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Demographic Analysis of Westminster, Louisiana: Low Diversity and Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westminster, a neighborhood in Louisiana, presents a demographic profile categorized as "Low Diversity" based on established terms. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 79% of the total, dominating the racial composition. With a population of 4,687 and a median income of $61,307 in 2022, Westminster appears to be a predominantly white, middle-class suburban enclave. Westminster has maintained a distinct demographic character that sets it apart from more diverse areas.
Over the past decade, Westminster has undergone subtle changes in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had "Low Diversity" with a white majority of 86%. There has been a gradual shift towards slightly increased diversity. The white population decreased from 86% in 2013 to 79% in 2022, though still maintaining "Low Diversity" status. The Black population increased from 4% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, showing the most significant growth among minority groups. The Asian population fluctuated, peaking at 9% in 2018 before decreasing to 3% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable, around 1-2% throughout the decade.
The economic landscape of Westminster has shown correlations with its demographic shifts. Median income peaked in 2015 at $80,259, coinciding with the period of lowest diversity (81% white). As diversity slightly increased from 2016 onwards, there was a general downward trend in median income, reaching $61,307 in 2022. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 4,300 and 4,900 residents, suggesting that demographic changes are more likely due to internal shifts rather than significant influxes of new residents.
The correlation between increasing diversity and decreasing median income could indicate several possibilities, such as more affordable housing attracting a more diverse population, or economic challenges affecting the existing population and changing the neighborhood's composition.
Westminster's demographic trends differ from broader national patterns. Many U.S. suburbs have been experiencing rapid diversification over the past two decades, often transitioning from "Low Diversity" to "Moderate Diversity" or "High Diversity" categories. Westminster's slower pace of change suggests it may be somewhat insulated from larger demographic shifts affecting many American suburbs.
The decrease in median income over recent years, especially from 2020 to 2021 (dropping from $74,123 to $61,290), aligns with economic challenges faced nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Westminster's more pronounced income decline compared to national averages might indicate local economic factors at play, possibly related to Louisiana's specific economic challenges or changes in local industries.
Westminster remains a predominantly white, middle-class neighborhood. Subtle demographic shifts and economic changes over the past decade hint at the potential for more significant transformations in the future. These trends warrant continued observation to understand their long-term implications for the community's social and economic fabric.
