Back Bay, Boston, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
16,138
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$122,285/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,641
-0.6% year-over-year change

Back Bay population

How many people live in Back Bay

Back Bay is home to 16,138 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.9% of Back Bay locals are male, and 55.1% are female.

Total population
16,138
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.9%
7,246
Female
55.1%
8,892
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,246 44.9% 0.9%
Female 8,892 55.1% 1.1%
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 Back Bay is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.8% are children under 15, then 30.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 18.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.8%
15 to 24
30.8%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
18.1%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 942 5.8% -2.0%
15 to 24 4,975 30.8% 8.2%
25 to 44 4,884 30.3% -6.8%
45 to 64 2,928 18.1% 4.7%
Over 65 2,409 14.9% 1.4%
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 Back Bay, 75.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.1% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 16.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.5% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.1%
Non-citizens
11%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,242 75.9% 2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,115 13.1% -0.3%
Non-citizens 1,781 11% -5.9%
Racial breakdown
White
64.1%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
16.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 10,345 64.1%
Black or African American 1,028 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 20 0.1%
Asian 2,614 16.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0.1%
Two or more races 1,552 9.6%
Other 567 3.5%

Households in Back Bay

A peek inside Back Bay households

Back Bay has 7,747 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 30.5% are families, while the remaining 69.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,747
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
5,384
Family households
2,363
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,384 69.5% 1.8%
Family households 2,363 30.5% -6.2%
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 Back Bay

The housing landscape of Back Bay

Back Bay's housing consists of 9,641 units, with 1.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
9,641
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 124 1.3%
1 unit, attached 289 3%
2 units 219 2.3%
3 or 4 units 1,442 15%
5 to 9 units 1,908 19.8%
10 to 19 units 1,082 11.2%
20 to 49 units 937 9.7%
50 or more units 3,637 37.7%
Mobile home 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
39
1,200.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Back Bay

In Back Bay, the median construction year is 1938. About 50.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% 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 4,906 50.9% 0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 129 1.3% -5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 303 3.1% -25.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 959 10% -3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 821 8.5% 8.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 634 6.6% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 342 3.6% -12.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 770 8% -9.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 738 7.6% 9.8%
Built in 2020 or later 39 0.4% 1,200.0%
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.

Back Bay occupancy rates

Out of the 7,747 occupied housing units in Back Bay, 28% are owner-occupied, while 72% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,747
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,581
Owner occupied
2,166
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,581 72% -0.9%
Owner occupied 2,166 28% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
19.6%
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.

Back Bay housing costs

Housing costs in Back Bay come to a median of $2,714 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,375.

Median housing costs per month
$2,714/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 Back Bay
$2,375/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 Back Bay

Back Bay education at a glance

About 15.7% of the population in Back Bay went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 26.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 457 3% -12.8%
High school diploma 2,357 15.7% 8.5%
College diploma 3,376 22.5% 3.5%
Associate degree 325 2.2% 23.6%
Bachelor's degree 3,977 26.5% -1.9%
Graduate degree 4,518 30.1% 0.1%
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 Back Bay

How much people earn in Back Bay

The average annual household income in Back Bay was $158,264 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $122,285, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Back Bay
$158,264/year
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Back Bay
$122,285/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Back Bay income by age

In Back Bay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $137,350. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $121,680 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,065, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,006 in earnings. Overall, 81% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,065 21.0%
25 - 44 $137,350 2.5%
45 - 64 $121,680 0.2%
Over 65 $41,006 12.4%
Above poverty level
10,150
Below poverty level
2,373
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,150 81% -1.9%
Below poverty level 2,373 19% -1.1%

Employment in Back Bay

Workforce and job types in Back Bay

98.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 63.6% are employed by private companies, and 5.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,615
Blue collar
166
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,615 98.1% -1.7%
Blue collar 166 1.9% -14.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
63.6%
Governmental workers
5.6%
Not for profit companies
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 758 8.6% -2.1%
Private companies 5,589 63.6% -2.8%
Governmental workers 491 5.6% -5.9%
Not for profit companies 1,945 22.2% 1.5%

Transportation in Back Bay

How people get around in Back Bay

In Back Bay, the average commute time is 3 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 28.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 57.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
3 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,465 28.7% -5.5%
Taxicab 84 1.6% 52.7%
Bus or trolleybus 211 4.1% -17.2%
Railroad 162 3.2% -9.0%
Ferryboat 14 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 236 4.6% -8.9%
Walk 2,940 57.5% -2.9%
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 Back Bay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02115 29,705 9,873 $54,991 $107,105
02116 21,978 11,513 $126,496 $245,220
02199 1,292 775 $122,285 $236,585

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FAQs about Back Bay demographics 

What is the total population of Back Bay?

Back Bay has a total population of 16,138 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Back Bay?

The gender ratio in Back Bay is as follows:
  • 44.9% males (7,246 residents)
  • 55.1% females (8,892 residents)

What is the median age in Back Bay?

The median age in Back Bay is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Back Bay?

The age distribution in Back Bay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.8% (942 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 30.8% (4,975 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (4,884 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.1% (2,928 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (2,409 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Back Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Back Bay is as follows:
  • White: 64.1% (10,345 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (1,028 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (20 residents)
  • Asian: 16.2% (2,614 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (1,552 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (567 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.9% of the population in Back Bay.

How many housing units are there in Back Bay?

There are 9,641 housing units in Back Bay, 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 Back Bay and what is the average household size?

Back Bay has a total of 7,747 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Back Bay?

Back Bay has a median household income of $122,285, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Back Bay?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.1% (8,615 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.9% (166 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (758 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.6% (5,589 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.6% (491 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.2% (1,945 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