Brookline, MA
Population 62,822 · Massachusetts
About Brookline, MA
Brookline is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 62,822 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $140,631 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 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 Brookline features a median home value of $1,233,100, which is 404% above the national median of $244,900. This places Brookline in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,804, 141% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 28,695 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (12,550 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (14,660 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 Brookline shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brookline have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
85.0% of Brookline 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, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 27.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brookline Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Brookline, MA
Compared to national averages, Brookline has a median household income of $140,631 (87% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,233,100, which is 404% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,804 is 141% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Brookline's income is 33% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 120% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Brookline, MA?
Brookline offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $140,631, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 85.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,233,100. However, as a mid-sized city, Brookline provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Brookline has a population of 62,822 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Brookline with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Brookline
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waltham | 64,723 | $116,560 | $705,700 | Compare |
| Malden | 65,509 | $95,298 | $607,500 | Compare |
| Revere | 59,933 | $81,121 | $566,200 | Compare |
| Taunton | 59,719 | $79,715 | $388,200 | Compare |
| Medford | 59,062 | $118,089 | $715,500 | Compare |
| Haverhill | 67,387 | $87,675 | $426,900 | Compare |
| Weymouth Town | 57,786 | $100,077 | $516,200 | Compare |
| Chicopee | 55,213 | $66,927 | $251,800 | 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 Brookline With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brookline
What is the population of Brookline, MA?
The population of Brookline, MA is 62,822 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 Brookline?
The median household income in Brookline, MA is $140,631 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brookline?
The median home value in Brookline, MA is $1,233,100, which is 404% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Brookline?
The median monthly rent in Brookline, MA is $2,804, which is 141% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookline?
The unemployment rate in Brookline, MA is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brookline, MA a good place to live?
Brookline offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 62,822 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brookline, MA?
85.0% of residents in Brookline 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 Brookline?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brookline, MA: median home value is $1,233,100 (404% above national), median rent is $2,804/month, and median household income is $140,631. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Brookline?
The poverty rate in Brookline, MA is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brookline, MA?
Brookline's population is 0.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 27.5% of residents are foreign-born.