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Demographic Stability and Economic Growth in West Barnstable: A Study of Racial Composition
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
West Barnstable, a neighborhood in Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, exhibits a Low Diversity demographic profile with a White Majority. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a population of 3,931 and a median income of $97,466. West Barnstable is known for its historic charm, including the 1717 Meetinghouse, one of the oldest Congregational churches in America, reflecting the area's New England heritage.
Throughout the analyzed period (2013-2022), West Barnstable has maintained its status as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority. The white population has remained above 95% throughout this period, with minimal fluctuations. There have been slight increases in diversity, particularly in the Black and Hispanic populations, but these changes have not altered the overall demographic categorization of the neighborhood.
From 2013 to 2016, the community was almost entirely white (97-99%), with a small percentage (1-2%) identifying as two or more races. Between 2017 and 2021, a slight increase in diversity occurred, with the introduction of a small Black population (2%) and a minimal Hispanic presence (1% by 2020). In 2022, the Hispanic population increased slightly to 2%, while the Black population decreased to 0%, maintaining the overall Low Diversity classification.
The median income in West Barnstable has shown an overall upward trend, with some fluctuations. From 2013 to 2019, there was a steady increase from $92,427 to $105,429, indicating growing prosperity. In 2020-2021, there was a sharp increase to $119,140 in 2021, possibly due to pandemic-related factors or demographic shifts. In 2022, there was a decrease to $97,466, which, while lower than the peak, still represents an increase from the 2013 figure. These economic trends suggest that despite minimal racial demographic changes, the neighborhood has experienced overall economic growth.
West Barnstable's demographic stability contrasts with national trends towards increasing diversity. While many urban and suburban areas across the U.S. have seen significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity over the past decade, West Barnstable has maintained its homogeneous composition. The neighborhood's economic trajectory aligns more closely with national trends of increasing median incomes, especially in predominantly white, suburban areas. The median income in West Barnstable consistently exceeds the national average, reflecting its status as an affluent community.
The minimal demographic changes in West Barnstable, coupled with its economic stability and growth, suggest a community that has remained relatively insulated from broader demographic shifts occurring in many parts of the country. This stability may be attributed to factors such as limited housing development, high property values, or cultural factors that have maintained the area's traditional demographic composition.
In conclusion, West Barnstable presents a picture of demographic stability and economic prosperity, maintaining its character as a Low Diversity, White Majority community with a high median income. While subtle shifts towards increased diversity are observable, they have not significantly altered the neighborhood's overall demographic profile over the past decade.
