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

Total population
377,193
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$115,722/yr
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
152,581
0.3% year-over-year change

Greater Worcester population

How many people live in Greater Worcester

Greater Worcester is home to 377,193 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Greater Worcester locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
377,193
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
186,206
Female
50.6%
190,987
Value Percent YoY change
Male 186,206 49.4% 0.9%
Female 190,987 50.6% 0.5%
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 Greater Worcester is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.7% of the population, while another 28.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
24.7%
45 to 64
28.8%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 64,823 17.2% 0.2%
15 to 24 43,049 11.4% -0.8%
25 to 44 93,153 24.7% 2.1%
45 to 64 108,460 28.8% -1.1%
Over 65 67,708 18% 3.1%
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 Greater Worcester, 84.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 6.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.9%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 319,833 84.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 33,730 8.9% 1.9%
Non-citizens 23,630 6.3% 6.7%
Racial breakdown
White
78.1%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
6.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
3.4%
Value Percent
White 294,594 78.1%
Black or African American 8,753 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 828 0.2%
Asian 25,415 6.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 60 0%
Two or more races 34,677 9.2%
Other 12,867 3.4%

Households in Greater Worcester

A peek inside Greater Worcester households

Greater Worcester has 145,622 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.5% are families, while the remaining 30.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
145,622
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
44,418
Family households
101,203
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 44,418 30.5% 0.7%
Family households 101,203 69.5% 0.9%
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 Greater Worcester

The housing landscape of Greater Worcester

Greater Worcester's housing consists of 152,581 units, with 65.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
152,581
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 99,953 65.5%
1 unit, attached 10,034 6.6%
2 units 10,877 7.1%
3 or 4 units 11,438 7.5%
5 to 9 units 6,889 4.5%
10 to 19 units 4,412 2.9%
20 to 49 units 3,740 2.4%
50 or more units 3,971 2.6%
Mobile home 1,230 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,205
58.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Worcester

In Greater Worcester, the median construction year is 1973. About 20.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31,643 20.7% -0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,030 4.6% -1.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 16,763 11% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14,480 9.5% 2.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 18,420 12.1% -3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 20,772 13.6% 4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19,095 12.5% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 15,062 9.9% -3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8,112 5.3% 2.5%
Built in 2020 or later 1,205 0.8% 58.5%
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.

Greater Worcester occupancy rates

Out of the 145,622 occupied housing units in Greater Worcester, 73.5% are owner-occupied, while 26.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
145,622
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
38,559
Owner occupied
107,063
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 38,559 26.5% 0.6%
Owner occupied 107,063 73.5% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
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.

Greater Worcester housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Worcester come to a median of $1,800 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,274.

Median housing costs per month
$1,800/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 Greater Worcester
$1,274/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 Greater Worcester

Greater Worcester education at a glance

About 31% of the population in Greater Worcester went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 23.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,879 2.3% 4.9%
High school diploma 91,967 31% 1.2%
College diploma 51,152 17.3% -2.6%
Associate degree 23,828 8% -1.5%
Bachelor's degree 70,651 23.8% 3.2%
Graduate degree 51,876 17.5% 1.4%
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 Greater Worcester

How much people earn in Greater Worcester

The average annual household income in Greater Worcester was $140,362 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 $115,722, reflecting a +4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Worcester
$140,362/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Worcester
$115,722/year
4.1% year-over-year change

Greater Worcester income by age

In Greater Worcester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $122,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $144,590 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,863, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,893 in earnings. Overall, 93.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,863 7.1%
25 - 44 $122,625 -2.4%
45 - 64 $144,590 1.7%
Over 65 $65,893 5.8%
Above poverty level
346,059
Below poverty level
24,064
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 346,059 93.5% 0.6%
Below poverty level 24,064 6.5% 3.8%

Employment in Greater Worcester

Workforce and job types in Greater Worcester

81.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 68.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
162,774
Blue collar
37,076
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 162,774 81.4% 0.6%
Blue collar 37,076 18.6% 2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
68.8%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 16,630 8.3% -4.0%
Private companies 137,602 68.8% 0.2%
Governmental workers 25,327 12.7% 2.1%
Not for profit companies 20,291 10.2% 9.3%

Transportation in Greater Worcester

How people get around in Greater Worcester

In Greater Worcester, the average commute time is 96 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
96 min
284.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 153,351 97.5% -0.0%
Taxicab 229 0.2% 38.8%
Bus or trolleybus 263 0.2% -32.6%
Railroad 920 0.6% -25.5%
Motorcycle 166 0.1% 31.8%
Bicycle 178 0.1% -27.1%
Walk 2,178 1.4% -20.4%
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 Greater Worcester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01501 16,877 6,788 $116,762 $131,020
01504 9,255 3,904 $94,191 $116,690
01506 3,460 1,504 $81,250 $112,103
01083 2,858 1,094 $64,032 $82,067
01092 1,200 587 $68,614 $90,051
01507 13,435 5,007 $117,587 $144,400
01515 2,166 918 $81,042 $104,872
01516 9,376 3,350 $153,172 $163,125
01518 2,598 1,196 $136,111 $148,512
01519 8,058 2,815 $178,263 $195,118

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FAQs about Greater Worcester demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Worcester?

Greater Worcester has a total population of 377,193 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 Greater Worcester?

The gender ratio in Greater Worcester is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (186,206 residents)
  • 50.6% females (190,987 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Worcester?

The median age in Greater Worcester is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Worcester?

The age distribution in Greater Worcester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (64,823 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (43,049 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.7% (93,153 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.8% (108,460 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (67,708 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Worcester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Worcester is as follows:
  • White: 78.1% (294,594 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (8,753 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (828 residents)
  • Asian: 6.7% (25,415 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (60 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (34,677 residents)
  • Other: 3.4% (12,867 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.8% of the population in Greater Worcester.

How many housing units are there in Greater Worcester?

There are 152,581 housing units in Greater Worcester, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Greater Worcester has a total of 145,622 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Worcester?

Greater Worcester has a median household income of $115,722, representing a +4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Worcester?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.4% (162,774 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.6% (37,076 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (16,630 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.8% (137,602 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (25,327 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (20,291 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