Brookline, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
63,266
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$142,101/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
28,873
0.6% year-over-year change

Brookline population

How many people live in Brookline

Brookline is home to 63,266 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.3% of Brookline locals are male, and 54.7% are female.

Total population
63,266
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.3%
28,653
Female
54.7%
34,613
Value Percent YoY change
Male 28,653 45.3% -0.8%
Female 34,613 54.7% 2.0%
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 Brookline is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 15.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.6% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
15.3%
25 to 44
31.6%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,904 15.6% -3.1%
15 to 24 9,686 15.3% -0.5%
25 to 44 19,988 31.6% 1.3%
45 to 64 13,702 21.7% 1.9%
Over 65 9,986 15.8% 3.2%
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 Brookline, 70.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 15.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.1% of locals are Caucasian, 3.1% are African American and 19.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.1%
Non-citizens
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 44,670 70.6% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,900 14.1% 0.9%
Non-citizens 9,696 15.3% -0.9%
Racial breakdown
White
65.1%
Black or African American
3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
19.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 41,178 65.1%
Black or African American 1,983 3.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 46 0.1%
Asian 12,232 19.3%
Two or more races 6,731 10.6%
Other 1,096 1.7%

Households in Brookline

A peek inside Brookline households

Brookline has 27,587 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.3% are families, while the remaining 50.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,587
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,992
Family households
13,595
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,992 50.7% 3.5%
Family households 13,595 49.3% -0.7%
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 Brookline

The housing landscape of Brookline

Brookline's housing consists of 28,873 units, with 18.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
28,873
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,282 18.3%
1 unit, attached 1,505 5.2%
2 units 2,892 10%
3 or 4 units 4,526 15.7%
5 to 9 units 4,746 16.4%
10 to 19 units 1,615 5.6%
20 to 49 units 2,665 9.2%
50 or more units 5,642 19.5%
Homes built since 2020
114
115.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brookline

In Brookline, the median construction year is 1938. About 51.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.7% 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 14,941 51.8% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,910 6.6% -4.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,909 6.6% -8.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,894 10% -1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,181 11% 6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,536 5.3% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 420 1.4% -29.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,184 4.1% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 784 2.7% -10.1%
Built in 2020 or later 114 0.4% 115.1%
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.

Brookline occupancy rates

Out of the 27,587 occupied housing units in Brookline, 46.8% are owner-occupied, while 53.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,587
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14,662
Owner occupied
12,925
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14,662 53.2% 0.0%
Owner occupied 12,925 46.8% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Brookline housing costs

Housing costs in Brookline come to a median of $2,929 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,835.

Median housing costs per month
$2,929/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 Brookline
$2,835/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 Brookline

Brookline education at a glance

About 7.5% of the population in Brookline went to high school, while 8% pursued college studies. Another 1.9% earned an associate degree and 30.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 50.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 722 1.4% -6.8%
High school diploma 3,849 7.5% 10.9%
College diploma 4,133 8% -0.1%
Associate degree 989 1.9% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 15,782 30.7% -0.8%
Graduate degree 25,959 50.5% 2.2%
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 Brookline

How much people earn in Brookline

The average annual household income in Brookline was $219,714 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $142,101, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brookline
$219,714/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brookline
$142,101/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Brookline income by age

In Brookline, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $154,284. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $223,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $108,250 in earnings. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,625 1.5%
25 - 44 $154,284 -2.4%
45 - 64 $223,250 -1.8%
Over 65 $108,250 5.1%
Above poverty level
56,376
Below poverty level
5,431
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 56,376 91.2% 2.4%
Below poverty level 5,431 8.8% -9.4%

Average renter income in Brookline

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brookline, their median household income was $97,072 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$97,072
Rent-to-income ratio
35%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brookline

Workforce and job types in Brookline

The job market in Brookline is powered by 37,100 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 97.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 2.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.2% run their own businesses, 51.9% are employed by private companies, and 7.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
37,100
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
36,201
Blue collar
899
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 36,201 97.6% 1.1%
Blue collar 899 2.4% 9.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.2%
Private companies
51.9%
Governmental workers
7.3%
Not for profit companies
30.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,768 10.2% 8.6%
Private companies 19,247 51.9% -3.2%
Governmental workers 2,718 7.3% 7.9%
Not for profit companies 11,367 30.6% 5.5%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
5.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brookline stands at 3.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brookline

How people get around in Brookline

In Brookline, the average commute time is 27 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 31.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 14.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
27 min
-3.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,554 31.6% 1.7%
Taxicab 106 0.3% -22.1%
Bus or trolleybus 1,306 3.6% -8.7%
Subway or elevated 4,676 12.8% N/A
Railroad 33 0.1% -81.0%
Motorcycle 15 0% 150.0%
Bicycle 1,477 4% -15.7%
Walk 5,436 14.9% -1.4%
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 Brookline by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02445 22,560 9,818 $139,747 $223,821
02446 31,310 14,622 $131,963 $193,233
02467 23,001 6,852 $169,104 $264,831

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FAQs about Brookline demographics 

What is the total population of Brookline?

Brookline has a total population of 63,266 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brookline?

The gender ratio in Brookline is as follows:
  • 45.3% males (28,653 residents)
  • 54.7% females (34,613 residents)

What is the median age in Brookline?

The median age in Brookline is 35.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brookline?

The age distribution in Brookline is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (9,904 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.3% (9,686 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.6% (19,988 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (13,702 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (9,986 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brookline?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brookline is as follows:
  • White: 65.1% (41,178 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.1% (1,983 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (46 residents)
  • Asian: 19.3% (12,232 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (6,731 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (1,096 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.6% of the population in Brookline.

How many housing units are there in Brookline?

There are 28,873 housing units in Brookline, 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 Brookline and what is the average household size?

Brookline has a total of 27,587 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brookline?

Brookline has a median household income of $142,101, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brookline?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Brookline, with a workforce of 37,100 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 97.6% (36,201 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 2.4% (899 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.2% (3,768 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.9% (19,247 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.3% (2,718 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 30.6% (11,367 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