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

Total population
153,563
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$96,737/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
68,255
0.8% year-over-year change

West Boston population

How many people live in West Boston

West Boston is home to 153,563 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of West Boston locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
153,563
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
72,202
Female
53%
81,361
Value Percent YoY change
Male 72,202 47% -1.2%
Female 81,361 53% -0.1%
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 West Boston is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.8% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
33.8%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 25,544 16.6% 0.3%
15 to 24 16,452 10.7% -7.4%
25 to 44 51,955 33.8% 0.4%
45 to 64 35,850 23.4% -1.6%
Over 65 23,761 15.5% 2.8%
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 West Boston, 70.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.3% of locals are Caucasian, 24.7% are African American and 5.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.2%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 107,902 70.3% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 31,090 20.2% 0.0%
Non-citizens 14,571 9.5% -4.2%
Racial breakdown
White
43.3%
Black or African American
24.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.4%
Other
11%
Value Percent
White 66,525 43.3%
Black or African American 37,994 24.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 460 0.3%
Asian 7,939 5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 63 0%
Two or more races 23,608 15.4%
Other 16,975 11%

Households in West Boston

A peek inside West Boston households

West Boston has 64,138 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.9% are families, while the remaining 45.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
64,138
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
28,927
Family households
35,210
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 28,927 45.1% 2.5%
Family households 35,210 54.9% 1.0%
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 West Boston

The housing landscape of West Boston

West Boston's housing consists of 68,255 units, with 23.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.1% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
68,255
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,204 23.7%
1 unit, attached 4,868 7.1%
2 units 9,679 14.2%
3 or 4 units 16,489 24.2%
5 to 9 units 6,403 9.4%
10 to 19 units 4,498 6.6%
20 to 49 units 4,233 6.2%
50 or more units 5,487 8%
Mobile home 328 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 66 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
576
40.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Boston

In West Boston, the median construction year is 1948. About 48.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 32,829 48.1% 3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,704 5.4% -9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,786 8.5% -6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,039 7.4% -11.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,560 6.7% -11.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,644 5.3% 4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,177 4.6% 1.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,003 5.9% 15.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,936 7.2% 16.0%
Built in 2020 or later 576 0.8% 40.8%
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.

West Boston occupancy rates

Out of the 64,138 occupied housing units in West Boston, 45% are owner-occupied, while 55% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
64,138
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
35,264
Owner occupied
28,873
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 35,264 55% 1.4%
Owner occupied 28,873 45% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
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.

West Boston housing costs

Housing costs in West Boston come to a median of $1,985 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,869.

Median housing costs per month
$1,985/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 West Boston
$1,869/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 West Boston

West Boston education at a glance

About 25% of the population in West Boston went to high school, while 13.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 23.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,534 6.1% -0.4%
High school diploma 30,763 25% -3.0%
College diploma 17,000 13.8% -4.5%
Associate degree 6,719 5.4% -1.4%
Bachelor's degree 29,267 23.8% -1.1%
Graduate degree 31,911 25.9% 4.5%
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 West Boston

How much people earn in West Boston

The average annual household income in West Boston was $132,803 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $96,737, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Boston
$132,803/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Boston
$96,737/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

West Boston income by age

In West Boston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $112,155. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,231 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $54,107, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,366 in earnings. Overall, 85.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $54,107 14.0%
25 - 44 $112,155 3.3%
45 - 64 $104,231 -3.2%
Over 65 $65,366 -2.4%
Above poverty level
128,007
Below poverty level
21,623
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 128,007 85.6% 0.1%
Below poverty level 21,623 14.4% -5.6%

Employment in West Boston

Workforce and job types in West Boston

89.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 53.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
74,057
Blue collar
8,769
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 74,057 89.4% -1.2%
Blue collar 8,769 10.6% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
53.9%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
24.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,702 6.9% -3.2%
Private companies 44,623 53.9% -3.6%
Governmental workers 12,179 14.7% 1.3%
Not for profit companies 20,322 24.5% 3.5%

Transportation in West Boston

How people get around in West Boston

In West Boston, the average commute time is 158 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 69.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
158 min
1.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 37,704 69.6% -5.1%
Taxicab 610 1.1% 61.8%
Bus or trolleybus 7,734 14.3% -0.5%
Railroad 1,533 2.8% -4.6%
Ferryboat 25 0% N/A
Motorcycle 14 0% 600.0%
Bicycle 2,244 4.1% -7.2%
Walk 4,285 7.9% -2.0%
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 West Boston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02131 31,151 12,694 $111,006 $146,819
02132 26,444 11,107 $138,724 $179,925
02136 37,265 13,719 $96,737 $116,121
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 West Boston demographics 

What is the total population of West Boston?

West Boston has a total population of 153,563 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Boston?

The gender ratio in West Boston is as follows:
  • 47% males (72,202 residents)
  • 53% females (81,361 residents)

What is the median age in West Boston?

The median age in West Boston is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Boston?

The age distribution in West Boston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (25,544 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (16,452 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.8% (51,955 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (35,850 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.5% (23,761 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Boston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Boston is as follows:
  • White: 43.3% (66,525 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.7% (37,994 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (460 residents)
  • Asian: 5.2% (7,939 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (63 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.4% (23,608 residents)
  • Other: 11% (16,975 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.3% of the population in West Boston.

How many housing units are there in West Boston?

There are 68,255 housing units in West Boston, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Boston has a total of 64,138 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Boston?

West Boston has a median household income of $96,737, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West Boston?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.4% (74,057 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.6% (8,769 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (5,702 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.9% (44,623 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (12,179 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 24.5% (20,322 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