Lawrence

by The Linguist

Lawrence, Massachusetts by Population

Lawrence, Massachusetts

Lawrence is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States located on the Merrimack River. As of the 2020 census, the city had an estimated population of 80,997, making it the second largest city in Essex County. Lawrence has seen its population decline over the past few decades from a peak of over 80,000 residents in the 1950s.

Demographics and Population

According to the 2020 US Census, Lawrence had a population of 80,997 residents. This is a decrease from 2010 when the population was counted at 76,377 residents. The city saw its peak population in the 1950s when there were over 80,000 residents fueled by a booming textile and manufacturing industry. Since then, the population has slowly declined as those industries left the area.

The racial makeup of Lawrence is predominantly Hispanic or Latino. About 73.8% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race. This gives Lawrence one of the highest percentages of Hispanic/Latino residents in the state of Massachusetts. The city also has sizable populations of white residents at 15.7%, African American residents at 7.3%, and Asian residents at 2.6%.

Over 35% of the population is under the age of 24, giving Lawrence a very youthful population compared to state and national averages. The median age in Lawrence is only 28 compared to 39 for Massachusetts as a whole.

Lawrence is considered part of the Greater Lawrence area which includes neighboring towns such as Methuen, Andover, North Andover, and Haverhill. The estimated population for the entire metro area is over 200,000 residents.

History and Economy

Lawrence was founded in 1845 and quickly became a center of textile and wool production. Canals and mills were built along the Merrimack River to harness the water power needed for factories. Immigrants came from places like Ireland, Quebec, Germany, Poland, and Italy to work in the booming textile mills and Lawrence became an industrial force by the early 1900s.

However, the textile industry started declining after World War II. As companies began moving manufacturing overseas where costs were cheaper, Lawrence saw many of its mills shut down. The city fell into economic decline and has struggled to rebuild its economy around new industries ever since.

Today, Lawrenceseeks to attract high-tech manufacturing, biotechnology, and other innovative industries to the area. Major employers in Lawrence now include General Electric, New Balance, Malden Mills, appropriately named technology company Lawrence General Hospital, Rivera Memorial Health Center, Lawrence Public Schools, and the city government. However, the unemployment rate remains higher than state and national averages.

Attractions and Local Culture

Despite its economic struggles, Lawrence retains much of its historic architecture and charm as a former mill town. Many red brick mill buildings have been converted into apartments or commercial spaces. Lawrence is also home to several attractions:

  • The Lawrence Heritage State Park preserves the industrial history of Lawrence, including the Great Stone Dam and portions of the 19th century mill complexes.
  • The Lawrence ArtsDistrict downtown features art studios, shops, performance venues, and cultural attractions in beautifully restored historic buildings.
  • Popular events like the Festival of the Tunes, Semana Hispana, and Bread and Roses Heritage Festival celebrate the city’s musical heritage and cultural diversity.

Lawrence is also home to Merrimack College’s hockey team and the Lawrence Boxing Club; two sources of local pride. The city’s unique culture has also produced famous talents like comedian Steven Wright.

Government

Lawrence uses the council-manager form of government. The city council is made up of 9 members elected to two year terms. The city council appoints a city manager who oversees day-to-day operations. The current city manager is Olivia Glenn.

The city’s official website provides information and services for residents. Lawrence is the county seat for Essex County and houses a historic county courthouse.

The Future

While Lawrence faces socioeconomic challenges including poverty and crime rates, the resilient city continues working to improve itself. Major initiatives like the Lawrence Partnership bring together community organizations, businesses, and government to spur economic growth. With its diverse population, wealth of historic architecture, and determined spirit, Lawrence’s future remains full of promise.