Boston, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
666,442
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$97,344/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
310,625
0.9% year-over-year change

Boston population

How many people live in Boston

Boston is home to 666,442 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Boston locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
666,442
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
319,682
Female
52%
346,760
Value Percent YoY change
Male 319,682 48% 0.2%
Female 346,760 52% 0.6%
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 Boston is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.7% are children under 15, then 17.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.6% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.7%
15 to 24
17.3%
25 to 44
36.6%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 84,452 12.7% -0.4%
15 to 24 115,185 17.3% 2.2%
25 to 44 244,274 36.6% -0.2%
45 to 64 135,607 20.4% -1.4%
Over 65 86,924 13% 3.4%
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 Boston, 68.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 46.3% of locals are Caucasian, 20.5% are African American and 10.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18.3%
Non-citizens
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 458,623 68.8% -0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 122,090 18.3% 1.9%
Non-citizens 85,729 12.9% 0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
46.3%
Black or African American
20.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
10.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
15.3%
Other
7.3%
Value Percent
White 308,273 46.3%
Black or African American 136,382 20.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,991 0.3%
Asian 69,022 10.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 455 0.1%
Two or more races 101,796 15.3%
Other 48,523 7.3%

Households in Boston

A peek inside Boston households

Boston has 283,374 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.6% are families, while the remaining 54.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
283,374
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
154,246
Family households
129,128
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 154,246 54.4% 2.3%
Family households 129,128 45.6% 0.5%
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 Boston

The housing landscape of Boston

Boston's housing consists of 310,625 units, with 11.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
310,625
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 36,948 11.9%
1 unit, attached 19,760 6.4%
2 units 36,175 11.6%
3 or 4 units 73,073 23.5%
5 to 9 units 34,152 11%
10 to 19 units 23,510 7.6%
20 to 49 units 26,909 8.7%
50 or more units 59,415 19.1%
Mobile home 601 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 82 0%
Homes built since 2020
4,309
61.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Boston

In Boston, the median construction year is 1947. About 46.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 145,114 46.7% 0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14,592 4.7% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 21,318 6.9% -2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 21,315 6.9% -4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 22,352 7.2% -3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 17,713 5.7% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12,133 3.9% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 20,697 6.7% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 31,082 10% 9.9%
Built in 2020 or later 4,309 1.4% 61.5%
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.

Boston occupancy rates

Out of the 283,374 occupied housing units in Boston, 35.7% are owner-occupied, while 64.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
283,374
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
182,208
Owner occupied
101,166
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 182,208 64.3% 1.0%
Owner occupied 101,166 35.7% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
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.

Boston housing costs

Housing costs in Boston come to a median of $2,234 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,147.

Median housing costs per month
$2,234/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 Boston
$2,147/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 Boston

Boston education at a glance

About 23.6% of the population in Boston went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 4.2% earned an associate degree and 27.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 31,475 5.6% 2.6%
High school diploma 133,468 23.6% 0.4%
College diploma 96,226 17% -2.4%
Associate degree 23,828 4.2% -2.0%
Bachelor's degree 156,483 27.7% 1.1%
Graduate degree 124,324 22% 2.4%
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 Boston

How much people earn in Boston

The average annual household income in Boston was $143,767 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 $97,344, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Boston
$143,767/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Boston
$97,344/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Boston income by age

In Boston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $123,673. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,626 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,097, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,082 in earnings. Overall, 83.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,097 7.4%
25 - 44 $123,673 2.4%
45 - 64 $97,626 1.8%
Over 65 $51,082 3.2%
Above poverty level
514,564
Below poverty level
102,465
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 514,564 83.4% 0.2%
Below poverty level 102,465 16.6% -1.9%

Average renter income in Boston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Boston, their median household income was $63,605 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,605
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Boston

Workforce and job types in Boston

The job market in Boston is powered by 377,807 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 61.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
377,807
-0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
342,031
Blue collar
35,776
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 342,031 90.5% -0.5%
Blue collar 35,776 9.5% 0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
61.7%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 25,200 6.7% 0.1%
Private companies 232,991 61.7% -0.7%
Governmental workers 42,455 11.2% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 77,161 20.4% 1.2%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
1.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Boston stands at 6.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Boston

How people get around in Boston

In Boston, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 38.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
0.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 140,554 38.2% -3.7%
Taxicab 2,993 0.8% 54.1%
Bus or trolleybus 31,484 8.6% -1.3%
Subway or elevated 45,441 12.3% N/A
Railroad 4,118 1.1% -7.5%
Ferryboat 697 0.2% 22.9%
Motorcycle 190 0% 11.1%
Bicycle 8,033 2.2% 1.0%
Walk 49,413 13.4% -3.0%
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 Boston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02108 3,794 1,973 $212,928 $280,583
02109 3,612 2,085 $158,843 $203,099
02110 2,342 1,322 $138,438 $295,416
02111 8,407 3,711 $87,404 $178,687
02113 6,385 4,112 $113,314 $132,599
02114 14,418 8,396 $132,210 $197,092
02115 29,705 9,873 $54,991 $107,105
02116 21,978 11,513 $126,496 $245,220
02118 28,946 14,497 $98,224 $178,495
02119 27,377 11,920 $48,488 $80,323

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FAQs about Boston demographics 

What is the total population of Boston?

Boston has a total population of 666,442 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Boston?

The gender ratio in Boston is as follows:
  • 48% males (319,682 residents)
  • 52% females (346,760 residents)

What is the median age in Boston?

The median age in Boston is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Boston?

The age distribution in Boston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.7% (84,452 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.3% (115,185 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.6% (244,274 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (135,607 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (86,924 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Boston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Boston is as follows:
  • White: 46.3% (308,273 residents)
  • Black or African American: 20.5% (136,382 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,991 residents)
  • Asian: 10.4% (69,022 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (455 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.3% (101,796 residents)
  • Other: 7.3% (48,523 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Boston?

There are 310,625 housing units in Boston, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Boston has a total of 283,374 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Boston?

Boston has a median household income of $97,344, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Boston?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Boston, with a workforce of 377,807 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.5% (342,031 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.5% (35,776 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (25,200 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.7% (232,991 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (42,455 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.4% (77,161 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