Chelsea city, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chelsea city, Massachusetts has a total population of 39,460, the 38th largest city in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $72,220, which is 29% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 8.8% is notably above the national average.
Chelsea city Quick Facts
How Chelsea city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 51 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chelsea city Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Suffolk County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston city | 663,972 | $94,755 | 16.9% | $710,400 |
| Revere city | 59,933 | $81,121 | 12.4% | $566,200 |
| Winthrop Town city | 18,807 | $106,357 | 7.0% | $606,900 |
Cities Similar to Chelsea city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitchburg city | 41,633 | $70,659 | $295,500 | 24.5% | 15.5% |
| Westfield city | 40,673 | $82,847 | $295,500 | 32.6% | 11.0% |
| Pittsfield city | 43,559 | $68,386 | $233,700 | 34.2% | 13.6% |
| Amherst Town city | 35,472 | $65,938 | $454,000 | 73.8% | 24.1% |
| Leominster city | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | 32.3% | 10.1% |
Population Overview
Chelsea city is a mid-sized community located in Massachusetts, within Suffolk County. The total population is 39,460. It ranks as the 38th most populous out of 248 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chelsea city is 34.5 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 40.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chelsea city is $72,220. This is 29% lower than the state median of $101,341. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.6%. This is 107% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.8%. This is 71% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $476,500. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $525,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 29.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 53% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chelsea city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 65.0% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 19.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (19.5%) is well below the state average of 67.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (65.0% vs 12.9%). The Asian population (2.9%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.
Education
22.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 53% lower 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 69.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chelsea 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 Chelsea city, Massachusetts?
Chelsea city, Massachusetts has a population of 39,460 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chelsea city, MA?
The median household income in Chelsea city is $72,220, which is 8% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chelsea city, MA?
The poverty rate in Chelsea city is 20.6%. This means approximately 7,956 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chelsea city, Massachusetts?
Chelsea city's population is 19.5% White, 6.2% Black, 65.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chelsea city, MA?
The median home value in Chelsea city is $476,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x.
How educated is Chelsea city, Massachusetts?
22.0% of adults (25+) in Chelsea city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.