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Demographic Analysis of Los Cerritos: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Los Cerritos, a neighborhood in Long Beach, California, currently exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the racial composition shows no single group exceeding 50%, with White residents comprising 42% of the population, followed by Hispanic (20%) and Asian (16%) residents. The area has a median income of $108,638 in 2022, indicating an affluent community. Los Cerritos is known for its historic district featuring California bungalows from the early 20th century.
Over the past decade, Los Cerritos has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a White Majority, with 50% of the population identifying as White. By 2022, this shifted to a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality, as the White population decreased to 42%. The Hispanic and Asian populations have remained relatively stable, while the Black population has increased from 10% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. There has been a significant increase in residents identifying as two or more races, rising from 3% in 2013 to 8% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Los Cerritos have occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. The median income rose from $99,246 in 2013 to a peak of $117,869 in 2021, before decreasing to $108,638 in 2022. This overall upward trend in income suggests that the area has maintained its affluent status despite the changes in racial composition. The population of Los Cerritos has decreased from 5,277 in 2013 to 4,867 in 2022.
The trends observed in Los Cerritos align with broader patterns seen in many affluent suburban areas across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly the growth in multiracial residents, reflects national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in suburban communities.
The maintenance of high median incomes alongside increasing diversity challenges some traditional narratives about demographic changes and economic outcomes. It suggests that Los Cerritos has attracted and retained affluent residents from diverse backgrounds, potentially due to its location, historic charm, and quality of life factors.
Compared to national averages, Los Cerritos maintains a significantly higher median income. The 2022 median household income for the United States was approximately $70,784, making Los Cerritos' $108,638 notably higher. This indicates that despite demographic changes, the area continues to be an economically prosperous enclave within Long Beach.
Los Cerritos presents a case of a community transitioning from a White Majority to a more diverse composition while maintaining its economic prosperity. This evolution reflects broader national trends towards increased suburban diversity but stands out for its ability to preserve high income levels throughout this transition. The area's blend of historic charm and increasing diversity may contribute to its continued appeal as an affluent neighborhood within Long Beach.
