Boston, MA
Population 663,972 · Massachusetts
About Boston, MA
Boston is a major city located in Massachusetts with a population of 663,972 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,755 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Boston features a median home value of $710,400, which is 190% above the national median of $244,900. This places Boston in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,093, 80% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 307,840 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (98,813 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (180,403 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Boston shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Boston have an average one-way commute time of 30.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
54.1% of Boston 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 1.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 13.0% Asian residents, with 27.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Boston Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Boston, MA
Compared to national averages, Boston has a median household income of $94,755 (26% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $710,400, which is 190% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,093 is 80% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Boston's income is 10% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 27% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Boston, MA?
Boston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,755, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 54.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $710,400. However, as a major city, Boston provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Boston has a population of 663,972 with a median age of 33.2 years. Compare Boston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Boston
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester | 205,501 | $67,544 | $339,500 | Compare |
| Springfield | 154,751 | $51,339 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Cambridge | 117,794 | $126,469 | $1,040,500 | Compare |
| Lowell | 114,799 | $76,205 | $395,100 | Compare |
| Brockton | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | Compare |
| Quincy | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | Compare |
| Lynn | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | Compare |
| New Bedford | 100,731 | $56,025 | $324,400 | 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 Boston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston
What is the population of Boston, MA?
The population of Boston, MA is 663,972 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Boston?
The median household income in Boston, MA is $94,755 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Boston?
The median home value in Boston, MA is $710,400, which is 190% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Boston?
The median monthly rent in Boston, MA is $2,093, which is 80% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Boston?
The unemployment rate in Boston, MA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Boston, MA a good place to live?
Boston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 663,972 and a median age of 33.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Boston, MA?
54.1% of residents in Boston 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 Boston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Boston, MA: median home value is $710,400 (190% above national), median rent is $2,093/month, and median household income is $94,755. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Boston?
The poverty rate in Boston, MA is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Boston, MA?
Boston's population is 1.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 13.0% Asian, and 20.3% two or more races. 27.5% of residents are foreign-born.