Waltham, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
64,902
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,216/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
26,728
-0.6% year-over-year change

Waltham population

How many people live in Waltham

Waltham is home to 64,902 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Waltham locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
64,902
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
32,453
Female
50%
32,449
Value Percent YoY change
Male 32,453 50% 1.8%
Female 32,449 50% -1.2%
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 Waltham is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 12% are children under 15, then 21.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.6% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12%
15 to 24
21.2%
25 to 44
30.6%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,817 12% 3.8%
15 to 24 13,745 21.2% 4.7%
25 to 44 19,868 30.6% -0.2%
45 to 64 13,244 20.4% -7.0%
Over 65 10,228 15.8% 3.2%
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 Waltham, 71.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60% of locals are Caucasian, 8.7% are African American and 12.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
71.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.6%
Non-citizens
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 46,172 71.1% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,449 14.6% -1.1%
Non-citizens 9,281 14.3% -1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
60%
Black or African American
8.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
12.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
7%
Value Percent
White 38,959 60%
Black or African American 5,630 8.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 587 0.9%
Asian 8,209 12.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 97 0.2%
Two or more races 6,848 10.6%
Other 4,572 7%

Households in Waltham

A peek inside Waltham households

Waltham has 25,498 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.7% are families, while the remaining 47.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,498
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,058
Family households
13,440
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,058 47.3% -1.2%
Family households 13,440 52.7% -0.6%
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 Waltham

The housing landscape of Waltham

Waltham's housing consists of 26,728 units, with 37% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.7% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
26,728
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,898 37%
1 unit, attached 2,328 8.7%
2 units 2,921 10.9%
3 or 4 units 3,217 12%
5 to 9 units 2,621 9.8%
10 to 19 units 2,172 8.1%
20 to 49 units 1,072 4%
50 or more units 2,445 9.2%
Mobile home 42 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0%
Homes built since 2020
287
87.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waltham

In Waltham, the median construction year is 1961. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,561 28.3% 6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,535 5.7% -14.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,067 15.2% 1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,948 11% -2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,344 8.8% -21.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,470 9.2% 10.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,760 6.6% -8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,045 7.6% -0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,711 6.4% 4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 287 1.1% 87.6%
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.

Waltham occupancy rates

Out of the 25,498 occupied housing units in Waltham, 49.7% are owner-occupied, while 50.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,498
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,828
Owner occupied
12,670
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,828 50.3% -2.6%
Owner occupied 12,670 49.7% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.6%
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.

Waltham housing costs

Housing costs in Waltham come to a median of $2,256 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,268.

Median housing costs per month
$2,256/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 Waltham
$2,268/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 Waltham

Waltham education at a glance

About 22.9% of the population in Waltham went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 5% earned an associate degree and 27.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,854 3.3% -1.2%
High school diploma 12,860 22.9% -2.1%
College diploma 10,547 18.8% 1.2%
Associate degree 2,800 5% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 15,576 27.8% 0.3%
Graduate degree 12,417 22.2% -0.2%
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 Waltham

How much people earn in Waltham

The average annual household income in Waltham was $145,664 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,216, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waltham
$145,664/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waltham
$120,216/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Waltham income by age

In Waltham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $134,845. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $153,321 overall. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $134,845 0.5%
45 - 64 $153,321 8.8%
Over 65 $58,556 -7.6%
Above poverty level
51,417
Below poverty level
5,348
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 51,417 90.6% -2.5%
Below poverty level 5,348 9.4% 7.4%

Average renter income in Waltham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waltham, their median household income was $93,008 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$93,008
Rent-to-income ratio
29.3%
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 Waltham

Workforce and job types in Waltham

The job market in Waltham is powered by 37,385 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 64.3% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
37,385
-2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
33,212
Blue collar
4,173
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 33,212 88.8% -2.0%
Blue collar 4,173 11.2% -1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
64.3%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,903 7.8% 2.3%
Private companies 24,041 64.3% -4.5%
Governmental workers 4,101 11% -5.2%
Not for profit companies 6,340 17% 8.9%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
3.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waltham stands at 3.7%, 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 Waltham

How people get around in Waltham

In Waltham, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 62.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 22,998 62.5% -7.2%
Taxicab 25 0.1% -60.9%
Bus or trolleybus 892 2.4% -21.0%
Subway or elevated 361 1% N/A
Railroad 414 1.1% -13.8%
Bicycle 293 0.8% 19.1%
Walk 2,274 6.2% -2.0%
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 Waltham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02451 17,393 7,481 $122,335 $159,258
02452 15,808 5,362 $118,431 $145,132
02453 31,591 12,610 $115,366 $137,835

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FAQs about Waltham demographics 

What is the total population of Waltham?

Waltham has a total population of 64,902 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waltham?

The gender ratio in Waltham is as follows:
  • 50% males (32,453 residents)
  • 50% females (32,449 residents)

What is the median age in Waltham?

The median age in Waltham is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waltham?

The age distribution in Waltham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12% (7,817 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 21.2% (13,745 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.6% (19,868 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (13,244 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (10,228 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waltham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waltham is as follows:
  • White: 60% (38,959 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.7% (5,630 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (587 residents)
  • Asian: 12.6% (8,209 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (97 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (6,848 residents)
  • Other: 7% (4,572 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 71.1% of the population in Waltham.

How many housing units are there in Waltham?

There are 26,728 housing units in Waltham, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waltham has a total of 25,498 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waltham?

Waltham has a median household income of $120,216, 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 Waltham?

The employment rate is 96.3% in Waltham, with a workforce of 37,385 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.8% (33,212 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.2% (4,173 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (2,903 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.3% (24,041 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (4,101 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17% (6,340 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