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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
East Somerville, a neighborhood in Somerville, Massachusetts, exhibits a "Moderate Diversity" demographic profile with a White Plurality as of 2022. The white population comprises 58% of the neighborhood, with Hispanic (19%) and Asian (11%) populations following. The median income in 2022 was $88,100. East Somerville is known for its multicultural atmosphere, particularly along Broadway, featuring international restaurants and businesses reflecting its immigrant heritage.
Over the past decade, East Somerville has undergone demographic changes. In 2013, it was categorized as a "Majority-Minority" community, with the white population at 53% and a Hispanic presence of 25%. By 2019, it had shifted to a "High Diversity" classification, with no racial group exceeding 50% and three groups (White, Hispanic, and Asian) each representing over 10% of the population. The 2022 data shows a transition to a White Plurality (58%), indicating a "Transitional Community" status. This shift may be attributed to gentrification processes often seen in urban areas near major cities like Boston.
The demographic changes correlate with economic trends. The median income increased from $75,549 in 2013 to $88,100 in 2022, a 16.6% increase. This economic uplift coincides with the increase in the white population percentage, suggesting a possible influx of higher-income residents. There was a spike in median income to $100,881 in 2021, which then decreased in 2022. This fluctuation might be related to economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery.
The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, with some fluctuations. It peaked at 9,437 in 2016 and has since decreased to 8,203 in 2022. This slight population decrease, coupled with rising incomes, could indicate a trend of smaller, more affluent households moving into the area.
The demographic shifts in East Somerville reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly those close to major cities. The process of gentrification, characterized by an influx of more affluent residents and rising property values, is evident in the increasing median income and the growing white population percentage. East Somerville maintains a higher level of diversity compared to many gentrifying neighborhoods. The continued significant presence of Hispanic and Asian populations (19% and 11% respectively in 2022) suggests that the neighborhood has retained some of its multicultural character despite economic changes.
The median household income in Massachusetts was $89,645 in 2021, placing East Somerville slightly below the state average. However, the neighborhood's proximity to Boston and its increasing affluence suggest it may be catching up to or potentially surpassing state averages in the near future. East Somerville exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, balancing the forces of gentrification with a commitment to maintaining its diverse, multicultural identity. The challenge moving forward will be to ensure that the economic benefits of this transition are shared equitably among all resident groups, preserving the neighborhood's unique character while accommodating inevitable change.