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Demographic Analysis of Radio Section Neighborhood: White Majority with Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Radio Section neighborhood in Metuchen, New Jersey, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The white population constitutes 58% of the area, with Asian (20%) and Hispanic (9%) populations representing significant minorities. The neighborhood has a high median income of $133,777, indicating its affluent status. The name "Radio Section" originates from the area's historical role in radio technology development during the early 20th century, though this is no longer a defining feature of the community.
Over the past decade, the Radio Section has transitioned from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community. In 2013, the white population comprised 67% of the total, decreasing to 58% by 2022. Concurrently, other racial groups, particularly Asian and Hispanic populations, have increased. The Asian population has remained relatively stable between 17% and 22% over the decade. The Hispanic population has shown steady growth from 6% in 2013 to 9% in 2022.
A notable change is the increase in the "Two or More Races" category, rising from 3% in 2013 to 8% in 2022. This trend may indicate increasing interracial relationships or growing comfort with multi-ethnic identity, potentially signaling a Transitional Community in terms of racial self-identification.
The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. The median income has increased from $114,396 in 2013 to $133,777 in 2022, a rise of approximately 17%. This income growth correlates with increasing diversity, suggesting that the area is attracting affluent individuals from various racial backgrounds. The population has grown from 4,395 in 2013 to 4,671 in 2022, a 6.3% increase.
The trends observed in the Radio Section reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near major metropolitan centers. The proximity to New York City likely influences these demographics, as the area may be attracting diverse, high-income professionals seeking suburban lifestyles with urban accessibility. The median household income in the Radio Section ($133,777 in 2022) is significantly higher than the national median ($70,784 in 2021), positioning it as an affluent suburb.
The increase in racial diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and Hispanic populations, aligns with national trends of increasing suburban diversity. However, the Radio Section's transition appears more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying suburbs across the country, maintaining its White Majority status while slowly becoming more diverse. The Radio Section of Metuchen is evolving from a predominantly white, affluent suburb to a more diverse, yet still affluent community. This transition reflects broader national trends of suburban diversification while maintaining high economic standards.
