Chelsea, MA
Population 39,460 · Massachusetts
About Chelsea, MA
Chelsea is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 39,460 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,220 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 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 Chelsea features a median home value of $476,500, which is 95% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chelsea in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,859, 60% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,178 total housing units, 29% are owner-occupied (3,949 units) and 71% are renter-occupied (9,589 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 Chelsea shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chelsea have an average one-way commute time of 33.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.0% of Chelsea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, and 55.0% Asian residents, with 45.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chelsea Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Chelsea, MA
Compared to national averages, Chelsea has a median household income of $72,220 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $476,500, which is 95% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,859 is 60% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Chelsea's income is 32% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 15% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Chelsea, MA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,220) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $476,500. However, Chelsea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chelsea has a population of 39,460 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Chelsea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Chelsea
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braintree Town | 38,762 | $125,305 | $623,200 | Compare |
| Westfield | 40,673 | $82,847 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Holyoke | 37,949 | $51,892 | $255,300 | Compare |
| Woburn | 41,205 | $107,754 | $641,800 | Compare |
| Marlborough | 41,398 | $95,047 | $485,400 | Compare |
| Fitchburg | 41,633 | $70,659 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $103,739 | $621,900 | Compare |
| Amherst Town | 35,472 | $65,938 | $454,000 | 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 Chelsea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea, MA?
The population of Chelsea, MA is 39,460 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 Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea, MA is $72,220 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea, MA is $476,500, which is 95% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chelsea?
The median monthly rent in Chelsea, MA is $1,859, which is 60% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chelsea?
The unemployment rate in Chelsea, MA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chelsea, MA a good place to live?
Chelsea offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,460 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chelsea, MA?
22.0% of residents in Chelsea aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chelsea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chelsea, MA: median home value is $476,500 (95% above national), median rent is $1,859/month, and median household income is $72,220. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Chelsea?
The poverty rate in Chelsea, MA is 20.6%, 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 Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea's population is 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Black or African American, 55.0% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 45.3% of residents are foreign-born.