Roxbury, Boston, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
58,961
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,388/yr
7.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,655
0.6% year-over-year change

Roxbury population

How many people live in Roxbury

Roxbury is home to 58,961 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Roxbury locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
58,961
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
27,709
Female
53%
31,252
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,709 47% 1.2%
Female 31,252 53% 2.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Roxbury is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 15.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.7% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
15.8%
25 to 44
30.7%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,412 17.7% 2.8%
15 to 24 9,318 15.8% -1.6%
25 to 44 18,089 30.7% 4.9%
45 to 64 13,088 22.2% -0.4%
Over 65 8,053 13.7% 1.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Roxbury, 62% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 16.8% of locals are Caucasian, 40.9% are African American and 3.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 20.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
62%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.2%
Non-citizens
13.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,529 62% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,245 24.2% 5.1%
Non-citizens 8,186 13.9% 2.5%
Racial breakdown
White
16.8%
Black or African American
40.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
20.8%
Other
17.4%
Value Percent
White 9,880 16.8%
Black or African American 24,091 40.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 187 0.3%
Asian 2,234 3.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0%
Two or more races 12,292 20.8%
Other 10,272 17.4%

Households in Roxbury

A peek inside Roxbury households

Roxbury has 23,836 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.4% are families, while the remaining 45.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,836
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,871
Family households
12,966
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,871 45.6% -0.9%
Family households 12,966 54.4% 5.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Roxbury

The housing landscape of Roxbury

Roxbury's housing consists of 25,655 units, with 9.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,655
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,428 9.5%
1 unit, attached 2,447 9.5%
2 units 2,999 11.7%
3 or 4 units 8,114 31.6%
5 to 9 units 3,187 12.4%
10 to 19 units 2,417 9.4%
20 to 49 units 1,785 7%
50 or more units 2,160 8.4%
Mobile home 86 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 31 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
182
23.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Roxbury

In Roxbury, the median construction year is 1956. About 42.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,838 42.2% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,066 4.2% -27.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,877 7.3% -13.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,814 7.1% -14.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,138 8.3% -8.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,402 5.5% 11.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,803 7% 6.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,088 8.1% 25.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,447 9.5% 14.6%
Built in 2020 or later 182 0.7% 23.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Roxbury occupancy rates

Out of the 23,836 occupied housing units in Roxbury, 26.4% are owner-occupied, while 73.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,836
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
17,542
Owner occupied
6,295
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 17,542 73.6% 1.2%
Owner occupied 6,295 26.4% 5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Roxbury housing costs

Housing costs in Roxbury come to a median of $1,568 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,489.

Median housing costs per month
$1,568/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Roxbury
$1,489/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Roxbury

Roxbury education at a glance

About 35.5% of the population in Roxbury went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 16.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,671 10.2% 4.6%
High school diploma 16,349 35.5% -0.1%
College diploma 8,957 19.5% 0.4%
Associate degree 2,704 5.9% 3.9%
Bachelor's degree 7,649 16.6% -1.6%
Graduate degree 5,676 12.3% 8.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Roxbury

How much people earn in Roxbury

The average annual household income in Roxbury was $81,582 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,388, reflecting a +7.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Roxbury
$81,582/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Roxbury
$56,388/year
7.7% year-over-year change

Roxbury income by age

In Roxbury, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,988. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,580 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $57,118, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,008 in earnings. Overall, 75.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $57,118 9.7%
25 - 44 $87,988 20.0%
45 - 64 $53,580 8.9%
Over 65 $43,008 3.3%
Above poverty level
43,478
Below poverty level
13,936
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,478 75.7% 3.9%
Below poverty level 13,936 24.3% -4.7%

Employment in Roxbury

Workforce and job types in Roxbury

83.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 61.3% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
23,116
Blue collar
4,637
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,116 83.3% 1.5%
Blue collar 4,637 16.7% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
61.3%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,218 4.4% -5.8%
Private companies 17,007 61.3% -1.4%
Governmental workers 3,743 13.5% 2.7%
Not for profit companies 5,786 20.8% 13.5%

Transportation in Roxbury

How people get around in Roxbury

In Roxbury, the average commute time is 65 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 58.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
65 min
4.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,612 58.3% -5.2%
Taxicab 408 2% 50.0%
Bus or trolleybus 5,065 25.4% 4.8%
Railroad 253 1.3% 33.2%
Ferryboat 1 0% N/A
Motorcycle 2 0% N/A
Bicycle 773 3.9% 8.1%
Walk 1,818 9.1% 0.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Roxbury by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02119 27,377 11,920 $48,488 $80,323
02120 15,283 4,625 $64,289 $87,603
02121 29,040 10,760 $43,136 $78,031
02130 40,055 18,237 $131,551 $168,114

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FAQs about Roxbury demographics 

What is the total population of Roxbury?

Roxbury has a total population of 58,961 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Roxbury?

The gender ratio in Roxbury is as follows:
  • 47% males (27,709 residents)
  • 53% females (31,252 residents)

What is the median age in Roxbury?

The median age in Roxbury is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Roxbury?

The age distribution in Roxbury is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (10,412 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.8% (9,318 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.7% (18,089 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (13,088 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.7% (8,053 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Roxbury?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Roxbury is as follows:
  • White: 16.8% (9,880 residents)
  • Black or African American: 40.9% (24,091 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (187 residents)
  • Asian: 3.8% (2,234 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 20.8% (12,292 residents)
  • Other: 17.4% (10,272 residents)

What percentage of the population in Roxbury are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 62% of the population in Roxbury.

How many housing units are there in Roxbury?

There are 25,655 housing units in Roxbury, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Roxbury and what is the average household size?

Roxbury has a total of 23,836 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Roxbury?

Roxbury has a median household income of $56,388, representing a +7.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Roxbury?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.3% (23,116 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.7% (4,637 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (1,218 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.3% (17,007 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (3,743 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.8% (5,786 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025