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

Total population
36,040
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$164,387/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,381
1.3% year-over-year change

South Boston population

How many people live in South Boston

South Boston is home to 36,040 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of South Boston locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
36,040
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
17,882
Female
50.4%
18,158
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,882 49.6% 1.1%
Female 18,158 50.4% 1.2%
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 South Boston is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.7% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 52.4% of the population, while another 19% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.7%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
52.4%
45 to 64
19%
Over 65
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,144 8.7% 2.2%
15 to 24 3,533 9.8% 6.9%
25 to 44 18,884 52.4% 1.7%
45 to 64 6,843 19% -4.2%
Over 65 3,637 10.1% 3.3%
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 South Boston, 81.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5.1% are African American and 7.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.3%
Non-citizens
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 29,491 81.8% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,436 12.3% 6.6%
Non-citizens 2,113 5.9% 5.8%
Racial breakdown
White
75.2%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
7.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 27,093 75.2%
Black or African American 1,852 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 48 0.1%
Asian 2,728 7.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 3,028 8.4%
Other 1,285 3.6%

Households in South Boston

A peek inside South Boston households

South Boston has 18,490 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 35.6% are families, while the remaining 64.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,490
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,907
Family households
6,583
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,907 64.4% 1.4%
Family households 6,583 35.6% 3.0%
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 South Boston

The housing landscape of South Boston

South Boston's housing consists of 20,381 units, with 5.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
20,381
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,108 5.4%
1 unit, attached 1,542 7.6%
2 units 2,060 10.1%
3 or 4 units 5,696 28%
5 to 9 units 2,449 12%
10 to 19 units 1,092 5.4%
20 to 49 units 1,846 9.1%
50 or more units 4,585 22.5%
Mobile home 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
520
52.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Boston

In South Boston, the median construction year is 1948. About 41.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,379 41.1% 0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 770 3.8% -4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 823 4% -10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 802 3.9% -9.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 970 4.8% -2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,014 5% 4.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 788 3.9% -5.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,987 9.8% -3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,328 21.2% 8.6%
Built in 2020 or later 520 2.6% 52.0%
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.

South Boston occupancy rates

Out of the 18,490 occupied housing units in South Boston, 40.6% are owner-occupied, while 59.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,490
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,978
Owner occupied
7,512
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,978 59.4% 1.0%
Owner occupied 7,512 40.6% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
9.3%
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.

South Boston housing costs

Housing costs in South Boston come to a median of $2,837 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,736.

Median housing costs per month
$2,837/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 South Boston
$2,736/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 South Boston

South Boston education at a glance

About 15% of the population in South Boston went to high school, while 7.9% pursued college studies. Another 2.7% earned an associate degree and 45.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 714 2.2% -10.6%
High school diploma 4,886 15% -3.1%
College diploma 2,576 7.9% -6.4%
Associate degree 880 2.7% 0.6%
Bachelor's degree 14,928 45.9% 3.6%
Graduate degree 8,536 26.2% 3.1%
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 South Boston

How much people earn in South Boston

The average annual household income in South Boston was $217,108 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $164,387, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Boston
$217,108/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Boston
$164,387/year
5.1% year-over-year change

South Boston income by age

In South Boston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $176,771. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,833 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $107,096, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,861 in earnings. Overall, 88.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $107,096 15.8%
25 - 44 $176,771 -1.2%
45 - 64 $119,833 28.2%
Over 65 $49,861 47.1%
Above poverty level
31,305
Below poverty level
4,062
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 31,305 88.5% 2.2%
Below poverty level 4,062 11.5% -4.0%

Employment in South Boston

Workforce and job types in South Boston

94.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 74.7% are employed by private companies, and 6.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
24,191
Blue collar
1,300
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,191 94.9% 2.7%
Blue collar 1,300 5.1% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
74.7%
Governmental workers
6.5%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,558 6.1% 12.5%
Private companies 19,041 74.7% 4.8%
Governmental workers 1,647 6.5% -19.7%
Not for profit companies 3,246 12.7% -1.2%

Transportation in South Boston

How people get around in South Boston

In South Boston, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 51.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 22.4% 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 8,030 51.8% -2.6%
Taxicab 266 1.7% 18.8%
Bus or trolleybus 3,091 19.9% 1.2%
Railroad 74 0.5% -25.2%
Ferryboat 18 0.1% 5.9%
Motorcycle 12 0.1% -63.6%
Bicycle 552 3.6% 26.3%
Walk 3,474 22.4% 0.3%
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 South Boston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02118 28,946 14,497 $98,224 $178,495
02127 36,769 18,066 $164,387 $205,271
02210 6,971 4,588 $172,124 $248,895

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FAQs about South Boston demographics 

What is the total population of South Boston?

South Boston has a total population of 36,040 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Boston?

The gender ratio in South Boston is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (17,882 residents)
  • 50.4% females (18,158 residents)

What is the median age in South Boston?

The median age in South Boston is 35.7.

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

The age distribution in South Boston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.7% (3,144 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (3,533 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 52.4% (18,884 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19% (6,843 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.1% (3,637 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Boston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Boston is as follows:
  • White: 75.2% (27,093 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (1,852 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (48 residents)
  • Asian: 7.6% (2,728 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (3,028 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (1,285 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.8% of the population in South Boston.

How many housing units are there in South Boston?

There are 20,381 housing units in South Boston, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Boston has a total of 18,490 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Boston?

South Boston has a median household income of $164,387, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South Boston?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.9% (24,191 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.1% (1,300 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (1,558 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.7% (19,041 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.5% (1,647 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (3,246 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