Marblehead, MA
Population 20,334 · Massachusetts
About Marblehead, MA
Marblehead is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 20,334 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $165,859 per year, which is 121% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.1 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 Marblehead features a median home value of $906,200, which is 270% above the national median of $244,900. This places Marblehead in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,769, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,854 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (6,776 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (1,411 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marblehead shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Marblehead have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
76.9% of Marblehead 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 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Marblehead Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Marblehead, MA
Compared to national averages, Marblehead has a median household income of $165,859 (121% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $906,200, which is 270% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,769 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Marblehead's income is 57% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 61% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Marblehead, MA?
Marblehead offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $165,859, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and a well-educated community where 76.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $906,200. However, Marblehead’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Marblehead has a population of 20,334 with a median age of 49.1 years. Compare Marblehead with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Marblehead
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner | 21,075 | $62,948 | $271,300 | Compare |
| Winthrop Town | 18,807 | $106,357 | $606,900 | Compare |
| Newburyport | 18,444 | $144,259 | $792,400 | Compare |
| Somerset | 18,246 | $111,720 | $389,400 | Compare |
| Southbridge Town | 17,806 | $59,397 | $267,000 | Compare |
| Winchester | 22,862 | $218,176 | $1,181,700 | Compare |
| Stoneham | 22,986 | $112,635 | $629,000 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 17,662 | $53,961 | $252,000 | 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 Marblehead With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marblehead
What is the population of Marblehead, MA?
The population of Marblehead, MA is 20,334 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 Marblehead?
The median household income in Marblehead, MA is $165,859 per year, which is 121% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marblehead?
The median home value in Marblehead, MA is $906,200, which is 270% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marblehead?
The median monthly rent in Marblehead, MA is $1,769, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marblehead?
The unemployment rate in Marblehead, MA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Marblehead, MA a good place to live?
Marblehead offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 20,334 and a median age of 49.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Marblehead, MA?
76.9% of residents in Marblehead 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 Marblehead?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marblehead, MA: median home value is $906,200 (270% above national), median rent is $1,769/month, and median household income is $165,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Marblehead?
The poverty rate in Marblehead, MA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Marblehead, MA?
Marblehead's population is 0.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.