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Demographic Shifts and Racial Composition in Westmont Neighborhood, Hickory, NC: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
DATA SOURCE
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
The Westmont neighborhood in Hickory, North Carolina, has undergone significant demographic changes from 2013 to 2022. In 2022, Westmont was classified as a Majority-Minority community with a white population of 44%, Black population of 23%, Hispanic population of 19%, and Asian population of 8%. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $41,298, indicating a working-class community. Westmont's proximity to Lenoir-Rhyne University likely influences its demographic composition and local economy.
Over the past decade, Westmont has transitioned from a White Majority community to a Majority-Minority status. In 2013, the white population was 65%, decreasing to 44% by 2022. The Black population increased from 13% to 23%, and the Hispanic population grew from 10% to 19% during this period. The Asian population saw a notable increase from negligible levels in 2013 to 8% in 2022. These changes reflect a shift from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community, with potential for High Diversity status.
The demographic shifts in Westmont occurred alongside fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income increased from $31,656 to $41,298, representing a 30% growth. This growth was not consistent, with periods of decline between 2014 and 2017. Rapid diversification appears to correlate with economic growth, particularly evident in the significant increase of the Asian population from 2020 to 2022, which coincided with a rise in median income.
The population of Westmont remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between 5,912 and 6,695 residents. This suggests that demographic changes are primarily due to shifts within the existing population rather than large-scale migration.
Westmont's demographic evolution mirrors broader national trends of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many cities across the United States have experienced similar transitions from white-majority to majority-minority status over the past decade. The rapid growth of the Asian population in Westmont is particularly noteworthy and may be influenced by its proximity to Lenoir-Rhyne University, potentially attracting international students and faculty.
The economic growth in Westmont, while positive, has not kept pace with national trends. The U.S. median household income grew by about 40% from 2010 to 2020, compared to Westmont's 30% growth from 2013 to 2022. This indicates that while the neighborhood is experiencing economic improvement, it may be lagging behind national averages.
Westmont's transformation from a Low Diversity, White Majority community to a Moderate Diversity, Majority-Minority neighborhood reflects significant demographic and economic shifts. These changes present both opportunities and challenges for community cohesion, local businesses, and public services as the neighborhood continues to evolve.
