Fitchburg, MA
Population 41,633 · Massachusetts
About Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 41,633 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,659 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fitchburg features a median home value of $295,500, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fitchburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,131, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,945 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (9,518 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (7,362 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fitchburg shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fitchburg have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.5% of Fitchburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Black or African American, and 8.8% Asian residents, with 10.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fitchburg Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Fitchburg, MA
Compared to national averages, Fitchburg has a median household income of $70,659 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $295,500, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,131 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Fitchburg's income is 33% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 47% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Fitchburg, MA?
Fitchburg offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,131/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,659) that falls below the national average. However, Fitchburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fitchburg has a population of 41,633 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Fitchburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Fitchburg
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlborough | 41,398 | $95,047 | $485,400 | Compare |
| Woburn | 41,205 | $107,754 | $641,800 | Compare |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $103,739 | $621,900 | Compare |
| Westfield | 40,673 | $82,847 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 43,559 | $68,386 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Leominster | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Chelsea | 39,460 | $72,220 | $476,500 | Compare |
| Salem | 44,241 | $85,137 | $497,400 | 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 Fitchburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fitchburg
What is the population of Fitchburg, MA?
The population of Fitchburg, MA is 41,633 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 Fitchburg?
The median household income in Fitchburg, MA is $70,659 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fitchburg?
The median home value in Fitchburg, MA is $295,500, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fitchburg?
The median monthly rent in Fitchburg, MA is $1,131, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fitchburg?
The unemployment rate in Fitchburg, MA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fitchburg, MA a good place to live?
Fitchburg offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 41,633 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fitchburg, MA?
24.5% of residents in Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fitchburg, MA: median home value is $295,500 (21% above national), median rent is $1,131/month, and median household income is $70,659. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fitchburg?
The poverty rate in Fitchburg, MA is 15.5%, 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 Fitchburg, MA?
Fitchburg's population is 1.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Black or African American, 8.8% Asian, and 5.7% two or more races. 10.4% of residents are foreign-born.