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

Total population
247,466
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,224/yr
6.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
124,183
0.5% year-over-year change

North Boston population

How many people live in North Boston

North Boston is home to 247,466 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of North Boston locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
247,466
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
119,455
Female
51.7%
128,011
Value Percent YoY change
Male 119,455 48.3% 0.1%
Female 128,011 51.7% 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 North Boston is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.2% are children under 15, then 25.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 38.7% of the population, while another 16.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.2%
15 to 24
25.7%
25 to 44
38.7%
45 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 20,301 8.2% 1.0%
15 to 24 63,664 25.7% 3.6%
25 to 44 95,715 38.7% -1.2%
45 to 64 39,900 16.1% -2.7%
Over 65 27,886 11.3% 2.7%
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 North Boston, 69.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.9% of locals are Caucasian, 6.9% are African American and 16% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.4%
Non-citizens
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 171,578 69.3% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 35,620 14.4% -0.7%
Non-citizens 40,267 16.3% -1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
56.9%
Black or African American
6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
16%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.5%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 140,730 56.9%
Black or African American 17,177 6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 688 0.3%
Asian 39,674 16%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 116 0%
Two or more races 35,771 14.5%
Other 13,308 5.4%

Households in North Boston

A peek inside North Boston households

North Boston has 110,044 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 33.1% are families, while the remaining 66.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
110,044
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
73,650
Family households
36,394
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 73,650 66.9% 1.9%
Family households 36,394 33.1% -1.5%
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 North Boston

The housing landscape of North Boston

North Boston's housing consists of 124,183 units, with 4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
124,183
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,916 4%
1 unit, attached 5,465 4.4%
2 units 9,720 7.8%
3 or 4 units 22,319 18%
5 to 9 units 17,326 14%
10 to 19 units 13,135 10.6%
20 to 49 units 14,704 11.8%
50 or more units 36,419 29.3%
Mobile home 176 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,236
68.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Boston

In North Boston, the median construction year is 1954. About 46.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 57,938 46.6% 0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,457 3.6% -3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,097 5.7% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8,947 7.2% -3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,681 8.6% -0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,470 6% -0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,481 3.6% -14.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,504 6% -1.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13,374 10.8% 7.8%
Built in 2020 or later 2,236 1.8% 68.8%
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.

North Boston occupancy rates

Out of the 110,044 occupied housing units in North Boston, 25.2% are owner-occupied, while 74.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
110,044
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
82,340
Owner occupied
27,703
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 82,340 74.8% 0.2%
Owner occupied 27,703 25.2% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

North Boston housing costs

Housing costs in North Boston come to a median of $2,589 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,375.

Median housing costs per month
$2,589/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 North Boston
$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 North Boston

North Boston education at a glance

About 18.6% of the population in North Boston went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 2.6% earned an associate degree and 31.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,348 4.6% -2.0%
High school diploma 41,596 18.6% 4.1%
College diploma 42,668 19.1% -1.0%
Associate degree 5,755 2.6% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 69,575 31.1% -0.7%
Graduate degree 53,820 24% 0.9%
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 North Boston

How much people earn in North Boston

The average annual household income in North Boston was $131,857 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,224, reflecting a +6.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Boston
$131,857/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Boston
$98,224/year
6.7% year-over-year change

North Boston income by age

In North Boston, 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 $101,548 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,130, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,767 in earnings. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,130 2.7%
25 - 44 $137,350 2.5%
45 - 64 $101,548 -4.2%
Over 65 $44,767 -7.8%
Above poverty level
170,460
Below poverty level
42,004
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 170,460 80.2% -0.9%
Below poverty level 42,004 19.8% -1.0%

Employment in North Boston

Workforce and job types in North Boston

93.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 64.5% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
136,339
Blue collar
8,832
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 136,339 93.9% -0.9%
Blue collar 8,832 6.1% -0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
64.5%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9,175 6.3% -0.9%
Private companies 93,663 64.5% -1.5%
Governmental workers 12,101 8.3% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 30,232 20.8% 0.3%

Transportation in North Boston

How people get around in North Boston

In North Boston, the average commute time is 155 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 43% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 37% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
155 min
-18.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 36,688 43% -5.2%
Taxicab 1,185 1.4% 81.8%
Bus or trolleybus 9,948 11.6% -1.0%
Railroad 1,441 1.7% -18.2%
Ferryboat 504 0.6% 20.6%
Motorcycle 42 0% -42.5%
Bicycle 3,942 4.6% 1.6%
Walk 31,619 37% -3.8%
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 North 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
02120 15,283 4,625 $64,289 $87,603

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FAQs about North Boston demographics 

What is the total population of North Boston?

North Boston has a total population of 247,466 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 North Boston?

The gender ratio in North Boston is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (119,455 residents)
  • 51.7% females (128,011 residents)

What is the median age in North Boston?

The median age in North Boston is 33.5.

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

The age distribution in North Boston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.2% (20,301 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25.7% (63,664 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 38.7% (95,715 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.1% (39,900 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.3% (27,886 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Boston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Boston is as follows:
  • White: 56.9% (140,730 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.9% (17,177 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (688 residents)
  • Asian: 16% (39,674 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (116 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.5% (35,771 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (13,308 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.3% of the population in North Boston.

How many housing units are there in North Boston?

There are 124,183 housing units in North Boston, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

North Boston has a total of 110,044 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Boston?

North Boston has a median household income of $98,224, representing a +6.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for North Boston?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.9% (136,339 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.1% (8,832 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (9,175 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.5% (93,663 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (12,101 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 20.8% (30,232 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