Cambridge, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
118,796
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$130,748/yr
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
54,840
0.4% year-over-year change

Cambridge population

How many people live in Cambridge

Cambridge is home to 118,796 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Cambridge locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
118,796
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
59,896
Female
49.6%
58,900
Value Percent YoY change
Male 59,896 50.4% 1.9%
Female 58,900 49.6% -0.2%
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 Cambridge is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.5% are children under 15, then 22.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 39.8% of the population, while another 14.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.5%
15 to 24
22.8%
25 to 44
39.8%
45 to 64
14.8%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,464 10.5% 3.2%
15 to 24 27,057 22.8% 2.9%
25 to 44 47,263 39.8% 0.7%
45 to 64 17,572 14.8% -3.0%
Over 65 14,440 12.2% 0.3%
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 Cambridge, 68% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 18.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.7% of locals are Caucasian, 10.5% are African American and 20.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.8%
Non-citizens
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 80,747 68% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,458 13.8% -1.1%
Non-citizens 21,591 18.2% 6.7%
Racial breakdown
White
55.7%
Black or African American
10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 66,193 55.7%
Black or African American 12,447 10.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 198 0.2%
Asian 24,211 20.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 70 0.1%
Two or more races 12,589 10.6%
Other 3,088 2.6%

Households in Cambridge

A peek inside Cambridge households

Cambridge has 49,444 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40% are families, while the remaining 60% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
49,444
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
29,687
Family households
19,757
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 29,687 60% -0.8%
Family households 19,757 40% 0.4%
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 Cambridge

The housing landscape of Cambridge

Cambridge's housing consists of 54,840 units, with 9.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
54,840
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,416 9.9%
1 unit, attached 3,549 6.5%
2 units 6,590 12%
3 or 4 units 9,347 17%
5 to 9 units 5,867 10.7%
10 to 19 units 4,048 7.4%
20 to 49 units 5,133 9.4%
50 or more units 14,862 27.1%
Mobile home 28 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,216
101.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cambridge

In Cambridge, the median construction year is 1950. About 47% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 25,767 47% -0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,708 3.1% -3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,923 3.5% -4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,745 5% -6.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,090 9.3% -3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,051 7.4% -2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,540 4.6% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,277 7.8% -1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,523 10.1% 6.8%
Built in 2020 or later 1,216 2.2% 101.7%
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.

Cambridge occupancy rates

Out of the 49,444 occupied housing units in Cambridge, 33.5% are owner-occupied, while 66.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
49,444
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
32,897
Owner occupied
16,547
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 32,897 66.5% 0.1%
Owner occupied 16,547 33.5% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
9.8%
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.

Cambridge housing costs

Housing costs in Cambridge come to a median of $2,690 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,787.

Median housing costs per month
$2,690/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 Cambridge
$2,787/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 Cambridge

Cambridge education at a glance

About 9.6% of the population in Cambridge went to high school, while 16.4% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 29.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 40.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,962 1.9% -4.7%
High school diploma 9,968 9.6% 1.4%
College diploma 17,066 16.4% -0.9%
Associate degree 2,333 2.2% 7.1%
Bachelor's degree 30,863 29.6% -0.4%
Graduate degree 41,914 40.3% 2.1%
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 Cambridge

How much people earn in Cambridge

The average annual household income in Cambridge was $183,408 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 $130,748, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cambridge
$183,408/year
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cambridge
$130,748/year
3.4% year-over-year change

Cambridge income by age

In Cambridge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $145,858. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $165,155 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,042, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $93,540 in earnings. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,042 2.0%
25 - 44 $145,858 1.8%
45 - 64 $165,155 12.1%
Over 65 $93,540 4.0%
Above poverty level
88,147
Below poverty level
12,915
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 88,147 87.2% -1.0%
Below poverty level 12,915 12.8% 1.9%

Average renter income in Cambridge

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cambridge, their median household income was $104,270 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$104,270
Rent-to-income ratio
32.1%
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 Cambridge

Workforce and job types in Cambridge

The job market in Cambridge is powered by 70,999 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 52.7% are employed by private companies, and 8.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
70,999
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
67,951
Blue collar
3,048
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 67,951 95.7% 1.2%
Blue collar 3,048 4.3% -6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
52.7%
Governmental workers
8.7%
Not for profit companies
32.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,282 6% -4.1%
Private companies 37,407 52.7% 1.3%
Governmental workers 6,160 8.7% -4.4%
Not for profit companies 23,150 32.6% 2.6%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
1.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cambridge stands at 3.4%, 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 Cambridge

How people get around in Cambridge

In Cambridge, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 22.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 19.2% 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
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 15,559 22.3% -6.8%
Taxicab 369 0.5% 8.5%
Bus or trolleybus 3,284 4.7% -6.4%
Subway or elevated 8,814 12.6% N/A
Railroad 338 0.5% 42.6%
Ferryboat 15 0% N/A
Motorcycle 93 0.1% 9.4%
Bicycle 5,430 7.8% 7.6%
Walk 13,388 19.2% -0.1%
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 Cambridge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02138 38,509 14,169 $119,967 $197,176
02139 40,033 16,012 $134,586 $178,274
02140 21,204 9,944 $135,286 $184,387
02141 14,517 7,270 $126,522 $159,947
02142 4,737 2,153 $147,723 $205,435

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FAQs about Cambridge demographics 

What is the total population of Cambridge?

Cambridge has a total population of 118,796 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cambridge?

The gender ratio in Cambridge is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (59,896 residents)
  • 49.6% females (58,900 residents)

What is the median age in Cambridge?

The median age in Cambridge is 30.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cambridge?

The age distribution in Cambridge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.5% (12,464 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 22.8% (27,057 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 39.8% (47,263 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.8% (17,572 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (14,440 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cambridge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cambridge is as follows:
  • White: 55.7% (66,193 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.5% (12,447 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (198 residents)
  • Asian: 20.4% (24,211 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (70 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (12,589 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (3,088 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68% of the population in Cambridge.

How many housing units are there in Cambridge?

There are 54,840 housing units in Cambridge, 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 Cambridge and what is the average household size?

Cambridge has a total of 49,444 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a median household income of $130,748, representing a +3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.6% in Cambridge, with a workforce of 70,999 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.7% (67,951 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.3% (3,048 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (4,282 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.7% (37,407 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.7% (6,160 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 32.6% (23,150 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