Needham, MA
Population 32,059 · Massachusetts
About Needham, MA
Needham is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 32,059 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $212,241 per year, which is 182% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Needham features a median home value of $1,146,000, which is 368% above the national median of $244,900. This places Needham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,412, 107% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,754 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (9,612 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (1,789 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Needham shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Needham have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
80.8% of Needham 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 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 16.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Needham Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Needham, MA
Compared to national averages, Needham has a median household income of $212,241 (182% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,146,000, which is 368% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,412 is 107% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Needham's income is 101% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 104% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Needham, MA?
Needham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $212,241, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 80.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,146,000. However, Needham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Needham has a population of 32,059 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Needham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Needham
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood | 31,380 | $97,110 | $613,500 | Compare |
| Franklin Town | 33,067 | $142,788 | $567,100 | Compare |
| North Attleborough Town | 30,842 | $109,426 | $462,700 | Compare |
| Lexington | 34,085 | $219,402 | $1,147,900 | Compare |
| Wellesley | 29,906 | $250,001 | $1,513,400 | Compare |
| Gloucester | 29,862 | $87,898 | $587,800 | Compare |
| Melrose | 29,488 | $126,854 | $796,100 | Compare |
| Randolph Town | 34,683 | $103,129 | $463,500 | 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 Needham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Needham
What is the population of Needham, MA?
The population of Needham, MA is 32,059 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 Needham?
The median household income in Needham, MA is $212,241 per year, which is 182% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Needham?
The median home value in Needham, MA is $1,146,000, which is 368% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Needham?
The median monthly rent in Needham, MA is $2,412, which is 107% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Needham?
The unemployment rate in Needham, MA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Needham, MA a good place to live?
Needham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,059 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Needham, MA?
80.8% of residents in Needham 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 Needham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Needham, MA: median home value is $1,146,000 (368% above national), median rent is $2,412/month, and median household income is $212,241. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Needham?
The poverty rate in Needham, 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 Needham, MA?
Needham's population is 0.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 16.7% of residents are foreign-born.