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Demographic Shifts and Racial Diversity in Westside, Pittsfield: 2013-2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Westside neighborhood of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, exhibits characteristics of a Transitional Community with Moderate Diversity as of 2022. The neighborhood has a white majority (67%), with significant representation from other racial groups, particularly Black (11%) and Hispanic (10%) populations. The median income of $50,040 in 2022 suggests a working-class to lower-middle-class economic profile. Westside is known for its historic architecture, including Victorian-era homes.
Over the past decade, Westside has transitioned from a Low Diversity community to a Moderate Diversity, Transitional Community. In 2013, the neighborhood was characterized by Low Diversity with a white majority (77%). By 2022, the white population decreased to 67%, while other racial groups saw significant increases. The Hispanic population grew from 5% in 2013 to 10% in 2022, those identifying as two or more races increased from 6% to 10%, and the Black population rose from 8% to 11%.
The demographic shifts correlate with changes in median income. In 2013, the median income was $37,014, which increased to $50,040 by 2022, representing a 35% growth over the decade. The population has remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 6,907 in 2013 to 6,634 in 2022.
The trends observed in Westside align with broader national patterns of increasing diversity in urban areas. Many U.S. cities have experienced similar transitions, with traditionally white-majority neighborhoods becoming more diverse over time. The increase in median income outpaces the national average, suggesting that Westside may be experiencing a form of urban renewal or gentrification.
The growth in the Hispanic population and those identifying as two or more races reflects national demographic trends. The U.S. Census Bureau has reported similar increases in these populations across many urban areas, indicating that Westside's changes are part of a larger demographic shift occurring throughout the country.
Westside's evolution from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity, Transitional Community, coupled with income growth, indicates a neighborhood in flux. These changes likely bring both opportunities and challenges, potentially altering the cultural fabric of the community while improving its economic standing. The preservation of historic architecture amidst these changes adds a dynamic that may attract diverse, higher-income residents interested in the neighborhood's unique character.
