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Demographic Transition in Pawtucketville: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Pawtucketville, a neighborhood in Lowell, Massachusetts, is characterized as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the white population comprises 63% of the neighborhood, with Asian (15%), Hispanic (13%), and Black (7%) communities representing significant minorities. The median income in 2022 was $75,377. Pawtucketville is home to the University of Massachusetts Lowell's North Campus.
Over the past decade, Pawtucketville has transitioned from a Low Diversity to a Moderate Diversity community. In 2013, 73% of the population identified as white, decreasing to 63% by 2022. During this period, the Asian population increased from 11% to 15%, the Hispanic community from 10% to 13%, and the Black population from 3% to 7%. This shift indicates a Transitional Community moving towards greater diversity.
The demographic changes have coincided with an increase in median income. From 2013 to 2022, the median income rose from $70,886 to $75,377, peaking at $79,288 in 2021. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between approximately 21,000 and 23,500 residents over the decade.
The trends in Pawtucketville align with national patterns of increasing diversity in suburban and college-town areas. The presence of the University of Massachusetts Lowell likely contributes to the growing Asian population, reflecting increased international student enrollment and retention of skilled graduates in university towns.
Pawtucketville's economic growth outpaces the national average. The median household income in the United States rose from about $52,000 in 2013 to $70,000 in 2022, suggesting that Pawtucketville is becoming an increasingly desirable location within the Lowell area.
The gradual nature of these changes indicates a managed transition rather than rapid gentrification, allowing for organic integration of diverse communities. Monitoring housing affordability will be important to ensure long-term residents are not displaced by rising costs associated with the area's increasing desirability.
Pawtucketville exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly white, low-diversity area to a more diverse, economically robust community. The university appears to be a key factor in driving this change, attracting a diverse, educated population and contributing to economic growth. Maintaining a balance between growth and inclusivity will be crucial for the neighborhood's long-term sustainability and community cohesion.
