Scituate Town, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,796
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$124,549/yr
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,569
-1.2% year-over-year change

Scituate population

How many people live in Scituate

Scituate is home to 5,796 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.6% of Scituate locals are male, and 55.4% are female.

Total population
5,796
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.6%
2,587
Female
55.4%
3,209
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,587 44.6% 12.5%
Female 3,209 55.4% -2.8%
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 Scituate is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 8.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.1% of the population, while another 28% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 44
17.1%
45 to 64
28%
Over 65
27.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,108 19.1% 19.1%
15 to 24 495 8.5% -16.5%
25 to 44 992 17.1% 11.2%
45 to 64 1,620 28% 3.9%
Over 65 1,581 27.3% -2.8%
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 Scituate, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.3%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,433 93.7% 4.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 306 5.3% -2.5%
Non-citizens 57 1% -17.4%
Racial breakdown
White
93.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 5,425 93.6%
Black or African American 1 0%
Asian 8 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 16 0.3%
Two or more races 132 2.3%
Other 214 3.7%

Households in Scituate

A peek inside Scituate households

Scituate has 2,483 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,483
-1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
923
Family households
1,560
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 923 37.2% -11.0%
Family households 1,560 62.8% 4.3%
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 Scituate

The housing landscape of Scituate

Scituate's housing consists of 2,569 units, with 80% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,569
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,054 80%
1 unit, attached 114 4.4%
2 units 15 0.6%
3 or 4 units 115 4.5%
5 to 9 units 37 1.4%
10 to 19 units 53 2.1%
20 to 49 units 158 6.2%
50 or more units 13 0.5%
Mobile home 10 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
73
630.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Scituate

In Scituate, the median construction year is 1962. About 19.7% 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, 8.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 505 19.7% -17.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 152 5.9% -6.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 535 20.8% 15.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 408 15.9% 29.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 118 4.6% -22.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 148 5.8% 26.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 151 5.9% -25.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 209 8.1% -9.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 270 10.5% -19.4%
Built in 2020 or later 73 2.8% 630.0%
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.

Scituate occupancy rates

Out of the 2,483 occupied housing units in Scituate, 83% are owner-occupied, while 17% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,483
-1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
423
Owner occupied
2,060
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 423 17% 5.8%
Owner occupied 2,060 83% -3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.3%
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.

Scituate housing costs

Housing costs in Scituate come to a median of $2,318 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $884.

Median housing costs per month
$2,318/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 Scituate
$884/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 Scituate

Scituate education at a glance

About 18.2% of the population in Scituate went to high school, while 10.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 34.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 154 3.4% -14.0%
High school diploma 820 18.2% 9.3%
College diploma 469 10.4% -15.0%
Associate degree 222 4.9% -26.0%
Bachelor's degree 1,559 34.5% 6.5%
Graduate degree 1,290 28.6% 5.0%
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 Scituate

How much people earn in Scituate

The average annual household income in Scituate was $197,137 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $124,549, reflecting a -1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Scituate
$197,137/year
-6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Scituate
$124,549/year
-1.4% year-over-year change

Scituate income by age

In Scituate, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $218,289. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $147,768 overall. Overall, 96.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $218,289 3.4%
45 - 64 $147,768 1.2%
Over 65 $84,606 2.8%
Above poverty level
5,501
Below poverty level
195
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,501 96.6% 2.9%
Below poverty level 195 3.4% 7.7%

Employment in Scituate

Workforce and job types in Scituate

The job market in Scituate is powered by 2,672 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 63.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,672
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,459
Blue collar
213
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,459 92% 0.5%
Blue collar 213 8% 3.9%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
63.3%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 369 13.8% 35.2%
Private companies 1,691 63.3% 0.8%
Governmental workers 323 12.1% -12.0%
Not for profit companies 289 10.8% -13.7%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
27.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Scituate stands at 3.2%, 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 Scituate

How people get around in Scituate

Commuting methods vary: 61% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% 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 1,644 61% -3.0%
Subway or elevated 10 0.4% N/A
Railroad 69 2.6% 40.8%
Ferryboat 140 5.2% -11.4%
Bicycle 4 0.2% -77.8%
Walk 88 3.3% -7.4%
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 Scituate by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02047 182 76 $106,333 $137,830
02066 19,099 7,599 $136,689 $212,652

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FAQs about Scituate demographics 

What is the total population of Scituate?

Scituate has a total population of 5,796 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Scituate?

The gender ratio in Scituate is as follows:
  • 44.6% males (2,587 residents)
  • 55.4% females (3,209 residents)

What is the median age in Scituate?

The median age in Scituate is 51.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Scituate?

The age distribution in Scituate is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (1,108 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.5% (495 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.1% (992 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28% (1,620 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.3% (1,581 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Scituate?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Scituate is as follows:
  • White: 93.6% (5,425 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (16 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (132 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (214 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Scituate.

How many housing units are there in Scituate?

There are 2,569 housing units in Scituate, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Scituate has a total of 2,483 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Scituate?

Scituate has a median household income of $124,549, representing a -1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Scituate, with a workforce of 2,672 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92% (2,459 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8% (213 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (369 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.3% (1,691 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (323 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (289 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