Gloucester, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,075
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,883/yr
-4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,867
1.6% year-over-year change

Gloucester population

How many people live in Gloucester

Gloucester is home to 30,075 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Gloucester locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
30,075
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
14,703
Female
51.1%
15,372
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,703 48.9% 0.4%
Female 15,372 51.1% 1.0%
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 Gloucester is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.5% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 28% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
28%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,771 12.5% -3.1%
15 to 24 2,944 9.8% -2.3%
25 to 44 6,813 22.6% 7.1%
45 to 64 8,142 27.1% -9.5%
Over 65 8,405 28% 10.6%
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 Gloucester, 88.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.5% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,733 88.9% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,758 5.8% 13.4%
Non-citizens 1,584 5.3% -1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
89.5%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.9%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 26,906 89.5%
Black or African American 441 1.5%
Asian 509 1.7%
Two or more races 1,486 4.9%
Other 733 2.4%

Households in Gloucester

A peek inside Gloucester households

Gloucester has 13,444 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 42% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,444
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,646
Family households
7,798
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,646 42% 3.4%
Family households 7,798 58% 1.0%
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 Gloucester

The housing landscape of Gloucester

Gloucester's housing consists of 14,867 units, with 49.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.4% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,867
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,348 49.4%
1 unit, attached 805 5.4%
2 units 2,439 16.4%
3 or 4 units 2,534 17%
5 to 9 units 448 3%
10 to 19 units 467 3.1%
20 to 49 units 509 3.4%
50 or more units 288 1.9%
Mobile home 29 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
235
28.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gloucester

In Gloucester, the median construction year is 1946. About 47.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,013 47.2% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 699 4.7% 34.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,333 9% 33.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 875 5.9% -8.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,360 9.2% -7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,216 8.2% 1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 799 5.4% 2.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 816 5.5% -10.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 521 3.5% 1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 235 1.6% 28.4%
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.

Gloucester occupancy rates

Out of the 13,444 occupied housing units in Gloucester, 64% are owner-occupied, while 36% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,444
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,847
Owner occupied
8,597
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,847 36% 0.3%
Owner occupied 8,597 64% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
9.6%
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.

Gloucester housing costs

Housing costs in Gloucester come to a median of $1,751 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,411.

Median housing costs per month
$1,751/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 Gloucester
$1,411/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 Gloucester

Gloucester education at a glance

About 34.1% of the population in Gloucester went to high school, while 16.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 22.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 675 2.6% 8.0%
High school diploma 8,699 34.1% 1.1%
College diploma 4,147 16.2% -6.8%
Associate degree 2,270 8.9% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 5,798 22.7% 3.8%
Graduate degree 3,939 15.4% 7.0%
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 Gloucester

How much people earn in Gloucester

The average annual household income in Gloucester was $118,570 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,883, reflecting a -4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gloucester
$118,570/year
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gloucester
$83,883/year
-4.6% year-over-year change

Gloucester income by age

In Gloucester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,809. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,639 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,708, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,361 in earnings. Overall, 90.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,708 19.5%
25 - 44 $89,809 -7.4%
45 - 64 $111,639 -1.6%
Over 65 $57,361 -9.2%
Above poverty level
26,835
Below poverty level
2,740
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,835 90.7% 2.0%
Below poverty level 2,740 9.3% -6.9%

Average renter income in Gloucester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gloucester, their median household income was $41,012 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,012
Rent-to-income ratio
41.3%
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 Gloucester

Workforce and job types in Gloucester

The job market in Gloucester is powered by 15,533 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.4% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,533
1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
12,014
Blue collar
3,519
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,014 77.4% 1.4%
Blue collar 3,519 22.6% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
15.4%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,387 15.4% 8.7%
Private companies 9,927 63.9% -0.8%
Governmental workers 1,786 11.5% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 1,433 9.2% -2.2%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
3.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gloucester stands at 6.5%, 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 Gloucester

How people get around in Gloucester

In Gloucester, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,709 77.3% -3.2%
Taxicab 26 0.2% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 39 0.3% -44.3%
Subway or elevated 18 0.1% N/A
Railroad 276 1.8% -6.1%
Walk 905 6% 26.2%
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 Gloucester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01930 30,075 13,444 $83,883 $118,570

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FAQs about Gloucester demographics 

What is the total population of Gloucester?

Gloucester has a total population of 30,075 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 Gloucester?

The gender ratio in Gloucester is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (14,703 residents)
  • 51.1% females (15,372 residents)

What is the median age in Gloucester?

The median age in Gloucester is 50.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gloucester?

The age distribution in Gloucester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.5% (3,771 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (2,944 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (6,813 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (8,142 residents)
  • Over 65: 28% (8,405 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gloucester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gloucester is as follows:
  • White: 89.5% (26,906 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (441 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (509 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.9% (1,486 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (733 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.9% of the population in Gloucester.

How many housing units are there in Gloucester?

There are 14,867 housing units in Gloucester, reflecting a +1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gloucester has a total of 13,444 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gloucester?

Gloucester has a median household income of $83,883, representing a -4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.5% in Gloucester, with a workforce of 15,533 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (12,014 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (3,519 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.4% (2,387 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (9,927 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (1,786 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (1,433 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