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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Long Beach's West Side Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The West Side neighborhood of Long Beach, California, as of 2022, is classified as a "Majority-Minority" community with a "Hispanic Majority." The population comprises 53% Hispanics, 25% Asians, and 7% Whites. The median income in 2022 was $62,720, indicating a working-class to middle-class economic profile. The West Side's proximity to the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest container ports in the United States, likely influences the local economy and demographics.
Over the past decade, the West Side has transitioned from a "High Diversity" community to a "Hispanic Majority" area. In 2013, Hispanics constituted 46% of the population, Asians 26%, and Blacks 15%. By 2022, the Hispanic population increased to 53%, establishing a "Hispanic Majority." The Asian population remained relatively stable at around 25% throughout the decade. The Black population decreased from 15% in 2013 to 9% in 2022.
The median income in the West Side has fluctuated over the years, showing an overall upward trend. It increased from $60,093 in 2013 to $69,388 in 2021, before decreasing slightly to $62,720 in 2022. The population of the neighborhood decreased from 30,670 in 2013 to 29,589 in 2022.
The demographic shifts observed in the West Side align with broader trends seen in many urban areas across the United States, where Hispanic populations have been growing. The economic trajectory of the West Side, with its generally increasing median income despite demographic changes, differs from national trends where Hispanic-majority areas often face economic challenges.
The West Side of Long Beach presents a case of demographic evolution, transitioning from a highly diverse community to one with a Hispanic majority over the past decade. This shift has been accompanied by generally positive economic indicators, suggesting a neighborhood adapting to change while maintaining economic stability. The economic influences of the nearby port may contribute to this resilience, potentially providing a buffer against economic challenges often associated with demographic transitions in urban areas.
