Acton, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,930
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$131,588/yr
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,500
3.8% year-over-year change

Acton population

How many people live in Acton

Acton is home to 23,930 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Acton locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
23,930
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
11,456
Female
52.1%
12,474
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,456 47.9% -1.9%
Female 12,474 52.1% 2.4%
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 Acton is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.9% of the population, while another 31.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
52
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
21.9%
45 to 64
31.4%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,915 16.4% -8.1%
15 to 24 3,057 12.8% 1.7%
25 to 44 5,237 21.9% 0.8%
45 to 64 7,520 31.4% -0.1%
Over 65 4,201 17.6% 8.9%
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 Acton, 68.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59% of locals are Caucasian, 4.7% are African American and 25.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17%
Non-citizens
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,470 68.8% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,068 17% 4.6%
Non-citizens 3,392 14.2% -2.1%
Racial breakdown
White
59%
Black or African American
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
25.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 14,126 59%
Black or African American 1,135 4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 6,171 25.8%
Two or more races 2,004 8.4%
Other 489 2%

Households in Acton

A peek inside Acton households

Acton has 9,334 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.6% are families, while the remaining 29.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,334
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,743
Family households
6,591
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,743 29.4% 17.3%
Family households 6,591 70.6% -1.6%
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 Acton

The housing landscape of Acton

Acton's housing consists of 9,500 units, with 63% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
9,500
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,986 63%
1 unit, attached 790 8.3%
2 units 248 2.6%
3 or 4 units 178 1.9%
5 to 9 units 354 3.7%
10 to 19 units 857 9%
20 to 49 units 697 7.3%
50 or more units 346 3.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 44 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
38
171.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Acton

In Acton, the median construction year is 1974. About 8.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 808 8.5% 5.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 166 1.8% -22.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,198 12.6% 12.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,748 18.4% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,827 19.2% 4.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 971 10.2% 0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,186 12.5% 5.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 948 10% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 610 6.4% 7.4%
Built in 2020 or later 38 0.4% 171.4%
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.

Acton occupancy rates

Out of the 9,334 occupied housing units in Acton, 74.7% are owner-occupied, while 25.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,334
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,359
Owner occupied
6,975
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,359 25.3% 8.4%
Owner occupied 6,975 74.7% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
1.7%
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.

Acton housing costs

Housing costs in Acton come to a median of $2,222 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,982.

Median housing costs per month
$2,222/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 Acton
$1,982/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 Acton

Acton education at a glance

About 11.2% of the population in Acton went to high school, while 9.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.1% earned an associate degree and 31.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 43.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 180 1% -5.8%
High school diploma 2,060 11.2% 0.5%
College diploma 1,713 9.3% -6.9%
Associate degree 577 3.1% -10.7%
Bachelor's degree 5,821 31.6% 1.7%
Graduate degree 8,083 43.8% 6.2%
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 Acton

How much people earn in Acton

The average annual household income in Acton was $208,481 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $131,588, reflecting a -6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Acton
$208,481/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Acton
$131,588/year
-6.0% year-over-year change

Acton income by age

In Acton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $204,404. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $233,394 overall. Overall, 96.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $204,404 7.6%
45 - 64 $233,394 47.8%
Over 65 $77,377 -11.2%
Above poverty level
22,790
Below poverty level
820
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,790 96.5% 0.0%
Below poverty level 820 3.5% 2.0%

Employment in Acton

Workforce and job types in Acton

94.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,106
Blue collar
743
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,106 94.2% -0.8%
Blue collar 743 5.8% 12.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 996 7.8% -30.2%
Private companies 8,660 67.4% 3.1%
Governmental workers 1,454 11.3% 6.8%
Not for profit companies 1,739 13.5% 3.7%

Transportation in Acton

How people get around in Acton

Commuting methods vary: 92% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,284 92% -5.7%
Taxicab 8 0.1% -42.9%
Bus or trolleybus 8 0.1% N/A
Railroad 354 4.5% 6.0%
Bicycle 11 0.1% -15.4%
Walk 254 3.2% 6.3%
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 Acton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01718 404 236 $104,167 $142,047
01720 23,526 9,098 $159,010 $209,731

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FAQs about Acton demographics 

What is the total population of Acton?

Acton has a total population of 23,930 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Acton?

The gender ratio in Acton is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (11,456 residents)
  • 52.1% females (12,474 residents)

What is the median age in Acton?

The median age in Acton is 52.

What is the age distribution of the population in Acton?

The age distribution in Acton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (3,915 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (3,057 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.9% (5,237 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.4% (7,520 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (4,201 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Acton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Acton is as follows:
  • White: 59% (14,126 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.7% (1,135 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 25.8% (6,171 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (2,004 residents)
  • Other: 2% (489 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.8% of the population in Acton.

How many housing units are there in Acton?

There are 9,500 housing units in Acton, reflecting a +3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Acton has a total of 9,334 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Acton?

Acton has a median household income of $131,588, representing a -6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Acton?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.2% (12,106 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.8% (743 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (996 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (8,660 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (1,454 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.5% (1,739 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