Needham, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,459
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$214,308/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,929
1.5% year-over-year change

Needham population

How many people live in Needham

Needham is home to 32,459 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Needham locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
32,459
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
15,622
Female
51.9%
16,837
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,622 48.1% 1.6%
Female 16,837 51.9% 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 Needham is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.3% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.4% of the population, while another 29.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
18.4%
45 to 64
29.2%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,238 22.3% -1.0%
15 to 24 4,021 12.4% 8.7%
25 to 44 5,982 18.4% -2.3%
45 to 64 9,485 29.2% 1.9%
Over 65 5,733 17.7% 1.9%
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 Needham, 81.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.3% of locals are Caucasian, 1.5% are African American and 9.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.3%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,484 81.6% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,306 13.3% -0.1%
Non-citizens 1,669 5.1% 10.8%
Racial breakdown
White
81.3%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
9.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 26,380 81.3%
Black or African American 489 1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 37 0.1%
Asian 3,225 9.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 40 0.1%
Two or more races 2,036 6.3%
Other 252 0.8%

Households in Needham

A peek inside Needham households

Needham has 11,586 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 78.4% are families, while the remaining 21.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,586
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,499
Family households
9,087
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,499 21.6% 9.8%
Family households 9,087 78.4% -0.4%
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 Needham

The housing landscape of Needham

Needham's housing consists of 11,929 units, with 74.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,929
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,869 74.4%
1 unit, attached 625 5.2%
2 units 317 2.7%
3 or 4 units 110 0.9%
5 to 9 units 326 2.7%
10 to 19 units 177 1.5%
20 to 49 units 277 2.3%
50 or more units 1,215 10.2%
Mobile home 13 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
205
-2.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Needham

In Needham, the median construction year is 1965. About 18% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,151 18% -5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 873 7.3% 5.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,359 19.8% 1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,208 10.1% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,030 8.6% 1.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 933 7.8% 7.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 598 5% 3.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 976 8.2% -6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,596 13.4% 13.3%
Built in 2020 or later 205 1.7% -2.4%
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.

Needham occupancy rates

Out of the 11,586 occupied housing units in Needham, 83.1% are owner-occupied, while 16.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,586
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,954
Owner occupied
9,632
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,954 16.9% 9.2%
Owner occupied 9,632 83.1% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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.

Needham housing costs

Housing costs in Needham come to a median of $3,358 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,409.

Median housing costs per month
$3,358/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 Needham
$2,409/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 Needham

Needham education at a glance

About 10.9% of the population in Needham went to high school, while 9.6% pursued college studies. Another 2.4% earned an associate degree and 31.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 44.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 245 1% 1.7%
High school diploma 2,573 10.9% -0.7%
College diploma 2,272 9.6% 4.9%
Associate degree 573 2.4% -9.6%
Bachelor's degree 7,423 31.5% 12.2%
Graduate degree 10,454 44.4% -3.1%
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 Needham

How much people earn in Needham

The average annual household income in Needham was $284,640 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $214,308, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Needham
$284,640/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Needham
$214,308/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Needham income by age

In Needham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 96.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $119,930 -2.8%
Above poverty level
30,311
Below poverty level
1,160
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,311 96.3% 1.0%
Below poverty level 1,160 3.7% -1.4%

Average renter income in Needham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Needham, their median household income was $78,350 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$78,350
Rent-to-income ratio
36.9%
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 Needham

Workforce and job types in Needham

The job market in Needham is powered by 16,025 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 62% are employed by private companies, and 7.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
16,025
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
15,283
Blue collar
742
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,283 95.4% 3.2%
Blue collar 742 4.6% -13.7%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
62%
Governmental workers
7.2%
Not for profit companies
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,791 11.2% -8.9%
Private companies 9,944 62% 4.5%
Governmental workers 1,146 7.2% -8.0%
Not for profit companies 3,144 19.6% 7.1%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-0.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Needham stands at 4.4%, 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 Needham

How people get around in Needham

In Needham, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 57.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-3.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,977 57.1% -4.7%
Taxicab 2 0% -84.6%
Bus or trolleybus 46 0.3% 9.5%
Subway or elevated 157 1% N/A
Railroad 937 6% 1.9%
Bicycle 22 0.1% N/A
Walk 351 2.2% 19.8%
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 Needham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02492 21,424 7,303 $226,645 $297,758
02494 11,035 4,283 $179,720 $262,273

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FAQs about Needham demographics 

What is the total population of Needham?

Needham has a total population of 32,459 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Needham?

The gender ratio in Needham is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (15,622 residents)
  • 51.9% females (16,837 residents)

What is the median age in Needham?

The median age in Needham is 43.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Needham?

The age distribution in Needham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.3% (7,238 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (4,021 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.4% (5,982 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.2% (9,485 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (5,733 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Needham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Needham is as follows:
  • White: 81.3% (26,380 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (489 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (37 residents)
  • Asian: 9.9% (3,225 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (40 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (2,036 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (252 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.6% of the population in Needham.

How many housing units are there in Needham?

There are 11,929 housing units in Needham, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Needham has a total of 11,586 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Needham?

Needham has a median household income of $214,308, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Needham, with a workforce of 16,025 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.4% (15,283 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.6% (742 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (1,791 residents)
  • Private companies: 62% (9,944 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.2% (1,146 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19.6% (3,144 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