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Demographic Shifts and Race Data in Westchester Square, Bronx: Hispanic Majority and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westchester Square, a neighborhood in the Bronx, New York, currently exhibits a Hispanic Majority demographic profile with a median income of $47,447 as of 2022. The neighborhood is classified as a Majority-Minority area, with Hispanic residents comprising 60% of the population. Westchester Square is known for its historic district and its role as a transportation hub in the Bronx.
Over the past decade, Westchester Square has undergone a significant demographic transformation. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as having Moderate Diversity, with Hispanic residents representing 53% of the population, followed by Asian (23%) and Black (12%) residents. By 2022, the area had transitioned to a Hispanic Majority, with the Hispanic population increasing to 60%. This shift indicates a Transitional Community, as the Hispanic population has steadily grown while other racial groups have seen slight declines or remained relatively stable.
The Asian population has decreased from 23% in 2013 to 21% in 2022. The Black population has decreased from 12% to 9% over the same period. The White population has experienced the most significant decline, dropping from 8% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Westchester Square have been accompanied by fluctuations in median income. In 2013, the median income was $52,736. There was a decline in median income between 2015 and 2019, reaching a low of $42,840 in 2017. This period coincides with the increasing Hispanic population and decreasing representation of other racial groups.
There has been a recovery in median income since 2020, with the 2022 figure of $47,447 showing improvement, though still below the 2013 level. This recent upward trend in income occurs alongside the stabilization of the Hispanic majority. Population figures have remained relatively stable over the decade, with minor fluctuations. The population was 14,140 in 2013 and 14,396 in 2022.
The trends observed in Westchester Square reflect broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States, particularly the growth of Hispanic populations in metropolitan regions. The Bronx as a whole has experienced similar demographic shifts, with an increasing Hispanic population and decreasing White population over the past decades.
The economic fluctuations in Westchester Square, particularly the dip in median income followed by a recent recovery, may be indicative of broader economic challenges faced by immigrant and minority communities in urban areas. The recent income recovery could suggest successful economic integration and upward mobility within the Hispanic community.
Compared to national trends, Westchester Square's demographic evolution is more pronounced. While the U.S. as a whole has become more diverse, the speed and extent of the shift to a Hispanic Majority in Westchester Square outpaces national averages. This rapid change presents both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local services, and economic development in the neighborhood.
Westchester Square's transition from a Moderately Diverse to a Hispanic Majority, Majority-Minority community over the past decade reflects significant demographic and economic changes. These shifts have implications for local policies, community services, and economic strategies, as the neighborhood adapts to its evolving population composition.
