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Demographic and Economic Trends in Westlakes: A Study of Racial Composition and Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westlakes, a neighborhood in Bakersfield, California, is characterized as a "White Majority" community with a median income of $105,365 as of 2022. The area has maintained a stable population of approximately 3,000-3,700 residents over the past decade. Westlakes is known for its upscale residential developments and proximity to The Park at River Walk.
Over the past decade, Westlakes has consistently maintained its status as a "White Majority" community, with the white population comprising over 50% of residents throughout the period. The white population percentage decreased from 68% in 2013 to 60% in 2020, briefly approaching a "Moderate Diversity" classification. By 2022, the white population rebounded to 66%, reaffirming the "White Majority" status. The Hispanic population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 24% in 2013 to a peak of 32% in 2021, before settling at 22% in 2022. Other racial groups have maintained relatively stable, smaller percentages, with slight increases in Asian and multiracial populations.
The median income in Westlakes has remained consistently high throughout the decade, indicating an affluent community. Median income peaked at $106,048 in 2017, coinciding with a period of increased Hispanic representation. There was a slight dip to $96,672 in 2019, which correlated with a temporary increase in the white population percentage. By 2022, the median income rebounded to $105,365, aligning with a more diverse racial composition.
The stability in high median incomes suggests that demographic shifts have not significantly impacted the overall economic status of the neighborhood. However, the slight fluctuations might indicate subtle economic influences on or from demographic changes.
Westlakes' demographic trends reflect broader national patterns of increasing diversity, albeit at a slower pace. While many urban areas across the U.S. have seen more rapid transitions towards "Majority-Minority" or "High Diversity" status, Westlakes maintains a more gradual shift. This could be attributed to its high median income, which may create economic barriers to rapid demographic change.
The neighborhood's economic resilience, maintaining a median income well above the national average (which was around $67,521 in 2020), suggests that it remains an attractive area for affluent residents across racial groups. The gradual increase in Hispanic population aligns with broader trends in California, where the Hispanic population has been growing steadily.
Westlakes represents a stable, affluent community slowly adapting to broader demographic shifts. While it remains a "White Majority" area, the incremental changes in racial composition, particularly the growth of the Hispanic population, indicate a gradual move towards greater diversity. This evolution occurs within a context of sustained economic prosperity, suggesting that demographic changes are happening alongside, rather than disrupting, the neighborhood's socio-economic fabric.
