Gloucester, MA
Population 29,862 · Massachusetts
About Gloucester, MA
Gloucester is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 29,862 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,898 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51 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 Gloucester features a median home value of $587,800, which is 140% above the national median of $244,900. This places Gloucester in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,395, 20% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,630 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (8,347 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (4,833 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gloucester shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gloucester have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.8% of Gloucester 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 0.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gloucester Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Gloucester, MA
Compared to national averages, Gloucester has a median household income of $87,898 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $587,800, which is 140% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,395 is 20% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Gloucester's income is 17% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 5% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Gloucester, MA?
Gloucester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,898, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 38.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $587,800. However, Gloucester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gloucester has a population of 29,862 with a median age of 51 years. Compare Gloucester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Gloucester
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellesley | 29,906 | $250,001 | $1,513,400 | Compare |
| Melrose | 29,488 | $126,854 | $796,100 | Compare |
| North Attleborough Town | 30,842 | $109,426 | $462,700 | Compare |
| Bridgewater Town | 28,669 | $112,482 | $500,600 | Compare |
| Northampton | 28,640 | $78,467 | $398,000 | Compare |
| West Springfield Town | 28,635 | $70,401 | $307,900 | Compare |
| Saugus | 28,599 | $100,819 | $589,500 | Compare |
| Agawam Town | 28,510 | $82,359 | $290,000 | 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 Gloucester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gloucester
What is the population of Gloucester, MA?
The population of Gloucester, MA is 29,862 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 Gloucester?
The median household income in Gloucester, MA is $87,898 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gloucester?
The median home value in Gloucester, MA is $587,800, which is 140% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gloucester?
The median monthly rent in Gloucester, MA is $1,395, which is 20% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gloucester?
The unemployment rate in Gloucester, MA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gloucester, MA a good place to live?
Gloucester offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,862 and a median age of 51, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gloucester, MA?
38.8% of residents in Gloucester 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 Gloucester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gloucester, MA: median home value is $587,800 (140% above national), median rent is $1,395/month, and median household income is $87,898. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Gloucester?
The poverty rate in Gloucester, MA is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gloucester, MA?
Gloucester's population is 0.7% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.