Somerville, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
81,036
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$132,572/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
37,756
0.5% year-over-year change

Somerville population

How many people live in Somerville

Somerville is home to 81,036 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Somerville locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
81,036
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
39,660
Female
51.1%
41,376
Value Percent YoY change
Male 39,660 48.9% 0.1%
Female 41,376 51.1% 1.1%
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 Somerville is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.6% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 49.2% of the population, while another 16.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.6%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
49.2%
45 to 64
16.8%
Over 65
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,979 8.6% -5.4%
15 to 24 12,449 15.4% 4.0%
25 to 44 39,902 49.2% 1.5%
45 to 64 13,598 16.8% -4.5%
Over 65 8,108 10% 5.8%
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 Somerville, 74.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.8% of locals are Caucasian, 4.5% are African American and 11.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.2%
Non-citizens
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 60,081 74.1% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,864 12.2% -1.3%
Non-citizens 11,091 13.7% -3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
67.8%
Black or African American
4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
11.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.8%
Other
5.2%
Value Percent
White 54,937 67.8%
Black or African American 3,634 4.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 125 0.2%
Asian 9,366 11.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 41 0%
Two or more races 8,757 10.8%
Other 4,176 5.2%

Households in Somerville

A peek inside Somerville households

Somerville has 35,715 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 37.3% are families, while the remaining 62.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
35,715
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
22,388
Family households
13,327
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 22,388 62.7% 2.8%
Family households 13,327 37.3% -2.4%
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 Somerville

The housing landscape of Somerville

Somerville's housing consists of 37,756 units, with 10.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% 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
37,756
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,959 10.5%
1 unit, attached 1,608 4.3%
2 units 10,654 28.2%
3 or 4 units 10,189 27%
5 to 9 units 3,186 8.4%
10 to 19 units 1,910 5.1%
20 to 49 units 2,387 6.3%
50 or more units 3,811 10.1%
Mobile home 50 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
581
70.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Somerville

In Somerville, the median construction year is 1938. About 59% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 22,264 59% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,693 4.5% -5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,012 5.3% 10.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,787 4.7% -6.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,358 6.2% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,681 4.4% -0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,251 3.3% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,067 2.8% 21.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,062 8.1% -1.0%
Built in 2020 or later 581 1.5% 70.4%
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.

Somerville occupancy rates

Out of the 35,715 occupied housing units in Somerville, 34.2% are owner-occupied, while 65.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
35,715
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,483
Owner occupied
12,232
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,483 65.8% 0.9%
Owner occupied 12,232 34.2% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

Somerville housing costs

Housing costs in Somerville come to a median of $2,606 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,517.

Median housing costs per month
$2,606/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 Somerville
$2,517/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 Somerville

Somerville education at a glance

About 15.8% of the population in Somerville went to high school, while 10.9% pursued college studies. Another 3.3% earned an associate degree and 37.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 28.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,725 3.7% 3.2%
High school diploma 11,575 15.8% -3.6%
College diploma 7,963 10.9% -4.4%
Associate degree 2,414 3.3% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 27,262 37.3% 5.6%
Graduate degree 21,136 28.9% 0.5%
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 Somerville

How much people earn in Somerville

The average annual household income in Somerville was $167,361 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $132,572, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Somerville
$167,361/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Somerville
$132,572/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Somerville income by age

In Somerville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $161,745. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $124,651 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $110,511, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,597 in earnings. Overall, 90.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $110,511 4.6%
25 - 44 $161,745 3.4%
45 - 64 $124,651 4.3%
Over 65 $39,597 -0.7%
Above poverty level
69,920
Below poverty level
7,668
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 69,920 90.1% 1.0%
Below poverty level 7,668 9.9% -2.9%

Average renter income in Somerville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Somerville, their median household income was $109,423 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$109,423
Rent-to-income ratio
27.6%
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 Somerville

Workforce and job types in Somerville

The job market in Somerville is powered by 56,597 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 8.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
56,597
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
52,665
Blue collar
3,932
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 52,665 93% 1.6%
Blue collar 3,932 7% -8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
8.1%
Not for profit companies
23.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,390 6% 1.0%
Private companies 35,440 62.6% -0.6%
Governmental workers 4,591 8.1% 3.2%
Not for profit companies 13,176 23.3% 3.7%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
4.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Somerville stands at 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 Somerville

How people get around in Somerville

In Somerville, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 34.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
31 min
1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,301 34.6% -1.8%
Taxicab 109 0.2% -39.4%
Bus or trolleybus 2,540 4.6% 4.8%
Subway or elevated 7,884 14.1% N/A
Railroad 221 0.4% 6.2%
Motorcycle 28 0% 40.0%
Bicycle 3,026 5.4% -14.9%
Walk 4,755 8.5% 2.5%
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 Somerville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02144 25,448 11,357 $150,313 $185,686
02145 27,495 11,940 $123,755 $150,284
02143 25,513 12,283 $130,753 $166,291

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FAQs about Somerville demographics 

What is the total population of Somerville?

Somerville has a total population of 81,036 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 Somerville?

The gender ratio in Somerville is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (39,660 residents)
  • 51.1% females (41,376 residents)

What is the median age in Somerville?

The median age in Somerville is 31.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Somerville?

The age distribution in Somerville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.6% (6,979 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (12,449 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 49.2% (39,902 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.8% (13,598 residents)
  • Over 65: 10% (8,108 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Somerville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Somerville is as follows:
  • White: 67.8% (54,937 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.5% (3,634 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (125 residents)
  • Asian: 11.6% (9,366 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (41 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.8% (8,757 residents)
  • Other: 5.2% (4,176 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.1% of the population in Somerville.

How many housing units are there in Somerville?

There are 37,756 housing units in Somerville, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Somerville has a total of 35,715 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Somerville?

Somerville has a median household income of $132,572, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97% in Somerville, with a workforce of 56,597 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93% (52,665 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7% (3,932 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (3,390 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (35,440 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.1% (4,591 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 23.3% (13,176 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