Medford, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
59,354
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$129,540/yr
9.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,587
-1.1% year-over-year change

Medford population

How many people live in Medford

Medford is home to 59,354 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Medford locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
59,354
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
28,312
Female
52.3%
31,042
Value Percent YoY change
Male 28,312 47.7% -0.4%
Female 31,042 52.3% 1.3%
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 Medford is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.2% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.2% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.2%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
36.2%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,046 10.2% -5.3%
15 to 24 9,030 15.2% 2.0%
25 to 44 21,501 36.2% 3.6%
45 to 64 13,749 23.2% -0.1%
Over 65 9,028 15.2% -3.0%
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 Medford, 75% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.9% of locals are Caucasian, 6.7% are African American and 13.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.5%
Non-citizens
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 44,531 75% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,614 14.5% -1.1%
Non-citizens 6,209 10.5% -6.5%
Racial breakdown
White
67.9%
Black or African American
6.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
13.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.1%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 40,321 67.9%
Black or African American 3,967 6.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0%
Asian 7,779 13.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 26 0%
Two or more races 4,790 8.1%
Other 2,452 4.1%

Households in Medford

A peek inside Medford households

Medford has 24,339 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.3% are families, while the remaining 44.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,339
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,878
Family households
13,461
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,878 44.7% -1.0%
Family households 13,461 55.3% -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 Medford

The housing landscape of Medford

Medford's housing consists of 25,587 units, with 33.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,587
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,648 33.8%
1 unit, attached 1,712 6.7%
2 units 6,929 27.1%
3 or 4 units 1,832 7.2%
5 to 9 units 431 1.7%
10 to 19 units 704 2.8%
20 to 49 units 906 3.5%
50 or more units 4,347 17%
Mobile home 78 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
369
26.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Medford

In Medford, the median construction year is 1942. About 48.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 12,498 48.8% 0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,502 5.9% 3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,417 9.4% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,287 5% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,718 6.7% -25.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,130 8.3% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 740 2.9% 7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,518 5.9% 1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,408 5.5% -2.7%
Built in 2020 or later 369 1.4% 26.4%
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.

Medford occupancy rates

Out of the 24,339 occupied housing units in Medford, 54.1% are owner-occupied, while 45.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,339
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,180
Owner occupied
13,159
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,180 45.9% -3.1%
Owner occupied 13,159 54.1% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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.

Medford housing costs

Housing costs in Medford come to a median of $2,417 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,509.

Median housing costs per month
$2,417/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 Medford
$2,509/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 Medford

Medford education at a glance

About 22.6% of the population in Medford went to high school, while 14.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 31.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,453 2.8% -12.2%
High school diploma 11,738 22.6% 0.8%
College diploma 7,602 14.7% -4.9%
Associate degree 2,341 4.5% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 16,130 31.1% 5.0%
Graduate degree 12,559 24.2% 1.9%
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 Medford

How much people earn in Medford

The average annual household income in Medford was $161,587 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $129,540, reflecting a +9.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Medford
$161,587/year
9.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Medford
$129,540/year
9.7% year-over-year change

Medford income by age

In Medford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $164,228. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $156,390 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $94,778, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,492 in earnings. Overall, 92.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $94,778 48.1%
25 - 44 $164,228 6.8%
45 - 64 $156,390 15.1%
Over 65 $64,492 3.9%
Above poverty level
52,268
Below poverty level
4,342
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 52,268 92.3% 0.9%
Below poverty level 4,342 7.7% -6.7%

Average renter income in Medford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Medford, their median household income was $93,507 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$93,507
Rent-to-income ratio
32.2%
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 Medford

Workforce and job types in Medford

The job market in Medford is powered by 36,419 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
36,419
2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
32,959
Blue collar
3,460
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 32,959 90.5% 3.1%
Blue collar 3,460 9.5% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
11.6%
Not for profit companies
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,584 7.1% 12.5%
Private companies 24,174 66.4% 1.2%
Governmental workers 4,205 11.6% 7.2%
Not for profit companies 5,456 15% 1.6%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-0.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Medford stands at 4.3%, 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 Medford

How people get around in Medford

In Medford, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 54.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-1.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,116 54.4% -1.3%
Taxicab 32 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 1,446 4.1% -19.2%
Subway or elevated 2,334 6.6% N/A
Railroad 297 0.8% -27.0%
Motorcycle 35 0.1% -5.4%
Bicycle 721 2% 12.5%
Walk 1,344 3.8% -10.1%
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 Medford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02155 61,730 24,370 $129,700 $161,916

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FAQs about Medford demographics 

What is the total population of Medford?

Medford has a total population of 59,354 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 Medford?

The gender ratio in Medford is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (28,312 residents)
  • 52.3% females (31,042 residents)

What is the median age in Medford?

The median age in Medford is 35.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Medford?

The age distribution in Medford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.2% (6,046 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (9,030 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.2% (21,501 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (13,749 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (9,028 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Medford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Medford is as follows:
  • White: 67.9% (40,321 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.7% (3,967 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 13.1% (7,779 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (26 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.1% (4,790 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (2,452 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75% of the population in Medford.

How many housing units are there in Medford?

There are 25,587 housing units in Medford, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Medford has a total of 24,339 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Medford?

Medford has a median household income of $129,540, representing a +9.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Medford, with a workforce of 36,419 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.5% (32,959 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.5% (3,460 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (2,584 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (24,174 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.6% (4,205 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15% (5,456 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