Massachusetts Towns Ranked by Overall Diversity: From Homogeneous Suburbs to Multicultural Hubs (2025)
Lawrence is 82% Hispanic, Dover is 89% white. This comprehensive ranking of all 248 Massachusetts municipalities by racial and ethnic diversity reveals where multicultural communities thrive, where demographic homogeneity persists, and why diversity matters for community character, school quality, and economic opportunity.
Massachusetts exhibits extreme diversity sorting: Gateway Cities like Lawrence (82% Hispanic), Chelsea (67% Hispanic), and Holyoke (52% Hispanic) anchor the diverse end, while affluent suburbs like Dover (89% white), Weston (87% white), and Carlisle (85% white) anchor the homogeneous end. This analysis ranks all 248 Massachusetts places by overall diversity using Simpson's Diversity Index calculated from Census ACS 2022 5-year race/ethnicity data, revealing where multicultural communities thrive and where demographic homogeneity persists.
Why Overall Diversity Matters
- Multicultural experiences and perspectives
- Varied restaurants, festivals, and cultural events
- Broader social networks and connections
- Different languages and traditions
- Economic opportunity across demographic groups
Diversity measured by: Simpson's Diversity Index (0-100 scale), calculated from Census race/ethnicity data. Higher scores = more diverse communities.
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022 5-year estimates (2018-2022), Table B03002 (Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race). All 248 Massachusetts municipalities included.
🌈The Most Diverse Towns: Multicultural Gateway Cities
Massachusetts's most diverse communities are Gateway Cities with large immigrant populations, particularly Hispanic/Latino communities. These towns have: - High foreign-born populations (20-40%) - Multiple racial/ethnic groups represented - Strong cultural institutions and community organizations - Varied economic opportunities across demographics - Growing school enrollment (young families)
Gateway City pattern: Working-class cities with large immigrant populations create highly diverse communities. These towns have: - Strong Hispanic/Latino communities (40-80%) - Growing Asian populations (5-15%) - Established Black communities (5-15%) - White populations declining (10-30%) - High foreign-born percentages (25-40%)
🏘️The Least Diverse Towns: Homogeneous Affluent Suburbs
Massachusetts's least diverse communities are affluent suburbs with predominantly white populations. These towns have: - 85-90% white populations - Low foreign-born percentages (5-15%) - Established, stable demographics - High property values and school quality - Limited racial/ethnic diversity
| Town | White % | Hispanic % | Asian % | Black % | Diversity Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 89% | 2% | 5% | 1% | Low |
| Weston | 87% | 3% | 7% | 2% | Low |
| Carlisle | 85% | 2% | 8% | 1% | Low |
| Sherborn | 88% | 2% | 6% | 1% | Low |
| Lincoln | 84% | 3% | 9% | 2% | Low |
Affluent suburb pattern: Elite suburbs maintain demographic homogeneity through: - High property prices (economic filtering) - Established community character (generational stability) - Strong school systems (attracting similar demographics) - Limited affordable housing (reducing diversity)
📊Diversity Index Methodology
Diversity is measured using Simpson's Diversity Index, calculated as: 1 - Σ(pi²) Where pi is the proportion of each racial/ethnic group. The index ranges from: - 0 = No diversity (100% one group) - 1 = Maximum diversity (equal representation of all groups) Converted to 0-100 scale for easier interpretation. Higher scores = more diverse communities.
How to Use These Rankings
For Moderate Diversity: Target towns with diversity index 30-60. These have some diversity while maintaining established community character.
For Low Diversity Preference: Target towns with diversity index 0-30. These maintain demographic homogeneity and established community traditions.
Note: Diversity is one factor among many. Consider school quality, affordability, commute, and other priorities when choosing a town.
🔗Related Analysis
This ranking complements our other demographic analyses: - Massachusetts Demographic Sorting 2000-2024: How education, age, and class migration reshaped communities - Massachusetts Median Age Rankings: Towns ranked by median age - Massachusetts Non-Foreign Diversity Rankings: US-born population diversity - Massachusetts Foreign-Born Diversity Rankings: Origin diversity of foreign-born residents
Data Methodology
Table: B03002 (Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race)
Coverage: All 248 Massachusetts places (cities, towns, CDPs)
Diversity Index: Simpson's Diversity Index (1 - Σ(pi²)) converted to 0-100 scale
Data Quality: 5-year estimates provide higher reliability than 1-year estimates, especially for small municipalities.
Last Updated: November 2025
Need Custom Analysis?
Want deeper insights for a specific property or neighborhood? Get a custom research report tailored to your needs—from individual property analysis to comprehensive market overviews.
Request Custom Analysis