Worcester, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
207,055
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,102/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
85,876
0.6% year-over-year change

Worcester population

How many people live in Worcester

Worcester is home to 207,055 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Worcester locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
207,055
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
102,718
Female
50.4%
104,337
Value Percent YoY change
Male 102,718 49.6% 0.9%
Female 104,337 50.4% 0.6%
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 Worcester is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 18% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.9% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
18%
25 to 44
29.9%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 33,995 16.4% 0.7%
15 to 24 37,229 18% 0.9%
25 to 44 61,933 29.9% 2.5%
45 to 64 46,279 22.4% -1.9%
Over 65 27,619 13.3% 1.3%
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 Worcester, 68% of the population are US-born citizens, while 19.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.3% of locals are Caucasian, 12.9% are African American and 7.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
19.8%
Non-citizens
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 140,825 68% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 40,982 19.8% 5.1%
Non-citizens 25,248 12.2% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
53.3%
Black or African American
12.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
18%
Other
8%
Value Percent
White 110,362 53.3%
Black or African American 26,696 12.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,038 0.5%
Asian 14,845 7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 143 0.1%
Two or more races 37,380 18%
Other 16,591 8%

Households in Worcester

A peek inside Worcester households

Worcester has 79,501 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.9% are families, while the remaining 43.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
79,501
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
34,299
Family households
45,202
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 34,299 43.1% 1.8%
Family households 45,202 56.9% -0.5%
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 Worcester

The housing landscape of Worcester

Worcester's housing consists of 85,876 units, with 31.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
85,876
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27,107 31.6%
1 unit, attached 4,984 5.8%
2 units 7,433 8.7%
3 or 4 units 21,346 24.9%
5 to 9 units 6,933 8.1%
10 to 19 units 5,293 6.2%
20 to 49 units 4,078 4.8%
50 or more units 8,269 9.6%
Mobile home 433 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
344
168.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Worcester

In Worcester, the median construction year is 1951. About 40.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% 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 35,040 40.8% 1.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6,760 7.9% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,796 10.2% -7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,443 7.5% -3.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,487 8.7% -5.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,827 10.3% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,747 5.5% 7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,664 5.4% 15.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,768 3.2% 6.6%
Built in 2020 or later 344 0.4% 168.8%
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.

Worcester occupancy rates

Out of the 79,501 occupied housing units in Worcester, 42.8% are owner-occupied, while 57.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
79,501
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
45,513
Owner occupied
33,988
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 45,513 57.2% -0.1%
Owner occupied 33,988 42.8% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.4%
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.

Worcester housing costs

Housing costs in Worcester come to a median of $1,585 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,487.

Median housing costs per month
$1,585/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 Worcester
$1,487/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 Worcester

Worcester education at a glance

About 35% of the population in Worcester went to high school, while 21.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9,491 5.7% 5.3%
High school diploma 58,221 35% -1.1%
College diploma 35,438 21.3% -1.0%
Associate degree 10,944 6.6% -1.3%
Bachelor's degree 31,728 19.1% 2.9%
Graduate degree 20,669 12.4% 7.4%
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 Worcester

How much people earn in Worcester

The average annual household income in Worcester was $94,360 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,102, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Worcester
$94,360/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Worcester
$70,102/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Worcester income by age

In Worcester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,024. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,888 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,430, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,808 in earnings. Overall, 80.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,430 15.9%
25 - 44 $76,024 5.6%
45 - 64 $82,888 -1.0%
Over 65 $46,808 2.4%
Above poverty level
153,799
Below poverty level
37,167
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 153,799 80.5% 0.7%
Below poverty level 37,167 19.5% -0.8%

Average renter income in Worcester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Worcester, their median household income was $42,440 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,440
Rent-to-income ratio
42%
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 Worcester

Workforce and job types in Worcester

The job market in Worcester is powered by 104,068 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
104,068
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
83,993
Blue collar
20,075
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 83,993 80.7% 3.2%
Blue collar 20,075 19.3% -6.3%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
14.6%
Not for profit companies
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,091 6.8% -3.4%
Private companies 67,998 65.3% 0.8%
Governmental workers 15,237 14.6% 7.5%
Not for profit companies 13,742 13.2% -0.6%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
2.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Worcester stands at 6.5%, 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 Worcester

How people get around in Worcester

In Worcester, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-4.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 77,209 76.2% -0.7%
Taxicab 1,492 1.5% 4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 2,373 2.3% 21.8%
Subway or elevated 211 0.2% N/A
Railroad 628 0.6% 8.1%
Motorcycle 121 0.1% 1,110.0%
Bicycle 223 0.2% 11.5%
Walk 5,178 5.1% -5.7%
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 Worcester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01602 27,092 10,303 $91,764 $116,644
01603 20,868 8,010 $66,049 $85,679
01604 39,812 16,853 $73,505 $95,037
01605 30,579 11,722 $54,642 $80,473
01606 22,844 9,192 $92,105 $114,904
01607 8,706 3,549 $78,727 $103,129
01608 4,932 2,336 $45,687 $58,648
01609 22,047 7,891 $68,381 $106,014
01610 30,444 9,744 $51,472 $69,874

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FAQs about Worcester demographics 

What is the total population of Worcester?

Worcester has a total population of 207,055 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Worcester?

The gender ratio in Worcester is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (102,718 residents)
  • 50.4% females (104,337 residents)

What is the median age in Worcester?

The median age in Worcester is 33.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Worcester?

The age distribution in Worcester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (33,995 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18% (37,229 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.9% (61,933 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (46,279 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (27,619 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Worcester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Worcester is as follows:
  • White: 53.3% (110,362 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.9% (26,696 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (1,038 residents)
  • Asian: 7.2% (14,845 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (143 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18% (37,380 residents)
  • Other: 8% (16,591 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68% of the population in Worcester.

How many housing units are there in Worcester?

There are 85,876 housing units in Worcester, 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 Worcester and what is the average household size?

Worcester has a total of 79,501 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Worcester?

Worcester has a median household income of $70,102, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.5% in Worcester, with a workforce of 104,068 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.7% (83,993 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.3% (20,075 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (7,091 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (67,998 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.6% (15,237 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.2% (13,742 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