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

Total population
12,622
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$137,122/yr
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,111
2.0% year-over-year change

East Cambridge population

How many people live in East Cambridge

East Cambridge is home to 12,622 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of East Cambridge locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
12,622
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
6,355
Female
49.6%
6,267
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,355 50.4% -1.2%
Female 6,267 49.6% 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 Cambridge is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.2% are children under 15, then 17.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 51.1% of the population, while another 14.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.2%
15 to 24
17.7%
25 to 44
51.1%
45 to 64
14.4%
Over 65
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,041 8.2% -5.0%
15 to 24 2,231 17.7% -1.5%
25 to 44 6,455 51.1% 1.9%
45 to 64 1,815 14.4% 0.2%
Over 65 1,081 8.6% 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 East Cambridge, 59.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 25.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 54.9% of locals are Caucasian, 9.2% are African American and 24.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
59.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.8%
Non-citizens
25.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,518 59.6% -3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,871 14.8% 7.0%
Non-citizens 3,233 25.6% 8.3%
Racial breakdown
White
54.9%
Black or African American
9.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
24.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 6,935 54.9%
Black or African American 1,156 9.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.1%
Asian 3,078 24.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.1%
Two or more races 1,067 8.4%
Other 372 3%

Households in East Cambridge

A peek inside East Cambridge households

East Cambridge has 6,218 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 34.2% are families, while the remaining 65.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,218
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,094
Family households
2,124
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,094 65.8% -0.9%
Family households 2,124 34.2% 2.7%
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 East Cambridge

The housing landscape of East Cambridge

East Cambridge's housing consists of 7,111 units, with 3.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
7,111
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 270 3.8%
1 unit, attached 279 3.9%
2 units 596 8.4%
3 or 4 units 1,282 18%
5 to 9 units 650 9.1%
10 to 19 units 213 3%
20 to 49 units 253 3.6%
50 or more units 3,568 50.2%
Homes built since 2020
294
139.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Cambridge

In East Cambridge, the median construction year is 1992. About 31% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,207 31% -0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 237 3.3% 39.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 171 2.4% 33.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 169 2.4% -6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 458 6.4% -19.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 614 8.6% -7.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 660 9.3% 1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 960 13.5% -5.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,340 18.8% 6.2%
Built in 2020 or later 294 4.1% 139.0%
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.

East Cambridge occupancy rates

Out of the 6,218 occupied housing units in East Cambridge, 22.5% are owner-occupied, while 77.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,218
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,820
Owner occupied
1,398
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,820 77.5% 2.7%
Owner occupied 1,398 22.5% -7.0%
Unoccupied housing units
12.6%
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 Cambridge housing costs

Housing costs in East Cambridge come to a median of $3,312 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $3,208.

Median housing costs per month
$3,312/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 Cambridge
$3,208/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 Cambridge

East Cambridge education at a glance

About 10.9% of the population in East Cambridge went to high school, while 10.4% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 34% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 40.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 267 2.3% -2.2%
High school diploma 1,239 10.9% 12.5%
College diploma 1,182 10.4% 1.1%
Associate degree 253 2.2% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,873 34% -3.5%
Graduate degree 4,586 40.2% 2.9%
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 East Cambridge

How much people earn in East Cambridge

The average annual household income in East Cambridge was $174,931 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $137,122, reflecting a -5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Cambridge
$174,931/year
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Cambridge
$137,122/year
-5.2% year-over-year change

East Cambridge income by age

In East Cambridge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $152,440. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $188,552 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $74,200, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $88,491 in earnings. Overall, 86.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $74,200 2.5%
25 - 44 $152,440 -7.2%
45 - 64 $188,552 14.7%
Over 65 $88,491 -20.2%
Above poverty level
10,268
Below poverty level
1,619
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,268 86.4% -1.9%
Below poverty level 1,619 13.6% 3.2%

Employment in East Cambridge

Workforce and job types in East Cambridge

96% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.7% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 6.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,964
Blue collar
334
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,964 96% 0.3%
Blue collar 334 4% 6.4%
Employer type
Self employees
4.7%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
6.8%
Not for profit companies
24.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 392 4.7% -13.8%
Private companies 5,340 64.4% 3.0%
Governmental workers 562 6.8% -17.2%
Not for profit companies 2,005 24.2% 3.7%

Transportation in East Cambridge

How people get around in East Cambridge

In East Cambridge, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 40.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 39.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,812 40.1% 2.7%
Taxicab 43 1% 7.5%
Bus or trolleybus 242 5.4% -32.4%
Railroad 32 0.7% 68.4%
Ferryboat 11 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 604 13.4% -17.3%
Walk 1,772 39.2% 11.4%
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 East Cambridge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02141 14,517 7,270 $126,522 $159,947
02142 4,737 2,153 $147,723 $205,435

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FAQs about East Cambridge demographics 

What is the total population of East Cambridge?

East Cambridge has a total population of 12,622 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Cambridge?

The gender ratio in East Cambridge is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (6,355 residents)
  • 49.6% females (6,267 residents)

What is the median age in East Cambridge?

The median age in East Cambridge is 31.

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

The age distribution in East Cambridge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.2% (1,041 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.7% (2,231 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 51.1% (6,455 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 14.4% (1,815 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.6% (1,081 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Cambridge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Cambridge is as follows:
  • White: 54.9% (6,935 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.2% (1,156 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 24.4% (3,078 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (1,067 residents)
  • Other: 3% (372 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 59.6% of the population in East Cambridge.

How many housing units are there in East Cambridge?

There are 7,111 housing units in East Cambridge, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Cambridge has a total of 6,218 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Cambridge?

East Cambridge has a median household income of $137,122, representing a -5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for East Cambridge?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 96% (7,964 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4% (334 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.7% (392 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (5,340 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.8% (562 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 24.2% (2,005 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