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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in West Montrose: A Study of Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Montrose, a neighborhood in South Orange Village, New Jersey, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as "Moderate Diversity" as of 2022. The community has a white plurality (52%), with significant Black (26%) and Hispanic (13%) populations. The area has a high median income of $126,838, indicating an affluent community. West Montrose's proximity to Seton Hall University likely influences its demographic makeup and local economy.
Over the past decade, West Montrose has undergone a transition in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood had a "White Majority" with 55% of the population identifying as white. By 2018, it shifted to a "Majority-Minority" status, with the white population dropping to 46% and the combined minority populations exceeding 50%. By 2021-2022, the area returned to a white plurality, albeit with a more diverse overall makeup than at the start of the decade.
The Black population has seen fluctuations, peaking at 37% in 2016 and 2018, but decreasing to 26% by 2022. The Hispanic population has shown steady growth, nearly doubling from 7% in 2013 to 13% in 2022. This trend suggests that West Montrose is becoming a "Transitional Community," with increasing diversity driven primarily by Hispanic growth and a more balanced representation across racial groups.
The median income in West Montrose has remained consistently high throughout the decade, fluctuating between $121,411 (2016) and $142,072 (2021). The highest median income coincided with a shift back towards a white plurality in 2021. The overall trend shows relative stability in high income levels despite demographic changes, suggesting that the neighborhood has maintained its economic status while becoming more diverse.
The population has grown steadily from 7,225 in 2013 to 8,117 in 2022, an increase of about 12%. This population growth, coupled with maintained high income levels, indicates that West Montrose has remained an attractive area for affluent residents across various racial backgrounds.
The demographic shifts observed in West Montrose align with broader national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly those near major metropolitan centers like New York City. The growth in the Hispanic population mirrors national demographic trends, where Hispanic communities have been one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population.
West Montrose's ability to maintain high median incomes while diversifying sets it apart from many transitional communities nationwide, where demographic changes often correlate with more significant economic fluctuations. This suggests that West Montrose has successfully integrated new residents while preserving its economic character, possibly due to its proximity to educational institutions and job markets in the greater New York metropolitan area.
West Montrose presents a case of a transitional, moderately diverse community that has managed to balance demographic shifts with economic stability. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it will be important to observe how these trends impact local institutions, housing markets, and community dynamics in the coming years.
