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Demographic Stability and Racial Homogeneity in East Dennis, Massachusetts (2013-2022)
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Dennis, Massachusetts, is a small coastal community with low diversity, characterized by a white racial majority comprising 96% of the population as of 2022. The population has grown modestly over the past decade, reaching 4,202 residents in 2022. The median income in East Dennis was $84,860 in 2022, reflecting economic fluctuations over the analyzed period. East Dennis is located on Cape Cod and is known for its historic sea captain's homes and beaches, indicative of its maritime heritage.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, East Dennis has maintained a low diversity profile, consistently categorized as a "White Majority" community. The white population has remained dominant, never falling below 96% of the total population. This stability in racial composition indicates a demographic structure that has not significantly changed over the past decade.
Minor demographic shifts have occurred during this period. From 2013 to 2015, the community was nearly homogeneous. In 2016, a slight increase in Hispanic representation (1%) was observed. From 2019 onwards, a small but consistent Native American population (1-2%) emerged in the data. By 2022, a small "two or more races" category (1%) appeared, suggesting a gradual trend towards increased diversity, although still within the "Low Diversity" classification.
The median income in East Dennis has fluctuated over the decade. It peaked at $81,858 in 2013, followed by a general downward trend, reaching a low of $69,979 in 2019. A significant rebound occurred from 2020 onwards, with the median income rising to $88,480 in 2021 before slightly decreasing to $84,860 in 2022. These economic shifts do not appear to correlate strongly with the minor demographic changes observed.
Population growth has been steady, increasing from 3,390 in 2013 to 4,202 in 2022, a rise of about 24%. This growth has not led to increased diversity, indicating that new residents likely reflect the existing demographic profile.
East Dennis's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many coastal and suburban areas in the Northeast have seen growing diversity over the past decade, East Dennis has maintained its predominantly white composition. This could be attributed to factors such as limited housing availability, high property costs, the area's appeal as a retirement or second-home destination, or historical patterns of settlement that have persisted over time.
The economic fluctuations observed in East Dennis, particularly the dip and recovery in median income, may reflect broader economic trends such as the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent income growth could indicate an influx of wealthier residents or economic improvements benefiting existing inhabitants.
East Dennis presents a case of demographic stability in an era of increasing national diversity. While the community has experienced economic fluctuations and population growth, its racial composition has remained largely unchanged. This persistence of low diversity in a coastal New England town provides a counterpoint to national trends and may offer insights into the factors that contribute to demographic inertia in certain communities.
