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Newton Highlands: A Low Diversity Neighborhood with White Majority and High Median Income
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Newton Highlands, a neighborhood in Newton, Massachusetts, exhibits low diversity with a white majority. As of 2022, the white population constitutes 80% of the neighborhood, classifying it as a "Low Diversity" area. Newton Highlands has a notably high median income of $190,111 in 2022, positioning it among the most affluent neighborhoods in the nation.
Over the past decade, Newton Highlands has maintained its status as a "Low Diversity" area with a strong "White Majority." The Asian population decreased from 16% in 2013 to 10% in 2022. The Black population increased from 1% to 2% between 2013 and 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 4-5% throughout the decade. These changes suggest a slight trend towards increased representation of Black and Hispanic residents, offset by a decrease in the Asian population.
The economic trajectory of Newton Highlands has shown steady growth. Median income increased from $165,467 in 2013 to $190,111 in 2022, a rise of approximately 15% over the decade. This income growth occurred alongside relatively stable population figures, with the population remaining around 9,000 throughout most of the period.
The consistent increase in median income, combined with the stable racial composition, indicates that the neighborhood has become increasingly affluent while maintaining its demographic character. This suggests that the area may be becoming more exclusive, potentially limiting access for more diverse populations and reinforcing its status as a predominantly white, high-income enclave.
Newton Highlands' demographic and economic trends differ from many national trends. While many urban areas in the U.S. have experienced increasing diversity over the past decade, Newton Highlands has maintained its low diversity status. The neighborhood's median income is significantly higher than the national median and has grown at a faster rate. The stability of the racial composition in Newton Highlands contrasts with trends in many affluent suburbs, which have often seen increases in Asian populations.
These factors indicate that Newton Highlands represents a specific type of wealthy, established suburb that has largely resisted broader demographic shifts observed in many other parts of the country. The combination of extremely high incomes and low diversity raises questions about access, affordability, and potential barriers to entry for more diverse populations. As the neighborhood continues to grow in affluence, it may face challenges related to inclusivity and socioeconomic diversity in the future.
