Worcester city, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Worcester city, Massachusetts has a total population of 205,501, the 2nd largest city in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $67,544, which is 33% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Worcester city is the 2nd largest city in Massachusetts with a population of 205,501.
- Household income is 33% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Worcester city Quick Facts
How Worcester 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+)
Worcester city Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Worcester County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leominster city | 43,697 | $81,556 | 10.1% | $345,000 |
| Fitchburg city | 41,633 | $70,659 | 15.5% | $295,500 |
| Gardner city | 21,075 | $62,948 | 14.3% | $271,300 |
| Southbridge Town city | 17,806 | $59,397 | 16.2% | $267,000 |
Cities Similar to Worcester city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield city | 154,751 | $51,339 | $222,700 | 19.7% | 25.3% |
| Lowell city | 114,799 | $76,205 | $395,100 | 29.9% | 16.0% |
| Brockton city | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | 21.3% | 13.9% |
| Lynn city | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | 23.3% | 13.7% |
| New Bedford city | 100,731 | $56,025 | $324,400 | 16.8% | 19.9% |
Population Overview
Worcester city is a major urban center located in Massachusetts, within Worcester County. The total population is 205,501. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 248 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in Worcester city is 34.1 years. This is 15% lower than the state median of 40.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Worcester city is $67,544. This is 33% lower than the state median of $101,341. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 14% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%. This is 98% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.4%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $339,500. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $525,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x. 42.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% lower than the state average of 62.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Worcester city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 50.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 24.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (11.4% vs 6.5%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (24.9% vs 12.9%).
Education
34.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% 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 85.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Worcester 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 Worcester city, Massachusetts?
Worcester city, Massachusetts has a population of 205,501 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Worcester city, MA?
The median household income in Worcester city is $67,544, which is 14% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Worcester city, MA?
The poverty rate in Worcester city is 19.8%. This means approximately 38,069 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Worcester city, Massachusetts?
Worcester city's population is 50.5% White, 11.4% Black, 24.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Worcester city, MA?
The median home value in Worcester city is $339,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x.
How educated is Worcester city, Massachusetts?
34.1% of adults (25+) in Worcester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.