JP’s population about the same as a year ago

Jamaica Plain’s population is statistically the same as it was a year ago, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, which has a significant margin of error. But the main U.S. Census, which is more accurate, showed that JP’s population has declined over the past decade and the new data’s numbers are lower as well.

JP population went from 37,468 residents in 2010 to an estimated 36,053 residents in 2011, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. But the 2011 population count was based on a survey that has a 5 percent margin of error. JP’s population in 2000 was 38,176.

Data from the 2010 U.S. Census and the 2007-2011 Census’s American Community Survey (ACS) was used for this article. ACS provides more detailed information, but with less accurate counts than the 10-year U.S. Census. ACS is based on surveys done during a five-year period.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) used the ACS to compile the 2007-2011 report, which came out in May. BRA spokesperson Melina Schuler said that there is a 5 percent margin of error with the population count. She said the BRA usually does a neighborhood specific report every year using the ACS data, which is released during the fall or winter months. BRA reports are typically released halfway through the year.

Seniors appears to be the people who are leaving JP. From 2010 to 2011, residents in the 65-years-and-older dropped from 4,007 to 3041. JP in 2000 had 4,542 residents in that bracket.

But young adults are still moving to JP, as the 20 to 34-years-old bracket jumped from 11,936 in 2010 to 12,262 in 2011. The children population of 14-years-old and younger dipped slightly, going from 5,359 to 5,127.

Other interesting facts gleaned from the 2007-2011 report:

  • 52 percent of JP residents are non-Hispanic white, with Latinos or Hispanics following at 24 percent. (In 2010, 63 percent of residents were non-Hispanic white, while 25 percent were Latinos or Hispanics.)
  • 77 percent of JPers were born in the United States or its territories, while 23 percent are foreign born.
  • The median family income in JP is about $84,000.
  • The median gross rent is $1,235.

 

For more information, visit bostonredevelopmentauthority.org.

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