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Demographic Analysis of Westmont: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with White Majority
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westmont, a neighborhood in Altoona, Pennsylvania, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority representing 92% of the population as of 2022. The median income in Westmont has increased to $51,943 in 2022. Westmont is characterized by early 20th-century homes reflecting the area's industrial heritage related to the railroad boom era.
Throughout the period from 2013 to 2022, Westmont has maintained its status as a Low Diversity, White Majority community. The White population percentage has decreased slightly from 94% in 2013 to 92% in 2022. The Black population has increased modestly from 4% in 2013 to 6% in 2022. Other racial categories have experienced minor fluctuations, but not significant enough to alter Westmont's Low Diversity classification.
The economic landscape of Westmont has shown improvement over the decade. Median income has risen from $41,445 in 2013 to $51,943 in 2022, representing a 25% increase. This income growth has outpaced inflation, suggesting an increase in purchasing power for residents. The population has fluctuated, peaking at 4,806 in 2018 before declining to 3,782 in 2022.
The increase in median income, despite the population decline, may indicate a gentrification trend or an influx of higher-income residents. This could potentially be linked to the slight increase in racial diversity, as more affluent minority families move into the area.
Westmont's demographic changes align with broader national trends of slow but steady increases in diversity, even in predominantly white communities. The income growth in Westmont outpaces the national average income growth rate over a similar period. The population decline contrasts with many urban areas that have seen population growth. This could be related to broader trends affecting smaller cities in the Rust Belt, where some areas struggle to retain residents despite economic improvements.
Westmont remains a Low Diversity, White Majority community, but subtle shifts in its racial composition and significant economic improvements suggest a community in gradual transition. The challenge for Westmont will be to leverage its economic gains to potentially attract a more diverse population while maintaining its historic character and improving quality of life for all residents.
