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

Total population
86,674
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$82,953/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
36,420
1.1% year-over-year change

Dorchester population

How many people live in Dorchester

Dorchester is home to 86,674 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Dorchester locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
86,674
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
41,963
Female
51.6%
44,711
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,963 48.4% 1.7%
Female 44,711 51.6% 0.3%
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 Dorchester is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.9% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
32.9%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,035 16.2% -0.7%
15 to 24 11,306 13% 1.5%
25 to 44 28,529 32.9% 0.2%
45 to 64 21,351 24.6% 1.6%
Over 65 11,453 13.2% 3.5%
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 Dorchester, 63.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 27% of locals are Caucasian, 34.4% are African American and 10.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
63.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24%
Non-citizens
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 55,098 63.6% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20,814 24% 5.8%
Non-citizens 10,762 12.4% 4.3%
Racial breakdown
White
27%
Black or African American
34.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
10.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19.1%
Other
8.3%
Value Percent
White 23,376 27%
Black or African American 29,793 34.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 438 0.5%
Asian 9,323 10.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 39 0%
Two or more races 16,548 19.1%
Other 7,155 8.3%

Households in Dorchester

A peek inside Dorchester households

Dorchester has 34,064 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.5% are families, while the remaining 41.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
34,064
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
14,143
Family households
19,920
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 14,143 41.5% 2.5%
Family households 19,920 58.5% 2.2%
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 Dorchester

The housing landscape of Dorchester

Dorchester's housing consists of 36,420 units, with 12.4% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
36,420
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,513 12.4%
1 unit, attached 2,573 7.1%
2 units 5,809 16%
3 or 4 units 14,153 38.9%
5 to 9 units 2,722 7.5%
10 to 19 units 1,568 4.3%
20 to 49 units 1,843 5.1%
50 or more units 3,185 8.7%
Mobile home 46 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0%
Homes built since 2020
236
120.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the median construction year is 1941. About 53.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 19,357 53.2% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,942 5.3% 1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,158 5.9% -3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,809 5% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,967 5.4% -1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,078 5.7% 5.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,540 4.2% -8.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,674 7.3% 6.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,661 7.3% 16.4%
Built in 2020 or later 236 0.6% 120.6%
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.

Dorchester occupancy rates

Out of the 34,064 occupied housing units in Dorchester, 38.6% are owner-occupied, while 61.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
34,064
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,913
Owner occupied
13,150
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,913 61.4% 2.5%
Owner occupied 13,150 38.6% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
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.

Dorchester housing costs

Housing costs in Dorchester come to a median of $2,104 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,949.

Median housing costs per month
$2,104/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 Dorchester
$1,949/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 Dorchester

Dorchester education at a glance

About 33.1% of the population in Dorchester went to high school, while 16.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 20.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,170 8.9% 13.1%
High school diploma 22,857 33.1% -1.4%
College diploma 11,683 16.9% -6.6%
Associate degree 3,742 5.4% -0.2%
Bachelor's degree 14,472 20.9% 5.0%
Graduate degree 10,214 14.8% 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 Dorchester

How much people earn in Dorchester

The average annual household income in Dorchester was $113,059 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $82,953, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dorchester
$113,059/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dorchester
$82,953/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Dorchester income by age

In Dorchester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $111,537. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,269 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,928, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,536 in earnings. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,928 -23.3%
25 - 44 $111,537 11.2%
45 - 64 $73,269 3.3%
Over 65 $40,536 18.1%
Above poverty level
69,027
Below poverty level
15,928
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 69,027 81.2% 1.4%
Below poverty level 15,928 18.8% -0.6%

Employment in Dorchester

Workforce and job types in Dorchester

85.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 60.6% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
39,069
Blue collar
6,588
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 39,069 85.6% 0.4%
Blue collar 6,588 14.4% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
60.6%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,247 7.1% 1.0%
Private companies 27,663 60.6% 0.1%
Governmental workers 6,067 13.3% -1.8%
Not for profit companies 8,680 19% 3.7%

Transportation in Dorchester

How people get around in Dorchester

In Dorchester, the average commute time is 77 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 73.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
77 min
37.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,490 73.2% 0.1%
Taxicab 393 1.3% 19.1%
Bus or trolleybus 4,491 14.6% -2.2%
Railroad 167 0.5% -4.6%
Ferryboat 17 0.1% -32.0%
Motorcycle 71 0.2% 184.0%
Bicycle 444 1.4% 9.6%
Walk 2,660 8.7% -0.0%
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 Dorchester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02118 28,946 14,497 $98,224 $178,495
02121 29,040 10,760 $43,136 $78,031
02122 23,479 9,299 $86,150 $115,747
02124 56,216 20,287 $81,923 $113,917
02125 33,662 14,246 $82,953 $112,054

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FAQs about Dorchester demographics 

What is the total population of Dorchester?

Dorchester has a total population of 86,674 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 Dorchester?

The gender ratio in Dorchester is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (41,963 residents)
  • 51.6% females (44,711 residents)

What is the median age in Dorchester?

The median age in Dorchester is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dorchester?

The age distribution in Dorchester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (14,035 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (11,306 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.9% (28,529 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (21,351 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (11,453 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dorchester is as follows:
  • White: 27% (23,376 residents)
  • Black or African American: 34.4% (29,793 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (438 residents)
  • Asian: 10.8% (9,323 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (39 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.1% (16,548 residents)
  • Other: 8.3% (7,155 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 63.6% of the population in Dorchester.

How many housing units are there in Dorchester?

There are 36,420 housing units in Dorchester, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dorchester has a total of 34,064 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dorchester?

Dorchester has a median household income of $82,953, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Dorchester?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.6% (39,069 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.4% (6,588 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (3,247 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.6% (27,663 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (6,067 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19% (8,680 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