Saugus, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
28,773
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,539/yr
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,402
1.3% year-over-year change

Saugus population

How many people live in Saugus

Saugus is home to 28,773 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Saugus locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
28,773
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
14,122
Female
50.9%
14,651
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,122 49.1% 0.6%
Female 14,651 50.9% 0.7%
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 Saugus is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.5% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 27.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.5%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
27.4%
Over 65
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,299 11.5% -13.3%
15 to 24 3,387 11.8% 6.3%
25 to 44 7,873 27.4% 2.0%
45 to 64 7,877 27.4% 2.4%
Over 65 6,337 22% 2.3%
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 Saugus, 80.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.9% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 3.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
80.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12%
Non-citizens
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,159 80.5% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,456 12% 18.7%
Non-citizens 2,158 7.5% -8.1%
Racial breakdown
White
72.9%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
12.6%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 20,968 72.9%
Black or African American 1,568 5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 25 0.1%
Asian 1,006 3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0.1%
Two or more races 3,612 12.6%
Other 1,563 5.4%

Households in Saugus

A peek inside Saugus households

Saugus has 10,958 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.7% are families, while the remaining 31.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,958
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,432
Family households
7,526
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,432 31.3% 5.5%
Family households 7,526 68.7% 1.1%
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 Saugus

The housing landscape of Saugus

Saugus's housing consists of 11,402 units, with 65.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,402
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,476 65.6%
1 unit, attached 510 4.5%
2 units 882 7.7%
3 or 4 units 436 3.8%
5 to 9 units 312 2.7%
10 to 19 units 557 4.9%
20 to 49 units 617 5.4%
50 or more units 564 5%
Mobile home 48 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
40
29.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Saugus

In Saugus, the median construction year is 1962. About 29.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,349 29.4% 6.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 608 5.3% -23.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,373 12% -11.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,652 14.5% -7.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,220 10.7% 21.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,645 14.4% 6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 480 4.2% 8.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 505 4.4% -11.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 530 4.6% 28.6%
Built in 2020 or later 40 0.4% 29.0%
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.

Saugus occupancy rates

Out of the 10,958 occupied housing units in Saugus, 71.5% are owner-occupied, while 28.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,958
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,122
Owner occupied
7,836
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,122 28.5% 11.8%
Owner occupied 7,836 71.5% -0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

Saugus housing costs

Housing costs in Saugus come to a median of $2,253 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,241.

Median housing costs per month
$2,253/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 Saugus
$2,241/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 Saugus

Saugus education at a glance

About 40.5% of the population in Saugus went to high school, while 16.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 996 4.1% 6.8%
High school diploma 9,871 40.5% 5.4%
College diploma 4,094 16.8% -0.4%
Associate degree 2,056 8.4% -2.4%
Bachelor's degree 4,664 19.1% 4.7%
Graduate degree 2,709 11.1% -2.6%
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 Saugus

How much people earn in Saugus

The average annual household income in Saugus was $121,479 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $101,539, reflecting a +0.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Saugus
$121,479/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Saugus
$101,539/year
0.7% year-over-year change

Saugus income by age

In Saugus, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,845. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $125,766 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,411 in earnings. Overall, 94% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,250 N/A
25 - 44 $108,845 1.8%
45 - 64 $125,766 1.1%
Over 65 $65,411 -5.7%
Above poverty level
26,691
Below poverty level
1,702
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,691 94% 1.9%
Below poverty level 1,702 6% -5.5%

Average renter income in Saugus

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Saugus, their median household income was $43,717 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 61.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,717
Rent-to-income ratio
61.5%
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 Saugus

Workforce and job types in Saugus

The job market in Saugus is powered by 15,643 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 68.6% are employed by private companies, and 11.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,643
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
12,200
Blue collar
3,443
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,200 78% -2.3%
Blue collar 3,443 22% 8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
68.6%
Governmental workers
11.8%
Not for profit companies
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,453 9.3% -11.1%
Private companies 10,729 68.6% 1.8%
Governmental workers 1,839 11.8% -7.3%
Not for profit companies 1,622 10.4% 8.3%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
5.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Saugus stands at 3.8%, 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 Saugus

How people get around in Saugus

Commuting methods vary: 79% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 11,863 79% -1.1%
Taxicab 48 0.3% -34.2%
Bus or trolleybus 137 0.9% -35.7%
Subway or elevated 216 1.4% N/A
Railroad 6 0% -14.3%
Bicycle 29 0.2% 314.3%
Walk 358 2.4% -9.8%
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.

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FAQs about Saugus demographics 

What is the total population of Saugus?

Saugus has a total population of 28,773 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 Saugus?

The gender ratio in Saugus is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (14,122 residents)
  • 50.9% females (14,651 residents)

What is the median age in Saugus?

The median age in Saugus is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Saugus?

The age distribution in Saugus is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.5% (3,299 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (3,387 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (7,873 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.4% (7,877 residents)
  • Over 65: 22% (6,337 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Saugus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Saugus is as follows:
  • White: 72.9% (20,968 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (1,568 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (25 residents)
  • Asian: 3.5% (1,006 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.6% (3,612 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (1,563 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 80.5% of the population in Saugus.

How many housing units are there in Saugus?

There are 11,402 housing units in Saugus, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Saugus has a total of 10,958 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Saugus?

Saugus has a median household income of $101,539, representing a +0.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Saugus, with a workforce of 15,643 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78% (12,200 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22% (3,443 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (1,453 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.6% (10,729 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.8% (1,839 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.4% (1,622 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