Immigrant Population in Boston Verses Durham

According to data provided by DATA USA, Boston, Massachusetts has nearly 15% more foreign born residents than in Durham, North Carolina. In Boston, the immigrant population remained consistent at 27.9%, and grew 0.2% in Durham. While Durham does have a slow increase, Boston isn’t the city in the state with the highest number of immigrants, but rather Suffolk County is. Durham on the other hand holds the spot for the highest number of immigrants in North Carolina despite only having 14.4% of immigrants residing.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Boston is the epicenter of many prestigious universities and colleges, while Durham holds Duke University, a highly regarded Ivy League.The median age for immigrants in Boston and Durham are roughly the same, although the crowd in Boston seem to be slightly younger with the median age being 32, while Durham’s medium age is 34, both cities peaked in the 25-34 age range. Several foregin born people come to the United States to study, get a job, or provide a bright future for their future children. 25-34 is the age range when people start to think seriously about their future. Do they want kids? Where do they want to raise them? What kind of job do they want? Due to the stress many young adults may feel during the unprecedented time, they may feel rushed and inclined to leave all they have ever known for a new opportunity for them and maybe their kids. 

This could also give reason as to why Boston holds more immigrants than Durham, since even though Boston is still several hundred miles away, it is much closer in proximity to Asia thus, the immigrant population with the highest number of people in Boston is China. Boston is rich with history and culture. Although Boston doesn’t have a great history with how they handled immigrants in the past and we still have a lot to learn, overall Boston is a place where people can connect with their roots and culture.