Marlborough, MA
Population 41,398 · Massachusetts
About Marlborough, MA
Marlborough is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 41,398 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,047 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Marlborough features a median home value of $485,400, which is 98% above the national median of $244,900. This places Marlborough in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,721, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,370 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (9,352 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (7,297 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marlborough shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Marlborough have an average one-way commute time of 29.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.6% of Marlborough 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 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 11.2% Asian residents, with 29.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Marlborough Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Marlborough, MA
Compared to national averages, Marlborough has a median household income of $95,047 (26% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $485,400, which is 98% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,721 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Marlborough's income is 10% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 14% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Marlborough, MA?
Marlborough offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,047, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 40.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $485,400. However, Marlborough’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Marlborough has a population of 41,398 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Marlborough with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Marlborough
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woburn | 41,205 | $107,754 | $641,800 | Compare |
| Fitchburg | 41,633 | $70,659 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Westfield | 40,673 | $82,847 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $103,739 | $621,900 | Compare |
| Chelsea | 39,460 | $72,220 | $476,500 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 43,559 | $68,386 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Leominster | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Braintree Town | 38,762 | $125,305 | $623,200 | 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 Marlborough With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marlborough
What is the population of Marlborough, MA?
The population of Marlborough, MA is 41,398 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 Marlborough?
The median household income in Marlborough, MA is $95,047 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marlborough?
The median home value in Marlborough, MA is $485,400, which is 98% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marlborough?
The median monthly rent in Marlborough, MA is $1,721, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marlborough?
The unemployment rate in Marlborough, MA is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Marlborough, MA a good place to live?
Marlborough offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 41,398 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Marlborough, MA?
40.6% of residents in Marlborough 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 Marlborough?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marlborough, MA: median home value is $485,400 (98% above national), median rent is $1,721/month, and median household income is $95,047. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Marlborough?
The poverty rate in Marlborough, MA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Marlborough, MA?
Marlborough's population is 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 11.2% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 29.4% of residents are foreign-born.