Loading Content...
Demographic and Racial Changes in Westmoreland, Gainesville: A Decade of Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westmoreland, a neighborhood in Gainesville, Florida, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The white population comprises 77% of the total, with Hispanic (7%) and Black (10%) minorities. The neighborhood has undergone demographic shifts over the past decade, along with changes in median income. Westmoreland's proximity to the University of Florida is a factor in its demographic composition and economic dynamics.
From 2013 to 2016, Westmoreland transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had Low Diversity with a white population of 84%. By 2016, it achieved Moderate Diversity as the Hispanic population increased from 4% to 6%, and the Asian population saw a slight increase.
Between 2017 and 2021, Westmoreland exhibited characteristics of a Transitional Community. The Hispanic population increased from 17% to 19%, while the white population decreased from 74% to 69%. The Black population also grew from 3% to 9% during this period.
In 2022, there was a shift back to a White Majority (77%), but the neighborhood maintained Moderate Diversity with significant Black (10%) and Hispanic (7%) populations.
The median income in Westmoreland has shown volatility over the decade. From 2013 to 2018, median income fluctuated between $61,000 and $65,000, indicating economic stability. From 2019 onwards, a sharp decline occurred, with median income dropping to $46,647 in 2022, a decrease of about 24% from its peak in 2014.
The period of increased diversity (2017-2021) coincided with a significant decline in median income. This suggests that the influx of minority populations may have been driven by more affordable housing options or changes in the local job market.
The neighborhood's population grew from 1,371 in 2010 to 1,912 in 2022, a 39% increase. This growth, combined with declining median income, might indicate a shift towards more affordable, higher-density housing options.
The demographic shifts in Westmoreland align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. The sharp decline in median income from 2019 to 2022 is noteworthy and may be influenced by local factors such as changes in the university-related economy or impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The neighborhood's proximity to the University of Florida likely plays a significant role in its demographic and economic dynamics. The fluctuations in population and income could be partially attributed to changes in student populations and the local job market associated with the university.
Westmoreland has undergone significant demographic and economic changes over the past decade, transitioning from a low-diversity, economically stable area to a more diverse community with economic challenges. These shifts reflect broader trends of increasing diversity in urban areas but also highlight unique local factors influencing the neighborhood's evolution.
