,784, making Barrett Farm's $197,423 nearly three times higher. This affluence likely plays a role in shaping the neighborhood's demographics and could be a factor in its resistance to long-term diversification.
The fluctuation in diversity over the decade, followed by a return to a strong white majority, might reflect broader national discussions around race, wealth, and community composition. It raises questions about the factors driving these changes, such as housing policies, school district zoning, or economic opportunities in the area.
Barrett Farm presents a picture of a historically significant, highly affluent neighborhood experiencing demographic changes. While it briefly trended towards greater diversity, recent years have seen a reversion to its traditional low-diversity, white-majority composition, while maintaining its status as a high-income area. This pattern offers a case study in the interplay between wealth, race, and community dynamics in contemporary America.
