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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in the Highlands Neighborhood of Lowell, Massachusetts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Highlands neighborhood in Lowell, Massachusetts, demonstrates a demographic composition indicative of Moderate Diversity with a trajectory towards High Diversity as of 2022. The racial distribution shows no single group exceeding 40% of the population, with Asian (35%), White (38%), Black (10%), and Hispanic (10%) communities represented. The neighborhood's median income of $80,008 in 2022 suggests relative affluence in an urban context. The Highlands is characterized by historic architecture, including Victorian-era homes.
Over the past decade, the Highlands has transitioned from a White Plurality community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited a White Plurality with 46% of the population, while Asian residents constituted 30%. By 2022, the White population decreased to 38%, and the Asian population increased to 35%. This shift indicates a trend towards greater diversification.
The Black and Hispanic populations have experienced steady growth, each reaching 10% by 2022, up from 9% and 7% respectively in 2013. The multiracial population increased to 5% in 2022 from 1% in 2013, further emphasizing the neighborhood's increasing diversity. These changes suggest the Highlands is becoming a Transitional Community, approaching High Diversity. If current trends persist, it may soon meet the criteria for this category, with three or more racial groups each exceeding 10% of the population and no group above 40%.
The demographic shifts in the Highlands have coincided with significant economic changes. The median income has increased from $65,330 in 2013 to $80,008 in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 22.5%. This increase outpaces inflation over the same period, indicating real economic gains for residents.
The years of greatest demographic change correspond with periods of economic growth. Between 2019 and 2021, when the Asian population grew from 35% to 38% and the White population decreased from 45% to 40%, the median income increased from $66,698 to $86,181, a 29% increase in two years.
The correlation between demographic shifts and economic growth suggests that the influx of diverse populations, particularly the growth in the Asian community, may be linked to economic opportunities attracting skilled professionals. Rising incomes could also be driving property values up, potentially attracting more affluent residents from various backgrounds.
The demographic shifts observed in the Highlands reflect broader national trends towards increasing diversity in urban areas. The growth of the Asian population outpaces national averages and may reflect Lowell's status as a center for Southeast Asian immigration, particularly from Cambodia.
The economic growth in the Highlands is notable when compared to national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by approximately 13% between 2013 and 2022 (adjusted for inflation), the Highlands experienced a real increase of over 22%, indicating that this neighborhood is economically outperforming many areas.
These trends position the Highlands as a dynamic, evolving community that reflects broader patterns of urban diversification and economic growth, while also demonstrating unique local characteristics tied to Lowell's history and regional immigration patterns.
