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Demographic and Racial Shifts in Riverside, Cambridge: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Riverside, a neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts, currently exhibits characteristics of a Moderate Diversity community with a slight White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population comprises 50% of residents, with significant Asian (23%) and Hispanic (10%) populations. The neighborhood has seen notable demographic shifts over the past decade, coupled with fluctuations in median income. Riverside is known for its proximity to Harvard University and the Charles River, which significantly influences its character and demographics.
In 2013, Riverside could be categorized as having a White Majority, with 55% of the population identifying as white. Over the next decade, the neighborhood transitioned towards greater diversity. By 2022, the white population decreased to 50%, just at the threshold between White Majority and White Plurality. This shift indicates a trend towards a more diverse community composition.
The Asian population has shown the most significant growth, increasing from 19% in 2013 to 23% in 2022. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 8-10% over the decade. The Black population has slightly decreased from 12% to 10%. The percentage of individuals identifying as two or more races has increased from 4% to 6%, suggesting a growing multiracial community.
The median income in Riverside has shown significant volatility over the past decade. From 2013 to 2016, there was an increase from $72,609 to $92,177. This was followed by a decline to $65,417 in 2018. Since then, the median income has gradually recovered, reaching $77,870 in 2022. These economic fluctuations appear to correlate with demographic shifts.
The population of Riverside has remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. This suggests that demographic changes are likely due to resident turnover rather than significant influxes or exoduses of particular groups.
The demographic trends in Riverside mirror broader national trends towards increasing diversity, particularly in urban areas and university towns. The growing Asian population is consistent with national trends, especially in areas with prestigious universities like Harvard, which attract international students and faculty.
The economic volatility observed in Riverside may be influenced by its proximity to Harvard University and the broader Cambridge/Boston metro area. The rise and fall in median income between 2013 and 2018 could be related to changes in the local tech industry or shifts in the student and young professional population.
Riverside is evolving from a predominantly white neighborhood to a more diverse community, with economic changes potentially both driving and resulting from these demographic shifts. The neighborhood's transition reflects broader national trends towards increased diversity, particularly in urban, education-centric areas.
