Dedham, MA
Population 25,109 · Massachusetts
About Dedham, MA
Dedham is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 25,109 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $124,375 per year, which is 66% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dedham features a median home value of $630,400, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. This places Dedham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,058, 77% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,648 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (7,484 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (2,813 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dedham shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dedham have an average one-way commute time of 30.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
55.1% of Dedham 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 1.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 13.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dedham, MA
Compared to national averages, Dedham has a median household income of $124,375 (66% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $630,400, which is 157% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,058 is 77% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Dedham's income is 18% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 12% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Dedham, MA?
Dedham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $124,375, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 55.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $630,400. However, Dedham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dedham has a population of 25,109 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Dedham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Dedham
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 25,448 | $163,725 | $741,100 | Compare |
| Burlington | 26,223 | $142,207 | $679,400 | Compare |
| Belmont | 27,009 | $178,188 | $1,108,800 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 23,195 | $161,473 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Stoneham | 22,986 | $112,635 | $629,000 | Compare |
| Wakefield | 27,284 | $130,320 | $670,100 | Compare |
| Winchester | 22,862 | $218,176 | $1,181,700 | Compare |
| Milford | 27,919 | $88,992 | $429,800 | 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 Dedham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dedham
What is the population of Dedham, MA?
The population of Dedham, MA is 25,109 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 Dedham?
The median household income in Dedham, MA is $124,375 per year, which is 66% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dedham?
The median home value in Dedham, MA is $630,400, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dedham?
The median monthly rent in Dedham, MA is $2,058, which is 77% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dedham?
The unemployment rate in Dedham, MA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dedham, MA a good place to live?
Dedham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,109 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dedham, MA?
55.1% of residents in Dedham 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 Dedham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dedham, MA: median home value is $630,400 (157% above national), median rent is $2,058/month, and median household income is $124,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dedham?
The poverty rate in Dedham, MA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dedham, MA?
Dedham's population is 1.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 13.2% of residents are foreign-born.