Wakefield, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
27,793
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$134,306/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,750
1.9% year-over-year change

Wakefield population

How many people live in Wakefield

Wakefield is home to 27,793 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Wakefield locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
27,793
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
13,923
Female
49.9%
13,870
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,923 50.1% 0.8%
Female 13,870 49.9% 3.0%
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 Wakefield is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,697 16.9% 2.3%
15 to 24 2,471 8.9% 2.2%
25 to 44 7,873 28.3% 5.7%
45 to 64 7,484 26.9% -1.2%
Over 65 5,268 19% 0.3%
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 Wakefield, 88.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 5.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.7%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,607 88.5% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,144 7.7% 0.6%
Non-citizens 1,042 3.8% 11.9%
Racial breakdown
White
86.6%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 24,061 86.6%
Black or African American 207 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0%
Asian 1,595 5.7%
Two or more races 1,462 5.3%
Other 455 1.6%

Households in Wakefield

A peek inside Wakefield households

Wakefield has 11,270 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.1% are families, while the remaining 35.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,270
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,046
Family households
7,224
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,046 35.9% 2.4%
Family households 7,224 64.1% 1.5%
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 Wakefield

The housing landscape of Wakefield

Wakefield's housing consists of 11,750 units, with 53.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.8% 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
11,750
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,327 53.8%
1 unit, attached 560 4.8%
2 units 1,654 14.1%
3 or 4 units 811 6.9%
5 to 9 units 410 3.5%
10 to 19 units 379 3.2%
20 to 49 units 809 6.9%
50 or more units 790 6.7%
Mobile home 10 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
109
10.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wakefield

In Wakefield, the median construction year is 1956. About 31.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,731 31.8% 0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 999 8.5% 11.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,930 16.4% -6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 911 7.8% 0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 744 6.3% 10.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 954 8.1% 5.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 486 4.1% -13.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 995 8.5% 13.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 891 7.6% 7.5%
Built in 2020 or later 109 0.9% 10.1%
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.

Wakefield occupancy rates

Out of the 11,270 occupied housing units in Wakefield, 70.7% are owner-occupied, while 29.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,270
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,302
Owner occupied
7,968
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,302 29.3% 0.9%
Owner occupied 7,968 70.7% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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.

Wakefield housing costs

Housing costs in Wakefield come to a median of $2,475 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,958.

Median housing costs per month
$2,475/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 Wakefield
$1,958/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 Wakefield

Wakefield education at a glance

About 23.1% of the population in Wakefield went to high school, while 12% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 34.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 470 2.1% 26.7%
High school diploma 5,143 23.1% -4.0%
College diploma 2,677 12% -4.0%
Associate degree 1,137 5.1% -14.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,657 34.4% 11.3%
Graduate degree 5,158 23.2% 1.3%
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 Wakefield

How much people earn in Wakefield

The average annual household income in Wakefield was $164,954 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $134,306, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wakefield
$164,954/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wakefield
$134,306/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Wakefield income by age

In Wakefield, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $171,063. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $151,657 overall. Overall, 95.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $171,063 5.5%
45 - 64 $151,657 1.6%
Over 65 $81,979 -4.2%
Above poverty level
25,898
Below poverty level
1,341
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 25,898 95.1% 1.7%
Below poverty level 1,341 4.9% 7.8%

Average renter income in Wakefield

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wakefield, their median household income was $71,984 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$71,984
Rent-to-income ratio
32.6%
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 Wakefield

Workforce and job types in Wakefield

The job market in Wakefield is powered by 15,454 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 66.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,454
3.6% year-over-year change
White collar
13,517
Blue collar
1,937
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,517 87.5% 4.2%
Blue collar 1,937 12.5% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
66.2%
Governmental workers
15.5%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,077 7% -7.3%
Private companies 10,232 66.2% 1.8%
Governmental workers 2,393 15.5% 16.9%
Not for profit companies 1,752 11.3% 6.2%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-0.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wakefield 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 Wakefield

How people get around in Wakefield

Commuting methods vary: 66.6% 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.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,188 66.6% 1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.1% -18.2%
Subway or elevated 453 3% N/A
Railroad 472 3.1% -1.5%
Bicycle 46 0.3% 411.1%
Walk 330 2.2% -5.4%
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.

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FAQs about Wakefield demographics 

What is the total population of Wakefield?

Wakefield has a total population of 27,793 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wakefield?

The gender ratio in Wakefield is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (13,923 residents)
  • 49.9% females (13,870 residents)

What is the median age in Wakefield?

The median age in Wakefield is 42.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wakefield?

The age distribution in Wakefield is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (4,697 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (2,471 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (7,873 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (7,484 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (5,268 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wakefield?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wakefield is as follows:
  • White: 86.6% (24,061 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (207 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 5.7% (1,595 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (1,462 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (455 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.5% of the population in Wakefield.

How many housing units are there in Wakefield?

There are 11,750 housing units in Wakefield, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wakefield has a total of 11,270 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wakefield?

Wakefield has a median household income of $134,306, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.6% in Wakefield, with a workforce of 15,454 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.5% (13,517 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.5% (1,937 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (1,077 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.2% (10,232 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.5% (2,393 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (1,752 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