Cambridge, MA
Population 117,794 · Massachusetts
About Cambridge, MA
Cambridge is a major city located in Massachusetts with a population of 117,794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $126,469 per year, which is 68% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.5 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 Cambridge features a median home value of $1,040,500, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. This places Cambridge in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,742, 136% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 54,612 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (16,718 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (32,874 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 Cambridge shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cambridge have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
80.2% of Cambridge 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 1.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 28.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cambridge Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Cambridge, MA
Compared to national averages, Cambridge has a median household income of $126,469 (68% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,040,500, which is 325% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,742 is 136% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Cambridge's income is 20% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 85% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $126,469, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 80.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,040,500. However, as a major city, Cambridge provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Cambridge has a population of 117,794 with a median age of 30.5 years. Compare Cambridge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Cambridge
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Fall River | 93,764 | $53,933 | $357,800 | Compare |
| Newton | 88,504 | $184,989 | $1,202,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 88,297 | $57,903 | $393,500 | 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 Cambridge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge
What is the population of Cambridge, MA?
The population of Cambridge, MA is 117,794 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 Cambridge?
The median household income in Cambridge, MA is $126,469 per year, which is 68% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cambridge?
The median home value in Cambridge, MA is $1,040,500, which is 325% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cambridge?
The median monthly rent in Cambridge, MA is $2,742, which is 136% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cambridge?
The unemployment rate in Cambridge, MA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cambridge, MA a good place to live?
Cambridge offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 117,794 and a median age of 30.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cambridge, MA?
80.2% of residents in Cambridge 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 Cambridge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cambridge, MA: median home value is $1,040,500 (325% above national), median rent is $2,742/month, and median household income is $126,469. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Cambridge?
The poverty rate in Cambridge, MA is 12.4%, 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 Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge's population is 1.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 10.2% two or more races. 28.8% of residents are foreign-born.