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Demographic Analysis of Newton Upper Falls: Transition from White Majority with Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Newton Upper Falls, a neighborhood in Newton, Massachusetts, is characterized as a predominantly White Majority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The area has a median income of $127,278, which is significantly above the national average, indicating an affluent suburb. Newton Upper Falls is known for its historic mill village charm, featuring many preserved 19th-century buildings, reflecting its industrial past and current status as a desirable residential area.
Over the past decade, Newton Upper Falls has maintained its status as a White Majority community, but with notable changes. In 2013, the neighborhood showed Low Diversity with whites comprising 71% of the population. By 2022, this had shifted to Moderate Diversity, with the white population decreasing to 66% and other racial groups gaining representation. The most significant change has been the growth of the Asian population, which increased from 18% in 2013 to 23% in 2022. This trend suggests a gradual transition towards greater diversity, though not yet reaching the threshold for High Diversity or Majority-Minority status.
The Hispanic and Black populations have remained relatively stable, with slight fluctuations, while the percentage of residents identifying as two or more races has shown a modest increase from 3% to 5% over the decade. The demographic shifts in Newton Upper Falls have occurred alongside substantial economic growth. The median income rose from $118,053 in 2013 to $127,278 in 2022, an increase of about 7.8%. This growth, however, has not been linear. The neighborhood saw peak median income in 2019 at $138,891, followed by a decline, possibly due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The population has also grown steadily, from 8,351 in 2013 to 9,639 in 2022, an increase of about 15.4%. This population growth, combined with rising incomes, suggests that Newton Upper Falls has become an increasingly attractive location for affluent residents, particularly among Asian households.
The demographic trends in Newton Upper Falls mirror broader patterns seen in many affluent suburbs across the United States, particularly those near major metropolitan areas. The increase in Asian population is consistent with national trends of growing Asian communities in high-income, education-focused suburbs. The area's economic resilience, maintaining a high median income even through the pandemic, indicates a robust local economy, likely bolstered by its proximity to Boston and its strong educational institutions.
The gradual increase in diversity, while maintaining a White Majority, suggests a community in transition. This pattern is often seen in established, wealthy suburbs that are slowly becoming more diverse while retaining much of their traditional character and high property values. Newton Upper Falls presents a picture of a gradually diversifying, economically strong community. While it remains a White Majority area, the increasing Asian population and growing diversity suggest a neighborhood in transition, balancing change with the preservation of its historic character and economic status.
