Dedham, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
25,237
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$128,955/yr
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,828
1.7% year-over-year change

Dedham population

How many people live in Dedham

Dedham is home to 25,237 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Dedham locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
25,237
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
12,315
Female
51.2%
12,922
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,315 48.8% 1.9%
Female 12,922 51.2% -0.8%
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 Dedham is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,868 15.3% 0.3%
15 to 24 2,735 10.8% -2.8%
25 to 44 6,136 24.3% -3.3%
45 to 64 6,970 27.6% -0.5%
Over 65 5,528 21.9% 8.5%
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 Dedham, 84.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80% of locals are Caucasian, 6.6% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.5%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,215 84.1% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,408 9.5% -5.2%
Non-citizens 1,614 6.4% 26.5%
Racial breakdown
White
80%
Black or African American
6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 20,190 80%
Black or African American 1,668 6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0%
Asian 716 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 2,112 8.4%
Other 536 2.1%

Households in Dedham

A peek inside Dedham households

Dedham has 10,530 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.4% are families, while the remaining 37.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,530
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,956
Family households
6,574
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,956 37.6% 2.5%
Family households 6,574 62.4% 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 Dedham

The housing landscape of Dedham

Dedham's housing consists of 10,828 units, with 65.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.3% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,828
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,075 65.3%
1 unit, attached 578 5.3%
2 units 786 7.3%
3 or 4 units 323 3%
5 to 9 units 363 3.4%
10 to 19 units 357 3.3%
20 to 49 units 426 3.9%
50 or more units 856 7.9%
Mobile home 64 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
27
35.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dedham

In Dedham, the median construction year is 1956. About 29.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,211 29.6% -6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 876 8.1% 25.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,178 20.1% -7.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,377 12.7% 30.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 552 5.1% 20.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 469 4.3% 6.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 358 3.3% -4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 852 7.9% -20.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 928 8.6% 25.1%
Built in 2020 or later 27 0.2% 35.0%
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.

Dedham occupancy rates

Out of the 10,530 occupied housing units in Dedham, 73.4% are owner-occupied, while 26.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,530
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,801
Owner occupied
7,729
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,801 26.6% -0.4%
Owner occupied 7,729 73.4% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.8%
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.

Dedham housing costs

Housing costs in Dedham come to a median of $2,387 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,042.

Median housing costs per month
$2,387/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 Dedham
$2,042/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 Dedham

Dedham education at a glance

About 25.7% of the population in Dedham went to high school, while 13.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 29.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 456 2.2% 59.4%
High school diploma 5,279 25.7% 0.0%
College diploma 2,858 13.9% -1.7%
Associate degree 1,162 5.7% -2.0%
Bachelor's degree 6,012 29.3% 0.7%
Graduate degree 4,765 23.2% -0.5%
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 Dedham

How much people earn in Dedham

The average annual household income in Dedham was $166,156 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $128,955, reflecting a +3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dedham
$166,156/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dedham
$128,955/year
3.7% year-over-year change

Dedham income by age

In Dedham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $179,120. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $164,953 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $100,722, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,964 in earnings. Overall, 94.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $100,722 2.4%
25 - 44 $179,120 10.7%
45 - 64 $164,953 2.9%
Over 65 $66,964 0.7%
Above poverty level
22,883
Below poverty level
1,359
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,883 94.4% -0.9%
Below poverty level 1,359 5.6% 22.2%

Average renter income in Dedham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dedham, their median household income was $68,304 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$68,304
Rent-to-income ratio
35.9%
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 Dedham

Workforce and job types in Dedham

The job market in Dedham is powered by 14,298 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 60.5% are employed by private companies, and 11.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,298
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
12,377
Blue collar
1,921
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,377 86.6% -0.6%
Blue collar 1,921 13.4% 8.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
60.5%
Governmental workers
11.1%
Not for profit companies
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,591 11.1% -2.1%
Private companies 8,654 60.5% 0.9%
Governmental workers 1,588 11.1% -4.7%
Not for profit companies 2,465 17.2% 5.2%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
-12.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dedham stands at 3.1%, 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 Dedham

How people get around in Dedham

In Dedham, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 71.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
-3.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,966 71.1% -0.4%
Taxicab 58 0.4% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 66 0.5% -21.4%
Subway or elevated 111 0.8% N/A
Railroad 582 4.2% 0.3%
Ferryboat 11 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 28 0.2% -36.4%
Walk 298 2.1% -17.7%
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 Dedham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02026 25,237 10,530 $128,955 $166,156

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FAQs about Dedham demographics 

What is the total population of Dedham?

Dedham has a total population of 25,237 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 Dedham?

The gender ratio in Dedham is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (12,315 residents)
  • 51.2% females (12,922 residents)

What is the median age in Dedham?

The median age in Dedham is 44.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dedham?

The age distribution in Dedham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (3,868 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (2,735 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (6,136 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (6,970 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (5,528 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dedham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dedham is as follows:
  • White: 80% (20,190 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.6% (1,668 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (716 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (2,112 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (536 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.1% of the population in Dedham.

How many housing units are there in Dedham?

There are 10,828 housing units in Dedham, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dedham has a total of 10,530 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dedham?

Dedham has a median household income of $128,955, representing a +3.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.9% in Dedham, with a workforce of 14,298 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.6% (12,377 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.4% (1,921 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (1,591 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.5% (8,654 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.1% (1,588 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.2% (2,465 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