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Demographic Analysis of Zip Code 02478: Shifting Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The zip code 02478 in Belmont, Massachusetts, is classified as a "White Majority" community with moderate diversity as of 2022. The area has a population of 26,749 and a median income of $148,445, indicating a highly affluent suburban environment. The white population constitutes 71% of the total, with a significant Asian presence of 18% and increasing diversity among other racial groups.
Over the past decade, Belmont has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to one with "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the area was characterized by a strong "White Majority" (80%), with minimal representation from other racial groups. By 2022, the white population decreased to 71%, while the Asian population increased from 12% to 18%. The "Two or More Races" category also saw an increase from 2% to 5%, indicating a trend towards a more mixed population.
The demographic shifts in Belmont correlate with substantial economic growth. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $133,178 to $148,445, an 11.5% increase. The population grew from 24,793 in 2013 to 26,749 in 2022, a 7.9% increase. These trends suggest that the increasing diversity is accompanied by economic prosperity, potentially indicating that the area is attracting affluent professionals from various racial backgrounds, particularly Asian Americans.
The trends observed in Belmont align with broader patterns seen in many affluent suburbs near major metropolitan areas. The growth of the Asian population in Belmont mirrors national trends, where Asian Americans are increasingly moving to affluent suburbs, often driven by educational and professional opportunities. While becoming more diverse, the rate of change is gradual, which is typical for established, high-income suburban communities.
The consistent increase in median income, even through economic challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests a robust local economy, likely supported by industries less affected by economic downturns. Given the high median income and proximity to Boston, it is likely that Belmont attracts highly educated professionals, contributing to its economic stability and gradual diversification.
Belmont represents a community in transition, slowly moving from a predominantly white, affluent suburb to a more diverse yet still highly prosperous area. This evolution reflects broader national trends of increasing suburban diversity, particularly in high-income areas near major cities. The economic stability and growth alongside increasing diversity suggest a positive integration of new residents, potentially driven by shared socioeconomic status rather than purely racial factors.
