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

Total population
35,230
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,106/yr
-2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,600
0.4% year-over-year change

East Boston population

How many people live in East Boston

East Boston is home to 35,230 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.3% of East Boston locals are male, and 46.7% are female.

Total population
35,230
-1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.3%
18,781
Female
46.7%
16,449
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,781 53.3% -1.2%
Female 16,449 46.7% -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 East Boston is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 43% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
43%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,679 16.1% 6.8%
15 to 24 3,198 9.1% -2.9%
25 to 44 15,158 43% -1.2%
45 to 64 8,174 23.2% -9.6%
Over 65 3,022 8.6% 5.5%
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 East Boston, 53.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 30.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.4% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 4.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 41.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
53.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.1%
Non-citizens
30.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,734 53.2% -3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,682 16.1% -5.6%
Non-citizens 10,814 30.7% 4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
39.4%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
41.8%
Other
10%
Value Percent
White 13,891 39.4%
Black or African American 1,424 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 129 0.4%
Asian 1,529 4.3%
Two or more races 14,721 41.8%
Other 3,536 10%

Households in East Boston

A peek inside East Boston households

East Boston has 14,416 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.4% are families, while the remaining 53.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,416
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,726
Family households
6,690
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,726 53.6% 3.4%
Family households 6,690 46.4% -2.3%
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 East Boston

The housing landscape of East Boston

East Boston's housing consists of 15,600 units, with 7.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,600
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,183 7.6%
1 unit, attached 666 4.3%
2 units 2,544 16.3%
3 or 4 units 6,237 40%
5 to 9 units 1,374 8.8%
10 to 19 units 472 3%
20 to 49 units 384 2.5%
50 or more units 2,674 17.1%
Mobile home 66 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
471
92.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Boston

In East Boston, the median construction year is 1938. About 53.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,304 53.2% -5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 673 4.3% -10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 578 3.7% -21.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 746 4.8% 7.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,084 7% 10.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 588 3.8% 55.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 385 2.5% -8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 702 4.5% 16.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,068 13.3% 7.2%
Built in 2020 or later 471 3% 92.2%
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.

East Boston occupancy rates

Out of the 14,416 occupied housing units in East Boston, 29% are owner-occupied, while 71% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,416
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,235
Owner occupied
4,180
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,235 71% 0.1%
Owner occupied 4,180 29% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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.

East Boston housing costs

Housing costs in East Boston come to a median of $2,107 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,064.

Median housing costs per month
$2,107/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 East Boston
$2,064/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 East Boston

East Boston education at a glance

About 32.8% of the population in East Boston went to high school, while 12.3% pursued college studies. Another 3.1% earned an associate degree and 23.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,191 14.6% -3.8%
High school diploma 9,426 32.8% -0.2%
College diploma 3,547 12.3% -8.2%
Associate degree 899 3.1% -12.5%
Bachelor's degree 6,859 23.8% -3.9%
Graduate degree 3,852 13.4% -2.0%
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 East Boston

How much people earn in East Boston

The average annual household income in East Boston was $115,911 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,106, reflecting a -2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Boston
$115,911/year
-2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Boston
$90,106/year
-2.1% year-over-year change

East Boston income by age

In East Boston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $114,819. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,588 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,482, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,906 in earnings. Overall, 84.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,482 1.3%
25 - 44 $114,819 -6.1%
45 - 64 $75,588 3.2%
Over 65 $37,906 -12.3%
Above poverty level
29,183
Below poverty level
5,350
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,183 84.5% -3.5%
Below poverty level 5,350 15.5% 6.1%

Employment in East Boston

Workforce and job types in East Boston

85.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
18,182
Blue collar
3,186
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,182 85.1% -4.0%
Blue collar 3,186 14.9% -3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,603 7.5% -12.6%
Private companies 15,301 71.6% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,924 9% -14.0%
Not for profit companies 2,541 11.9% 0.1%

Transportation in East Boston

How people get around in East Boston

In East Boston, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 72.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,480 72.5% -10.5%
Taxicab 239 2.7% 51.3%
Bus or trolleybus 867 9.7% 2.0%
Railroad 280 3.1% -16.2%
Ferryboat 145 1.6% 36.8%
Bicycle 23 0.3% -48.9%
Walk 906 10.1% -22.6%
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 East Boston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02128 43,345 17,736 $90,106 $120,120

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FAQs about East Boston demographics 

What is the total population of East Boston?

East Boston has a total population of 35,230 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 -1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Boston?

The gender ratio in East Boston is as follows:
  • 53.3% males (18,781 residents)
  • 46.7% females (16,449 residents)

What is the median age in East Boston?

The median age in East Boston is 34.5.

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

The age distribution in East Boston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (5,679 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (3,198 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 43% (15,158 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (8,174 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.6% (3,022 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Boston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Boston is as follows:
  • White: 39.4% (13,891 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (1,424 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (129 residents)
  • Asian: 4.3% (1,529 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 41.8% (14,721 residents)
  • Other: 10% (3,536 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 53.2% of the population in East Boston.

How many housing units are there in East Boston?

There are 15,600 housing units in East Boston, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Boston has a total of 14,416 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Boston?

East Boston has a median household income of $90,106, representing a -2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Boston?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.1% (18,182 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.9% (3,186 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (1,603 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (15,301 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (1,924 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.9% (2,541 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