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Demographic and Racial Trends in Wellington-Harrington: A Neighborhood in Transition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Wellington-Harrington, a neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts, currently presents as a Moderate Diversity community with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population comprises 54% of the residents, with Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations each representing 13%. The neighborhood has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade, with the median income rising from $63,333 in 2013 to $94,506 in 2022. This area is known for its proximity to MIT and Harvard University, which likely influences its demographic makeup and economic profile.
Over the past decade, Wellington-Harrington has transitioned from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity with a White Plurality. In 2013, the white population constituted 60% of the neighborhood, qualifying it as a White Majority area. However, by 2022, this percentage had decreased to 54%, while other racial groups saw increases in their representation.
The neighborhood has shown characteristics of a Transitional Community, particularly with the growth of Hispanic and multiracial populations. The Hispanic population increased from 10% in 2013 to 13% in 2022, while those identifying as two or more races grew from 3% to 5% over the same period.
The Asian population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 10-14% throughout the decade. The Black population, however, has seen more variability, ranging from a low of 6% in 2018 to a high of 14% in 2013, settling at 13% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Wellington-Harrington have been accompanied by significant economic changes. The median income has seen a substantial increase, rising from $63,333 in 2013 to $94,506 in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 49% over nine years. The peak median income was recorded in 2021 at $108,307, before slightly declining in 2022. The population has also grown modestly over this period, from 6,858 in 2013 to 6,970 in 2022, suggesting that the neighborhood has become increasingly desirable, potentially due to its improving economic status and proximity to prestigious universities.
The demographic changes in Wellington-Harrington reflect broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly those near major universities. The increase in diversity and median income is consistent with patterns of gentrification and educational migration often observed in university-adjacent neighborhoods. The substantial income growth in Wellington-Harrington outpaces the national average. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 13% from 2013 to 2022 (adjusting for inflation), Wellington-Harrington's growth of 49% is significantly higher.
The transition towards greater diversity in Wellington-Harrington aligns with national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in urban areas. However, the maintenance of a white plurality, despite decreasing from a majority, suggests that while diversifying, the neighborhood may be experiencing this change at a slower rate than some other urban areas. Wellington-Harrington exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving towards greater diversity while experiencing significant economic growth. These changes likely reflect both local factors, such as its proximity to prestigious universities, and broader national trends of urban diversification and economic stratification in knowledge-economy hubs.
