Cambridge city, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Cambridge city, Massachusetts has a total population of 117,794, the 4th largest city in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $126,469, which is 25% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Cambridge city is the 4th largest city in Massachusetts with a population of 117,794.
- 80.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Massachusetts.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.2x the median household income.
Cambridge city Quick Facts
How Cambridge city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 51 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Cambridge city Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Middlesex County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell city | 114,799 | $76,205 | 16.0% | $395,100 |
| Newton city | 88,504 | $184,989 | 4.7% | $1,202,500 |
| Somerville city | 80,549 | $127,056 | 10.2% | $899,400 |
| Framingham city | 72,013 | $98,179 | 11.0% | $600,600 |
| Malden city | 65,509 | $95,298 | 13.3% | $607,500 |
| Waltham city | 64,723 | $116,560 | 8.6% | $705,700 |
| Medford city | 59,062 | $118,089 | 8.2% | $715,500 |
| Everett city | 49,236 | $79,658 | 15.4% | $605,200 |
| Marlborough city | 41,398 | $95,047 | 9.2% | $485,400 |
| Woburn city | 41,205 | $107,754 | 7.8% | $641,800 |
Cities Similar to Cambridge city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell city | 114,799 | $76,205 | $395,100 | 29.9% | 16.0% |
| Quincy city | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | 48.6% | 11.4% |
| Brockton city | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | 21.3% | 13.9% |
| Somerville city | 80,549 | $127,056 | $899,400 | 68.0% | 10.2% |
| Lynn city | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | 23.3% | 13.7% |
Population Overview
Cambridge city is a major urban center located in Massachusetts, within Middlesex County. The total population is 117,794. It ranks as the 4th most populous out of 248 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in Cambridge city is 30.5 years. This is 24% lower than the state median of 40.0 years. Only 12.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Cambridge city is $126,469. This is 25% higher than the state median of $101,341. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 61% higher. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%. This is 25% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $1,040,500. Housing costs are 98% higher than the state median of $525,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.2x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 33.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 46% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Cambridge city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.0% of the population. Asian residents account for 19.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (10.2% vs 6.5%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (19.6% vs 7.0%).
Education
80.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Cambridge city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 72% higher than the state rate of 46.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.7%. Notably, 50.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Cambridge city, Massachusetts is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. 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. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Cambridge city, Massachusetts?
Cambridge city, Massachusetts has a population of 117,794 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Cambridge city, MA?
The median household income in Cambridge city is $126,469, which is 61% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Cambridge city, MA?
The poverty rate in Cambridge city is 12.4%. This means approximately 12,783 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Cambridge city, Massachusetts?
Cambridge city's population is 55.0% White, 10.2% Black, 8.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 19.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Cambridge city, MA?
The median home value in Cambridge city is $1,040,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.2x.
How educated is Cambridge city, Massachusetts?
80.2% of adults (25+) in Cambridge city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 50.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.