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Demographic Trends in Westridge: A Study of Racial Composition and Affluence
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Westridge, a neighborhood in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is classified as a Low Diversity community with a White Majority as of 2022. The neighborhood has a population of 725 and 278 estimated housing units. Westridge is an affluent area with a median income of $144,353 in 2022. Lake Oswego is known for its high-quality public schools and location near the Willamette River.
Over the past decade, Westridge has experienced a demographic transition. In 2013, the neighborhood was categorized as Low Diversity with a 91% White Majority. By 2022, the White Majority decreased to 73%, while diversity increased. The Asian population grew from 2% in 2013 to 11% in 2022. The Hispanic population increased from 1% to 5%, and those identifying as two or more races rose from 5% to 10%. These changes indicate a trend towards Moderate Diversity.
The demographic shifts in Westridge have occurred alongside economic changes. The median income increased from $134,712 in 2013 to $200,000 in 2021, before decreasing to $144,353 in 2022. This overall upward trend in income correlates with the increasing diversity, suggesting that affluent individuals from various racial backgrounds are moving to the neighborhood.
The population of Westridge grew from 565 in 2013 to 725 in 2022, indicating steady demand for housing in the area. This growth, combined with rising incomes, likely reflects the neighborhood's increasing desirability and possible construction of new, high-end housing units.
The trends observed in Westridge align with patterns seen in many affluent suburbs across the United States. As cities become more diverse, surrounding suburban areas often follow suit at a slower pace. The increase in Asian residents mirrors trends seen in other high-income, education-focused communities, especially those near tech hubs or prestigious universities.
The extreme affluence of Westridge, with median incomes reaching $200,000, distinguishes it from many other diversifying suburbs. This level of wealth suggests that the increasing diversity is primarily driven by high-income professionals from various racial backgrounds rather than a broader socioeconomic mix.
The decrease in median income from 2021 to 2022 is notable and could be related to broader economic factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic or changes in the local job market. It will be important to monitor whether this is a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a new trend.
Westridge remains a predominantly White, affluent neighborhood, but is showing signs of transitioning towards greater diversity. This shift, coupled with consistently high incomes, suggests that the neighborhood is evolving while maintaining its status as a desirable, high-end residential area. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these trends continue, potentially leading to a more diverse community, or whether the area will stabilize in its current demographic composition.
