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Demographic Transition and Racial Composition in South of Main Neighborhood, Marlborough, Massachusetts
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The South of Main neighborhood in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has undergone a demographic transition from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity between 2013 and 2022. As of 2022, the neighborhood exhibits a White plurality (54%) with a significant Hispanic representation (34%). This change in demographic composition has occurred alongside fluctuations in economic status over the past decade.
The demographic shift in South of Main has been significant. In 2013, the area was categorized as White Majority with 57% of the population identifying as white. By 2016, it had transitioned to a Majority-Minority status, with the white population decreasing to 48% and the Hispanic population increasing to 40%. From 2017 to 2022, the neighborhood has maintained a Moderate Diversity status, with white and Hispanic populations as the two dominant groups.
Economic trends in South of Main have shown a general downward trajectory over the past decade, potentially correlating with the shift towards greater diversity. The median income peaked at $68,461 in 2013 when the area was still a White Majority community. As the neighborhood transitioned to Moderate Diversity, the median income decreased, reaching a low of $54,886 in 2016. As of 2022, the median income stands at $56,909, indicating some recovery but not returning to 2013 levels.
Population figures in South of Main have remained relatively stable, with some fluctuations. The population grew from 1,470 in 2010 to a peak of 2,145 in 2016, coinciding with the period of greatest demographic change. Since then, it has stabilized around 1,900 residents, suggesting the neighborhood has reached a certain equilibrium in terms of its capacity and attractiveness to various demographic groups.
The demographic changes observed in South of Main reflect broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The increase in Hispanic population aligns with national trends of growing Hispanic communities in various parts of the country. However, the decrease in median income contrasts with the general trend of income growth seen in many areas during the economic recovery following the 2008 recession.
The neighborhood's transition to Moderate Diversity is indicative of changing patterns of settlement and integration in smaller cities. While larger metropolitan areas often lead in diversity metrics, the shifts seen in South of Main suggest that smaller cities like Marlborough are also experiencing significant demographic changes, potentially driven by factors such as more affordable housing or emerging job markets attractive to diverse populations.
South of Main has undergone a notable transformation over the past decade, shifting from a White Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. This change has been accompanied by economic fluctuations, particularly in median income. These trends reflect both local dynamics and broader national patterns of demographic and economic change in urban and suburban areas.
