Newton, MA
Population 88,504 · Massachusetts
About Newton, MA
Newton is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 88,504 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $184,989 per year, which is 146% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 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 Newton features a median home value of $1,202,500, which is 391% above the national median of $244,900. This places Newton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,388, 105% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,531 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (22,530 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (9,200 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Newton shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Newton have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
80.7% of Newton 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 0.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 23.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Newton Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Newton, MA
Compared to national averages, Newton has a median household income of $184,989 (146% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,202,500, which is 391% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,388 is 105% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Newton's income is 75% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 114% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Newton, MA?
Newton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $184,989, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 80.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,202,500. However, as a mid-sized city, Newton provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Newton has a population of 88,504 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Newton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Newton
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 88,297 | $57,903 | $393,500 | Compare |
| Fall River | 93,764 | $53,933 | $357,800 | Compare |
| Somerville | 80,549 | $127,056 | $899,400 | Compare |
| New Bedford | 100,731 | $56,025 | $324,400 | Compare |
| Lynn | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | Compare |
| Quincy | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | Compare |
| Framingham | 72,013 | $98,179 | $600,600 | Compare |
| Brockton | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | 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 Newton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Newton
What is the population of Newton, MA?
The population of Newton, MA is 88,504 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 Newton?
The median household income in Newton, MA is $184,989 per year, which is 146% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Newton?
The median home value in Newton, MA is $1,202,500, which is 391% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Newton?
The median monthly rent in Newton, MA is $2,388, which is 105% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Newton?
The unemployment rate in Newton, MA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Newton, MA a good place to live?
Newton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 88,504 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Newton, MA?
80.7% of residents in Newton 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 Newton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Newton, MA: median home value is $1,202,500 (391% above national), median rent is $2,388/month, and median household income is $184,989. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Newton?
The poverty rate in Newton, MA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Newton, MA?
Newton's population is 0.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 23.5% of residents are foreign-born.