Loading Content...
Demographic and Economic Analysis of the Westlands Area: A Low Diversity White Majority Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Westlands Area of Lowell, Massachusetts, is classified as a "Low Diversity" neighborhood with a "White Majority." The white population comprises 80% of residents in 2022. The neighborhood has a median income of $128,266, which is above the national average. The Westlands Area is located near the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Over the past decade, the Westlands Area has maintained its "Low Diversity" and "White Majority" status. However, there are indications of a gradual increase in diversity. In 2013, 91% of the population identified as white. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 80%. The Asian population grew from 5% in 2013 to 11% in 2020, but then decreased to 4% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 1% in 2013 to 12% in 2022. These changes suggest that the Westlands Area is becoming a "Transitional Community."
The neighborhood has experienced economic growth alongside its demographic shifts. Median income increased from $104,204 in 2013 to $128,266 in 2022, a 23% increase. The highest median income was $140,802 in 2021, with a slight decrease in 2022. The population fluctuated, reaching a peak of 3,496 in 2017 and settling at 3,023 in 2022. The rising median income correlates with the growing diversity, suggesting that new residents may be high-earning professionals from various backgrounds.
The demographic changes in the Westlands Area reflect broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. However, the neighborhood's rate of diversification is slower than many other suburbs in the United States. The high median income and proximity to a major university likely contribute to its attractiveness to a diverse, educated workforce.
The economic growth in the Westlands Area exceeds national averages, with its median income consistently above the U.S. median household income. This indicates that the neighborhood remains an affluent enclave, even as it slowly becomes more diverse.
The decrease in median income and Asian population in 2022 could be attributed to various factors, including the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or changes in the local job market. Future monitoring of these trends will determine if they represent a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a new demographic and economic pattern for the Westlands Area.
