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Demographic Analysis of Sixteen Acres: White Majority Community in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Sixteen Acres, a neighborhood in Springfield, Massachusetts, presents a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community. As of 2022, the white population comprises 58% of the total. Sixteen Acres is known for its suburban character within Springfield, featuring residential areas and green spaces, including Nathan Bill Park.
Over the past decade, Sixteen Acres has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to one approaching "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited characteristics of "Low Diversity" with a white population of 71%. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 58%, while other racial groups, particularly Hispanic and Black populations, saw increases. The Hispanic population grew from 13% in 2013 to 21% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more diverse community composition.
The median income in Sixteen Acres has shown fluctuations over the past decade. From 2013 to 2022, there was an overall increase from $69,457 to $73,860, representing a growth of about 6.3%. The neighborhood experienced a significant spike in median income in 2020 and 2021, reaching $82,704 and $85,561 respectively, before declining in 2022.
These economic shifts correlate with the demographic changes. As the community became more diverse, there was a general upward trend in median income, suggesting that the influx of new residents may have contributed to economic growth. The recent decline in median income could be attributed to broader economic factors or changes in the local job market.
Population trends show a slight decline from 31,099 in 2013 to 30,896 in 2022, a decrease of about 0.65%. This relatively stable population, combined with increasing diversity and fluctuating income levels, indicates a community in transition.
The demographic shifts observed in Sixteen Acres align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many U.S. suburbs have experienced growing minority populations over the past decade. The economic fluctuations, especially the sharp increase and subsequent decrease in median income from 2020 to 2022, likely reflect the national economic volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Compared to national averages, Sixteen Acres maintains a higher white population percentage than the U.S. as a whole. However, the neighborhood's increasing diversity mirrors the national direction, suggesting that Sixteen Acres is gradually aligning with broader demographic trends.
Sixteen Acres presents a case of a suburban neighborhood in transition. While still categorized as a "White Majority" community, it shows signs of evolving towards greater diversity. This demographic shift, coupled with fluctuating economic indicators, suggests a community adapting to changing social and economic landscapes.
