Arlington, MA
Population 46,015 · Massachusetts
About Arlington, MA
Arlington is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 46,015 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $141,440 per year, which is 88% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arlington features a median home value of $885,000, which is 261% above the national median of $244,900. This places Arlington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,043, 76% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,599 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (12,034 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (7,819 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arlington shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arlington have an average one-way commute time of 32.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.4% of Arlington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 17.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Arlington Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Arlington, MA
Compared to national averages, Arlington has a median household income of $141,440 (88% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $885,000, which is 261% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,043 is 76% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Arlington's income is 34% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 58% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Arlington, MA?
Arlington offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $141,440, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 74.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $885,000. However, Arlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Arlington has a population of 46,015 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Arlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Arlington
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attleboro | 46,499 | $93,266 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Salem | 44,241 | $85,137 | $497,400 | Compare |
| Leominster | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 43,559 | $68,386 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Barnstable Town | 49,232 | $97,348 | $559,200 | Compare |
| Everett | 49,236 | $79,658 | $605,200 | Compare |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $103,739 | $621,900 | Compare |
| Fitchburg | 41,633 | $70,659 | $295,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Arlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington
What is the population of Arlington, MA?
The population of Arlington, MA is 46,015 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington, MA is $141,440 per year, which is 88% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington, MA is $885,000, which is 261% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arlington?
The median monthly rent in Arlington, MA is $2,043, which is 76% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arlington?
The unemployment rate in Arlington, MA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Arlington, MA a good place to live?
Arlington offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 46,015 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arlington, MA?
74.4% of residents in Arlington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Arlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arlington, MA: median home value is $885,000 (261% above national), median rent is $2,043/month, and median household income is $141,440. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Arlington?
The poverty rate in Arlington, MA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arlington, MA?
Arlington's population is 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 17.7% of residents are foreign-born.