Demographic Transition in Westmere: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
Westmere, a neighborhood in New York, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with 69% of its population identifying as white in 2022. The neighborhood has a median income of $88,071 and a population of 17,343. Westmere is located near the University at Albany, SUNY.
Over the past decade, Westmere has transitioned from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, 78% of the population identified as white, decreasing to 69% by 2022. Other racial groups, particularly Asian and Hispanic populations, experienced modest increases. The Asian population grew from 10% in 2013 to 14% in 2022, while the Hispanic population increased from 4% to 6%. The Black population increased from 4% to 6%.
The median income in Westmere has remained relatively stable. In 2013, the median income was $88,651, and by 2022 it was $88,071. There were fluctuations during this period, with the median income reaching a low of $82,045 in 2018 before recovering. The population grew from 16,956 in 2013 to 17,343 in 2022.
The demographic shifts in Westmere align with national trends of increasing diversity in suburban areas. Many suburbs in the United States have experienced growing Asian and Hispanic populations over the past decade. Westmere's transition appears to be more gradual compared to some rapidly diversifying suburbs in other parts of the country.
The stability of Westmere's high median income, concurrent with increasing diversity, is notable. This suggests that the neighborhood is attracting affluent members of various ethnic groups, potentially due to its proximity to educational institutions and employment opportunities in the Albany area.
The steady population growth in Westmere contrasts with some suburban areas that have experienced population declines. This growth, combined with increasing diversity and stable high incomes, indicates that Westmere is adapting to demographic changes while maintaining its economic status.
Westmere represents a Transitional Community that is gradually moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while maintaining its economic strength. This evolution reflects broader national trends of suburban diversification but with a distinct local character shaped by its specific geographic and economic context.
