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Demographic Shifts in Hillside, Albany: Asian Plurality and Racial Composition Changes
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Hillside neighborhood in Albany, California, exhibits a Moderate Diversity profile as of 2022. Asian (43%) and White (34%) populations form the two largest racial groups. The neighborhood has undergone demographic shifts over the past decade, transitioning from a balanced racial composition to one with a stronger Asian plurality. Hillside has maintained a high median income, reaching $98,091 in 2022, above the national average. The community is known for its schools and proximity to the University of California, Berkeley.
In 2013, Hillside displayed a balanced racial composition, with equal percentages (38%) of Asian and White residents, categorized as High Diversity. Over the decade, the neighborhood transitioned to Moderate Diversity with an Asian Plurality. The Asian population grew from 38% in 2013 to a peak of 50% in 2018, before stabilizing around 43-48% in recent years. The White population declined from 38% to 34%, while the Hispanic population increased slightly from 12% to 13%.
The demographic shifts correlate with economic changes. Median income rose from $85,143 in 2013 to $98,091 in 2022, a 15.2% increase. The most substantial income increase occurred between 2018 and 2019, rising from $83,693 to $100,803, coinciding with the period of highest Asian population percentage. Population growth was modest but steady, increasing from 3,772 in 2013 to 4,522 in 2022.
The rising median income aligns with the growing Asian plurality, potentially reflecting an influx of highly educated professionals in tech and academic fields. This trend could also indicate gentrification processes, possibly displacing some lower-income residents over time.
The demographic shifts in Hillside mirror broader trends in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Asian populations have been growing, particularly in suburban communities with strong school systems. The economic growth in Hillside outpaces national averages, with its median income consistently above the U.S. median. This suggests that Hillside remains an attractive location for high-earning professionals.
The neighborhood's evolution from High Diversity to Moderate Diversity with Asian Plurality reflects patterns in similar college-adjacent, high-income suburbs across California and other tech hubs. The retention of significant White and Hispanic populations indicates that Hillside has maintained some level of diversity despite these shifts.
Hillside's demographic and economic evolution over the past decade showcases a community in transition, moving towards a more affluent, Asian-plurality neighborhood while maintaining elements of its diverse character. These changes likely affect local culture, school dynamics, and housing affordability.
