Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Westchester, Los Angeles
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Westchester, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile with a White Plurality. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 43% of the community, followed by Hispanic (21%) and Black (15%) populations. The neighborhood has experienced economic growth, with a median income of $113,640 in 2022, reflecting its status as an affluent area within Los Angeles. Westchester is home to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which influences its local economy and development.
Over the past decade, Westchester has maintained its Moderate Diversity status, but with shifts in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was closer to having a White Majority (44%), with a more pronounced Black population (22%). By 2022, a Transitional Community trend is observed. The white population has remained relatively stable (44% in 2013 to 43% in 2022). The Black population has decreased (22% in 2013 to 15% in 2022). The Hispanic population has slightly increased (19% in 2013 to 21% in 2022). The Asian population has shown growth (9% in 2013 to 12% in 2022). The population identifying as two or more races has increased (4% in 2013 to 6% in 2022). These shifts indicate a trend towards increasing diversity, with a more balanced distribution among different racial groups.
The demographic changes in Westchester correlate with economic growth. Median income has increased from $98,501 in 2013 to $113,640 in 2022, a 15.4% increase. The population has grown from 50,473 in 2013 to 52,960 in 2022, a 4.9% increase. The rising median income suggests that the neighborhood has become increasingly affluent, potentially attracting more diverse, high-income professionals. This economic growth may have contributed to the increased Asian population and the slight rise in Hispanic residents. The decrease in the Black population, coupled with rising incomes, may indicate gentrification processes or shifting housing preferences among different racial groups.
Westchester's demographic shifts align with broader trends observed in many urban areas across the United States. These include increasing diversity in suburban areas, particularly growth in Asian and Hispanic populations; gentrification leading to displacement of historically Black neighborhoods in some urban areas; and rising income inequality in major metropolitan areas, with some neighborhoods becoming increasingly affluent.
Westchester's changes are distinct in some ways. The neighborhood has maintained a higher level of diversity compared to many suburban areas. Its proximity to LAX likely influences its demographic makeup, attracting a diverse workforce related to the aviation and tourism industries. The median income in Westchester ($113,640) is significantly higher than the national median household income (about $70,784 in 2021), indicating its status as an affluent area within Los Angeles.
Westchester exemplifies a Transitional Community with Moderate Diversity, evolving towards greater racial balance while experiencing economic growth. These changes reflect broader urban trends but are uniquely shaped by the neighborhood's location and economic drivers, particularly its proximity to LAX.
