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Zip Code 02138 in 2022: Zip Code with the most stable population density in Cambridge, Massachusetts
CATEGORY
Top Regions
DATA
Population Density
DATA SOURCE
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Properties (LIHTC)
United States Census Bureau: American Community Survey Data (ACS)
Zillow: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
Zip code 02138, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has emerged as the area with the most stable population density over the past decade. This distinction is particularly noteworthy given the dynamic nature of urban demographics and the various factors that can influence population trends. As we delve into the data for 2022, we'll explore the characteristics that have contributed to this stability and examine related factors that may have played a role in maintaining this consistent population density.
The population density of zip code 02138 in 2022 stood at 12,046.60 people per square mile, reflecting a remarkable stability when compared to the figures from previous years. This stability is evident when we look at the historical data, which shows only minor fluctuations in population density over the past decade. For instance, in 2013, the population density was 11,305.83 people per square mile, and it has remained within a relatively narrow range since then, never deviating drastically from this baseline.
To fully appreciate the stability of population density in zip code 02138, it's important to examine the underlying population figures. In 2022, the population of this zip code was 37,224, which is notably close to the 2013 figure of 34,935. This represents a modest increase of about 6.5% over a nine-year period, indicating a gradual and controlled population growth that has contributed to the stable density.
The stability in population density is particularly interesting when considered alongside other demographic and economic factors in zip code 02138. For instance, the median income in this area has shown a general upward trend, rising from $92,320 in 2013 to $107,406 in 2022. This increase in median income, while significant, has not led to dramatic shifts in population density, suggesting a balanced approach to urban development and housing in the area.
Housing trends in zip code 02138 also provide context for the stable population density. The percentage of owner-occupied housing has remained relatively consistent, fluctuating between 38% and 41% over the past decade. In 2022, it stood at 39.98%, very close to the 2013 figure of 39.23%. This stability in homeownership rates may have contributed to the overall population density stability by preventing rapid turnover or dramatic shifts in housing occupancy.
The racial composition of zip code 02138 has seen some changes over the years, which could have implications for population density. The white population has decreased slightly from 70.15% in 2013 to 62.29% in 2022, while the Asian population has increased from 12.40% to 17.50% over the same period. Despite these demographic shifts, the overall population density has remained stable, suggesting that the area has been able to accommodate changes in its ethnic makeup without significant impacts on overall density.
Another factor that may have contributed to the stable population density is the balance between employment and population. The employment-to-population ratio has remained relatively steady, ranging from 0.591 in 2013 to 0.605 in 2022. This consistent employment rate could have helped maintain a stable resident population by providing ongoing job opportunities within the zip code.
In conclusion, zip code 02138 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has demonstrated remarkable stability in its population density over the past decade. This stability is the result of a complex interplay of factors, including controlled population growth, consistent homeownership rates, and steady employment opportunities. Despite changes in median income and racial composition, the area has managed to maintain a balanced approach to urban development, resulting in a population density that has remained largely unchanged. This stability in the face of various demographic and economic shifts makes zip code 02138 a unique case study in urban population dynamics and community resilience.
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