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Forestdale, Malden: Demographic Transition from White Majority to Increasing Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Forestdale, a neighborhood in Malden, Massachusetts, currently presents as a White Majority community with Moderate Diversity. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 53% of the total, with significant Asian (17%) and Black (11%) populations. The neighborhood has experienced notable demographic shifts over the past decade, alongside fluctuations in median income. Forestdale is known for its proximity to the Middlesex Fells Reservation, a vast woodland area that provides residents with recreational opportunities and natural beauty, potentially influencing the neighborhood's appeal and demographics.
Over the past decade, Forestdale has undergone a transition from a more homogeneous White Majority community to one with increasing diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood was firmly in the White Majority category with 57% of the population identifying as white. However, by 2021, this percentage had decreased to 51%, just barely maintaining the White Majority status. The community briefly entered the Majority-Minority category in 2017 and 2018 when the white population dipped to 51%, with the combined minority populations exceeding 50%.
The most significant changes occurred in the Asian and Black populations. The Asian population grew from 14% in 2013 to 17% in 2022, while the Black population increased from 10% to 15% at its peak in 2021, before slightly decreasing to 11% in 2022. The Hispanic population also saw steady growth, doubling from 5% in 2014 to 10% in 2022. These shifts indicate a trend towards a Transitional Community, with increasing representation from various racial groups. The growth in the 'two or more races' category from 1% in 2013 to 8% in 2022 further supports this trend towards greater diversity.
The median income in Forestdale has shown an overall upward trend, albeit with some fluctuations. From $67,235 in 2013, it rose to a peak of $90,204 in 2021, before dropping to $68,937 in 2022. This general increase in median income correlates with the increasing diversity of the neighborhood, suggesting that the area may be attracting a more diverse, affluent population. The population has remained relatively stable over the decade, fluctuating between about 9,300 and 10,700 residents. This stability, combined with increasing diversity and rising incomes, might indicate that Forestdale is becoming an increasingly desirable neighborhood for a variety of demographic groups.
The demographic shifts observed in Forestdale align with broader trends seen in many urban and suburban areas across the United States. The increase in diversity, particularly the growth of Asian and Hispanic populations, reflects national demographic trends. The rise in median income, despite some recent volatility, is also consistent with economic recovery and growth patterns observed in many parts of the country following the 2008 recession. However, the sudden drop in median income from 2021 to 2022 is notable and may reflect broader economic challenges or local factors that would require further investigation to fully understand.
Forestdale exemplifies a community in transition, moving from a predominantly White Majority area to one of increasing diversity. This shift, coupled with overall economic growth, suggests a neighborhood that is evolving and potentially becoming more attractive to a wider range of residents. The challenge moving forward will be to maintain this positive trajectory while ensuring that the benefits of these changes are equitably distributed among all community members.
