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Demographic and Racial Composition of South East Chelmsford: A Study of Low Diversity and Economic Affluence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The South East neighborhood of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is characterized by Low Diversity, with a white majority comprising 80% of the population as of 2022. The area has a median income of $178,197 in 2022, which is above national averages. This neighborhood is known for its high-end residential properties and proximity to Boston's tech corridor.
Over the past decade, the South East neighborhood has maintained its status as a Low Diversity area, with the white population consistently representing over 75% of residents. The white population decreased from 88% in 2013 to 80% in 2022. The Asian population increased from 8% in 2013 to 12% in 2022, becoming the largest minority group. The Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races have shown small but consistent increases.
The neighborhood has experienced economic growth alongside its demographic shifts. Median income rose from $159,227 in 2013 to $178,197 in 2022, an increase of about 12%. The peak median income was recorded in 2021 at $189,080, showing a slight decrease in 2022. Population figures have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 1,800 and 2,200 residents throughout the decade.
The demographic trends in South East Chelmsford reflect patterns seen in many affluent suburbs of major metropolitan areas. Gradual diversification, particularly with increases in Asian populations, is common in high-income tech-oriented suburbs. The persistent high income and slow pace of diversification suggest strong community stability and potentially restrictive housing policies or high barriers to entry for new residents. Compared to national trends, this neighborhood's racial composition is changing more slowly, and its income growth outpaces national averages.
The neighborhood's evolution aligns with the concept of "suburban diversity," where affluent suburbs slowly become more diverse while maintaining high socioeconomic status. However, the pace of change in South East Chelmsford appears slower than in many comparable communities, suggesting strong local factors preserving the status quo.
South East Chelmsford remains a Low Diversity, white-majority area, but shows signs of gradual transition. The economic prosperity of the area continues to grow, potentially attracting a more diverse, highly educated workforce. However, the slow pace of change indicates that significant shifts in the neighborhood's character are likely to occur over a much longer timeframe than the decade analyzed.
