Greater Leicester, Central Massachusetts, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,607
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,099/yr
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,712
0.1% year-over-year change

Leicester population

How many people live in Leicester

Leicester is home to 9,607 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.5% of Leicester locals are male, and 46.5% are female.

Total population
9,607
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.5%
5,142
Female
46.5%
4,465
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,142 53.5% 6.7%
Female 4,465 46.5% -3.8%
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 Leicester is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,648 17.2% 2.4%
15 to 24 1,118 11.6% 4.8%
25 to 44 2,299 23.9% -2.3%
45 to 64 2,712 28.2% -4.2%
Over 65 1,830 19% 14.4%
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 Leicester, 91.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.6%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,811 91.7% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 535 5.6% 7.9%
Non-citizens 261 2.7% 11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 8,076 84%
Black or African American 521 5.4%
Asian 54 0.6%
Two or more races 698 7.3%
Other 260 2.7%

Households in Leicester

A peek inside Leicester households

Leicester has 3,497 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.8% are families, while the remaining 23.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,497
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
812
Family households
2,685
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 812 23.2% -15.5%
Family households 2,685 76.8% 6.3%
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 Leicester

The housing landscape of Leicester

Leicester's housing consists of 3,712 units, with 84.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,712
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,145 84.8%
1 unit, attached 121 3.3%
2 units 107 2.9%
3 or 4 units 125 3.4%
5 to 9 units 51 1.4%
10 to 19 units 43 1.2%
20 to 49 units 76 2%
50 or more units 42 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
12
-33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Leicester

In Leicester, the median construction year is 1969. About 25.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 944 25.4% 14.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 128 3.4% -35.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 683 18.4% 11.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 234 6.3% -19.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 513 13.8% 38.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 341 9.2% -8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 214 5.8% -7.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 434 11.7% -11.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 210 5.7% -30.7%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.3% -33.3%
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.

Leicester occupancy rates

Out of the 3,497 occupied housing units in Leicester, 88.9% are owner-occupied, while 11.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,497
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
389
Owner occupied
3,108
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 389 11.1% -4.7%
Owner occupied 3,108 88.9% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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.

Leicester housing costs

Housing costs in Leicester come to a median of $1,710 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,474.

Median housing costs per month
$1,710/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 Leicester
$1,474/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 Leicester

Leicester education at a glance

About 33.8% of the population in Leicester went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 16.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 272 3.6% 16.7%
High school diploma 2,584 33.8% -3.1%
College diploma 1,674 21.9% -4.9%
Associate degree 785 10.3% 1.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,256 16.4% 1.7%
Graduate degree 1,068 14% 15.5%
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 Leicester

How much people earn in Leicester

The average annual household income in Leicester was $119,356 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,099, reflecting a -5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Leicester
$119,356/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Leicester
$102,099/year
-5.2% year-over-year change

Leicester income by age

In Leicester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $109,286. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,746 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,799, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $86,500 in earnings. Overall, 96% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,799 N/A
25 - 44 $109,286 11.2%
45 - 64 $111,746 -23.4%
Over 65 $86,500 37.3%
Above poverty level
8,879
Below poverty level
372
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,879 96% 0.5%
Below poverty level 372 4% 16.2%

Employment in Leicester

Workforce and job types in Leicester

78.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 64% are employed by private companies, and 16.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,891
Blue collar
1,084
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,891 78.2% -4.5%
Blue collar 1,084 21.8% -5.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
64%
Governmental workers
16.7%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 445 8.9% -11.3%
Private companies 3,186 64% -3.6%
Governmental workers 833 16.7% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 511 10.3% -1.7%

Transportation in Leicester

How people get around in Leicester

Commuting methods vary: 98.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,150 98.1% -4.0%
Bus or trolleybus 3 0.1% -85.7%
Bicycle 28 0.7% 3.7%
Walk 50 1.2% -59.7%
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 Leicester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01611 2,299 812 $109,868 $123,133
01542 2,615 1,082 $96,111 $115,505
01524 6,327 2,225 $102,099 $119,803

Explore more communities

FAQs about Leicester demographics 

What is the total population of Leicester?

Leicester has a total population of 9,607 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 +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Leicester?

The gender ratio in Leicester is as follows:
  • 53.5% males (5,142 residents)
  • 46.5% females (4,465 residents)

What is the median age in Leicester?

The median age in Leicester is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Leicester?

The age distribution in Leicester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (1,648 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (1,118 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (2,299 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (2,712 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (1,830 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Leicester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Leicester is as follows:
  • White: 84% (8,076 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (521 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (54 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (698 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (260 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.7% of the population in Leicester.

How many housing units are there in Leicester?

There are 3,712 housing units in Leicester, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Leicester has a total of 3,497 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Leicester?

Leicester has a median household income of $102,099, representing a -5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Leicester?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.2% (3,891 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.8% (1,084 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (445 residents)
  • Private companies: 64% (3,186 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.7% (833 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (511 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