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Demographic Shifts in Nonantum: Analysis of Racial Composition and Economic Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Nonantum, a neighborhood in Newton, Massachusetts, exhibits a White Majority demographic composition with moderate diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 70% of the community, with Asian (13%) and Black (5%) populations. The neighborhood has experienced population growth over the past decade, reaching 13,034 residents in 2022. Economically, Nonantum has a median income of $113,491 in 2022, reflecting its status as an affluent suburb of Boston. Nonantum is known locally as "The Lake," a nickname derived from its proximity to the Charles River and its historical significance as a hub for Italian-American immigrants.
Over the past decade, Nonantum has undergone a transition from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood exhibited a Low Diversity profile with the white population at 75%. By 2022, this percentage decreased to 70%, while other racial groups, particularly Asian and Black populations, saw increases. This shift indicates a trend towards greater diversity, though the community still maintains a White Majority status.
The Asian population has shown growth, increasing from 11% in 2013 to 16% in 2021, before declining to 13% in 2022. The Black population has increased from 3% to 5% over the decade. These changes suggest that Nonantum is becoming a more diverse community, at a gradual pace.
The demographic shifts in Nonantum have occurred alongside economic growth. The median income has risen from $99,991 in 2013 to $113,491 in 2022, representing a 13.5% increase over the decade. This economic prosperity has likely contributed to the neighborhood's ability to attract a more diverse population, particularly highly skilled professionals from various ethnic backgrounds.
The population growth from 11,125 in 2013 to 13,034 in 2022 (a 17.2% increase) underscores the neighborhood's attractiveness. This growth, combined with rising incomes, suggests that Nonantum has become an increasingly desirable location for diverse, affluent families and individuals.
The trends observed in Nonantum align with broader patterns seen in many affluent suburbs of major metropolitan areas across the United States. The gradual increase in diversity, particularly among Asian and Black populations, reflects national trends of increasing suburban diversity. Nonantum's changes are more modest compared to some rapidly diversifying suburbs, likely due to its already high property values and established community character.
The economic growth in Nonantum outpaces national averages, with its median income significantly higher than the U.S. median household income. This economic strength has likely buffered the neighborhood against rapid demographic changes, allowing for a more gradual transition towards greater diversity.
Nonantum represents a community in transition, moving from Low Diversity to Moderate Diversity while maintaining its status as an affluent, predominantly white neighborhood. The gradual nature of these changes suggests a stable community that is slowly becoming more inclusive, driven by economic prosperity and its desirable location near Boston. As this trend continues, Nonantum may eventually evolve into a High Diversity community, but this transition is likely to occur over an extended period, barring any significant external factors that could accelerate demographic shifts.
