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Demographic Shifts in San Marino's Upper East Side: Asian Majority and High Income Levels
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Upper East Side neighborhood of San Marino, California, exhibits a distinct demographic profile characterized by an Asian majority and high median income levels. As of 2022, the neighborhood is classified as "Low Diversity" with Asians comprising 77% of the population. This affluent area is home to the California Institute of Technology and the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, contributing to its reputation as a center of education and culture.
Over the past decade, the Upper East Side has experienced a significant transformation in its racial composition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as "Moderate Diversity" with a substantial Asian plurality (65%) and a significant White population (23%). By 2018, it had transitioned to an "Asian Majority" status, with the Asian population reaching 78%. This demographic shift has persisted through 2022, cementing the neighborhood's status as a "Low Diversity" area dominated by Asian residents.
The Hispanic and White populations have experienced notable declines, with the White population decreasing from 23% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. This trend suggests a "Transitional Community" dynamic, where the Asian population has steadily increased while other groups have decreased.
The demographic shifts in the Upper East Side have been accompanied by significant fluctuations in median income. From 2013 to 2019, there was a substantial increase in median income, rising from $137,306 to $173,071, coinciding with the growing Asian majority. However, there was a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021, before rebounding slightly in 2022 to $129,161. The population has remained relatively stable over this period, hovering around 1,800-2,000 residents, suggesting that the demographic changes are more likely due to in-migration and out-migration rather than natural population growth.
The trend of increasing Asian populations in affluent suburbs is not unique to San Marino's Upper East Side. Similar patterns have been observed in other high-income areas across California and the United States, particularly in tech-centric regions. This shift often correlates with high educational attainment and professional success in STEM fields.
The extreme wealth of this neighborhood, even with recent declines, far surpasses both state and national median income levels. In 2022, California's median household income was around $84,907, while the US median was approximately $70,784, making San Marino's Upper East Side a standout in terms of affluence.
The low diversity and high concentration of Asian residents in this wealthy enclave raise questions about economic segregation and the factors driving such demographic consolidation. It may reflect broader trends of income inequality and the clustering of high-achieving immigrant communities in specific geographic areas.
This analysis reveals a neighborhood that has undergone significant racial homogenization over the past decade, coupled with dramatic economic fluctuations. These changes reflect broader patterns of demographic shifts in affluent American suburbs but are notable for their intensity and the extreme wealth levels maintained throughout the period.
