Chelmsford, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,446
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$142,462/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,942
-0.3% year-over-year change

Chelmsford population

How many people live in Chelmsford

Chelmsford is home to 36,446 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Chelmsford locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
36,446
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
17,725
Female
51.4%
18,721
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,725 48.6% 0.3%
Female 18,721 51.4% 0.9%
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 Chelmsford is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,320 17.3% 0.8%
15 to 24 4,382 12% 7.2%
25 to 44 8,800 24.2% 0.7%
45 to 64 10,354 28.4% -1.1%
Over 65 6,590 18.1% -0.9%
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 Chelmsford, 85.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.9% are African American and 10.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.9%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,065 85.2% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,613 9.9% 12.6%
Non-citizens 1,768 4.8% 7.2%
Racial breakdown
White
78.2%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
10.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 28,486 78.2%
Black or African American 706 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 75 0.2%
Asian 3,934 10.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0%
Two or more races 2,419 6.6%
Other 817 2.2%

Households in Chelmsford

A peek inside Chelmsford households

Chelmsford has 13,450 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.6% are families, while the remaining 28.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,450
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,814
Family households
9,636
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,814 28.4% 4.4%
Family households 9,636 71.6% -2.1%
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 Chelmsford

The housing landscape of Chelmsford

Chelmsford's housing consists of 13,942 units, with 66.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,942
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,302 66.7%
1 unit, attached 1,114 8%
2 units 376 2.7%
3 or 4 units 219 1.6%
5 to 9 units 362 2.6%
10 to 19 units 861 6.2%
20 to 49 units 894 6.4%
50 or more units 535 3.8%
Mobile home 265 1.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
79
75.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chelmsford

In Chelmsford, the median construction year is 1969. About 15% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,096 15% 6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 367 2.6% -6.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,007 14.4% 0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,437 24.6% -1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,550 11.1% -7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,757 12.6% -10.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 968 6.9% -12.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 883 6.3% 22.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 798 5.7% 36.0%
Built in 2020 or later 79 0.6% 75.6%
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.

Chelmsford occupancy rates

Out of the 13,450 occupied housing units in Chelmsford, 82.2% are owner-occupied, while 17.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,450
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,401
Owner occupied
11,049
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,401 17.8% 5.7%
Owner occupied 11,049 82.2% -1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.5%
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.

Chelmsford housing costs

Housing costs in Chelmsford come to a median of $2,302 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,021.

Median housing costs per month
$2,302/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 Chelmsford
$2,021/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 Chelmsford

Chelmsford education at a glance

About 21.8% of the population in Chelmsford went to high school, while 16.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 28.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 775 2.7% 46.2%
High school diploma 6,237 21.8% 8.3%
College diploma 4,666 16.3% 2.6%
Associate degree 2,323 8.1% -8.2%
Bachelor's degree 8,159 28.6% -5.4%
Graduate degree 6,403 22.4% -2.3%
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 Chelmsford

How much people earn in Chelmsford

The average annual household income in Chelmsford was $163,008 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $142,462, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chelmsford
$163,008/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chelmsford
$142,462/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Chelmsford income by age

In Chelmsford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $158,978. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $175,760 overall. Overall, 95.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $158,978 1.4%
45 - 64 $175,760 2.2%
Over 65 $75,466 -8.6%
Above poverty level
34,107
Below poverty level
1,705
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 34,107 95.2% -0.1%
Below poverty level 1,705 4.8% 11.9%

Employment in Chelmsford

Workforce and job types in Chelmsford

86.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 73.6% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
16,697
Blue collar
2,618
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,697 86.4% -1.3%
Blue collar 2,618 13.6% 10.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
73.6%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,027 5.3% -13.3%
Private companies 14,212 73.6% 2.9%
Governmental workers 2,507 13% -5.7%
Not for profit companies 1,569 8.1% -4.6%

Transportation in Chelmsford

How people get around in Chelmsford

Commuting methods vary: 97% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 13,720 97% -2.0%
Taxicab 53 0.4% 1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.1% 40.0%
Railroad 41 0.3% -73.2%
Motorcycle 43 0.3% 79.2%
Walk 281 2% 23.8%
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 Chelmsford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01824 26,650 9,877 $140,050 $167,182
01863 9,796 3,573 $144,875 $147,710

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chelmsford demographics 

What is the total population of Chelmsford?

Chelmsford has a total population of 36,446 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chelmsford?

The gender ratio in Chelmsford is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (17,725 residents)
  • 51.4% females (18,721 residents)

What is the median age in Chelmsford?

The median age in Chelmsford is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chelmsford?

The age distribution in Chelmsford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (6,320 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (4,382 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (8,800 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (10,354 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.1% (6,590 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chelmsford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelmsford is as follows:
  • White: 78.2% (28,486 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (706 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (75 residents)
  • Asian: 10.8% (3,934 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (2,419 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (817 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.2% of the population in Chelmsford.

How many housing units are there in Chelmsford?

There are 13,942 housing units in Chelmsford, 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 Chelmsford and what is the average household size?

Chelmsford has a total of 13,450 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chelmsford?

Chelmsford has a median household income of $142,462, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chelmsford?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.4% (16,697 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.6% (2,618 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (1,027 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.6% (14,212 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (2,507 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (1,569 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