Boston, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Boston, Massachusetts had a total population of 666,442, the 1st largest city in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $97,344, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Boston is the 1st largest city in Massachusetts with a population of 666,442.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Massachusetts (diversity index: 72/100).
Boston Quick Facts
How Boston Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 666,442 | +0.4% |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $97,344 | +2.7% |
| Median home value | $710,400 | $731,700 | +3.0% |
How Boston Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 53 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Boston Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Suffolk County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revere | 60,012 | $86,969 | 11.6% | $597,400 |
| Chelsea | 39,908 | $72,179 | 20.8% | $493,500 |
| Winthrop Town | 18,759 | $116,167 | 7.2% | $649,600 |
Cities Similar to Boston
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | 207,055 | $70,102 | $374,400 | 35.2% | 19.6% |
| Springfield | 154,749 | $52,656 | $245,000 | 20.5% | 25.8% |
| Lowell | 118,368 | $78,658 | $429,200 | 30.0% | 16.9% |
| Cambridge | 118,796 | $130,748 | $1,092,100 | 80.8% | 12.8% |
| Quincy | 102,114 | $98,882 | $618,500 | 50.3% | 10.6% |
Population Overview
Boston is a major urban center located in Massachusetts, within Suffolk County. The total population is 666,442. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in Boston is 33.3 years. This is 17% lower than the state median of 40.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Boston is $97,344. This is 6% lower than the state median of $103,960. It is also 21% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%. This is 65% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 18% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $731,700. Housing costs are 30% higher than the state median of $562,100. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 35.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% lower than the state average of 62.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Boston is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 19.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (19.3% vs 6.4%).
Education
54.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 16% higher than the state rate of 47.3%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.9%. Notably, 26.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Boston, Massachusetts is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Massachusetts state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston, Massachusetts has a population of 666,442 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Boston, MA?
The median household income in Boston is $97,344, which is 21% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Boston, MA?
The poverty rate in Boston is 16.6%. This means approximately 103,569 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston's population is 44.1% White, 19.3% Black, 19.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 10.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Boston, MA?
The median home value in Boston is $731,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Boston, Massachusetts?
54.9% of adults (25+) in Boston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.