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Demographic Analysis of Portland's West End: A Study of Low Diversity and Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The West End neighborhood of Portland, Maine, is classified as a Low Diversity area with a white population of 82% as of 2022. This neighborhood has experienced gradual shifts towards increased diversity over the past decade. The West End had a median income of $62,736 in 2022 and is known for its historic architecture and proximity to downtown Portland.
Over the past decade, the West End has maintained its status as a Low Diversity area, with the white population consistently above 75%. The white population decreased from 90% in 2013 to 83% in 2019, and further to 79% in 2020, before stabilizing at 82% in 2022. These changes indicate a gradual shift towards greater diversity, although the area has not yet reached the classification of a Transitional Community.
The demographic shifts in the West End correlate with changes in median income. From 2013 to 2016, median income remained relatively stable between $41,879 and $45,406. A significant increase occurred in 2017, with median income rising to $53,572, coinciding with an increase in the Black population from 5% to 7%. The upward trend in income continued, reaching $63,077 in 2020, before slightly decreasing to $62,736 in 2022.
These trends suggest that increased diversity in the neighborhood has generally corresponded with rising incomes, potentially indicating an influx of higher-earning professionals from diverse backgrounds.
The gradual diversification of the West End reflects broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States. The pace of change in the West End appears to be slower than in many larger metropolitan areas. The income growth from 2013 to 2022 (a 49% increase) outpaces the national average for the same period, suggesting that the West End has become increasingly attractive to higher-income residents.
The population growth from 6,710 in 2013 to 7,158 in 2022 (a 6.7% increase) indicates a moderate but steady increase in the neighborhood's desirability. This growth, combined with rising incomes and gradual diversification, suggests that the West End is slowly transforming while maintaining much of its historical character.
In conclusion, the West End remains categorized as a Low Diversity area but shows signs of a gradual transition towards greater diversity and economic prosperity. These changes reflect broader national trends of urban renewal and demographic shifts in desirable, historic neighborhoods.
