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Demographic Shifts in Burlingame, California: From White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Burlingame, California, a city of 32,200 residents as of 2022, exhibits moderate diversity with a White plurality. The 2022 data indicates that Whites comprise 52% of the population, with significant representation from Asian (28%) and Hispanic (13%) communities. The city's median income was $138,090 in 2022, indicating its affluent status in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Over the past decade, Burlingame has transitioned from a "White Majority" community to one of "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, Whites constituted 60% of the population, meeting the criteria for a Racial Majority. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 52%, just above the plurality threshold. The Asian population has grown substantially, increasing from 20% in 2013 to 28% in 2022. This shift suggests a trend towards increasing diversity, potentially moving the city towards a "High Diversity" classification in the future if current trends continue.
The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11-14% over the decade. Other racial groups, including Black, Native American, Pacific Islander, and those of two or more races, have maintained minimal representation, collectively accounting for less than 10% of the population.
Burlingame's demographic shifts have occurred alongside significant economic growth. The median income has risen from $122,903 in 2013 to $138,090 in 2022, an increase of about 12%. This growth in affluence may have influenced the changing demographics, potentially attracting a more diverse, high-skilled workforce, particularly from Asian communities.
The population has grown moderately, from 30,536 in 2013 to 32,200 in 2022, an increase of about 5.4%. This growth, coupled with rising incomes, suggests a robust local economy that has been able to accommodate and attract a more diverse population.
The trends observed in Burlingame align with broader patterns seen in many affluent suburbs of major tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area. The increase in Asian population is consistent with trends seen across Silicon Valley and other tech-centric regions, often attributed to immigration of highly skilled workers in the technology sector.
Based on the observed trends, Burlingame is likely to continue its trajectory towards increased diversity. If current patterns persist, the city may transition from "Moderate Diversity" to "High Diversity" within the next 5-10 years. The Asian population may continue to grow, potentially approaching or surpassing 30%, while the white population may fall below 50%, eliminating the current plurality.
Economically, given the consistent upward trend in median income, it is reasonable to expect continued economic prosperity. This could further attract diverse, high-skilled professionals, potentially accelerating the shift towards a more diverse community.
Rapid increases in affluence and changing demographics can lead to challenges such as housing affordability issues and potential cultural tensions. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for maintaining community cohesion and ensuring equitable growth for all residents.
