Loading Content...
Demographic Shifts in Burlington, Massachusetts: Analysis of Racial Composition from 2013 to 2022
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Burlington, Massachusetts, exhibits a demographic profile categorized as a "White Majority" community with "Moderate Diversity." As of 2022, the white population constitutes 75% of the total, while Asian residents comprise 14%. The city has experienced population growth over the past decade, reaching 26,169 residents in 2022, with a median income of $122,099.
Over the past decade, Burlington has transitioned from a "Low Diversity" community to one with "Moderate Diversity." In 2013, the white population comprised 78% of the total, bordering on the "Low Diversity" category. By 2022, this percentage had decreased to 75%, at the threshold between "Low Diversity" and "Moderate Diversity."
The most significant change has been the growth of the Asian population, increasing from 15% in 2013 to a peak of 17% in 2019, before settling at 14% in 2022. This shift, along with small increases in Hispanic and multi-racial populations, has contributed to the community's increasing diversity. The black population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 2-5% over the decade. The Hispanic population has shown a slight increase from 1% to 3%, while those identifying as two or more races have grown from 1% to 5%.
The demographic shifts have coincided with overall economic growth. The median income has risen from $110,653 in 2013 to $122,099 in 2022, an increase of about 10.3%. This growth suggests that the increasing diversity has not negatively impacted the community's economic prosperity. The peak median income of $130,214 in 2021 coincided with one of the most diverse years in terms of racial composition.
The population has grown steadily, from 24,871 in 2013 to 26,169 in 2022, an increase of about 5.2%. This growth, coupled with rising incomes, indicates that Burlington has remained an attractive destination for various racial groups, particularly Asian Americans.
Burlington's trends align with broader patterns observed in many suburban areas near major cities. The increasing diversity, particularly the growth in Asian and multi-racial populations, reflects national trends of suburban diversification. The high median income and its growth suggest that Burlington is likely an affluent suburb, possibly benefiting from proximity to the Boston metropolitan area.
Based on the observed trends, Burlington is likely to continue its trajectory towards greater diversity. If current trends persist, the community might transition fully into the "Moderate Diversity" category within the next 5-10 years. The white population may continue to decrease gradually, potentially dropping below 70%, while Asian, Hispanic, and multi-racial populations are likely to increase.
Economically, the area seems poised for continued prosperity. The correlation between increasing diversity and rising median incomes suggests that the community has successfully integrated new residents without economic disruption. This trend is likely to continue, potentially attracting more diverse, high-income professionals.
If the rate of diversification accelerates, Burlington could potentially transition into a "Transitional Community" category. This would be particularly likely if the growth rates of Asian, Hispanic, and multi-racial populations increase more rapidly in the coming years.
Burlington presents a picture of gradual, economically beneficial diversification. Its evolution from a predominantly white community to one of increasing diversity, while maintaining high income levels, suggests a positive model of demographic change that could be instructive for similar suburban areas across the United States.
