Norwood, MA
Population 31,380 · Massachusetts
About Norwood, MA
Norwood is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 31,380 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,110 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norwood features a median home value of $613,500, which is 151% above the national median of $244,900. This places Norwood in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,056, 77% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,961 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (6,884 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (6,415 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norwood shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Norwood have an average one-way commute time of 31.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.1% of Norwood 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 0.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 21.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norwood Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Norwood, MA
Compared to national averages, Norwood has a median household income of $97,110 (29% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $613,500, which is 151% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,056 is 77% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Norwood's income is 8% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 9% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Norwood, MA?
Norwood offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,110, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 53.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $613,500. However, Norwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norwood has a population of 31,380 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Norwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Norwood
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Attleborough Town | 30,842 | $109,426 | $462,700 | Compare |
| Needham | 32,059 | $212,241 | $1,146,000 | Compare |
| Wellesley | 29,906 | $250,001 | $1,513,400 | Compare |
| Gloucester | 29,862 | $87,898 | $587,800 | Compare |
| Franklin Town | 33,067 | $142,788 | $567,100 | Compare |
| Melrose | 29,488 | $126,854 | $796,100 | Compare |
| Lexington | 34,085 | $219,402 | $1,147,900 | Compare |
| Bridgewater Town | 28,669 | $112,482 | $500,600 | 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 Norwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norwood
What is the population of Norwood, MA?
The population of Norwood, MA is 31,380 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 Norwood?
The median household income in Norwood, MA is $97,110 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norwood?
The median home value in Norwood, MA is $613,500, which is 151% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norwood?
The median monthly rent in Norwood, MA is $2,056, which is 77% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norwood?
The unemployment rate in Norwood, MA is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Norwood, MA a good place to live?
Norwood offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 31,380 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Norwood, MA?
53.1% of residents in Norwood 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 Norwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norwood, MA: median home value is $613,500 (151% above national), median rent is $2,056/month, and median household income is $97,110. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Norwood?
The poverty rate in Norwood, MA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Norwood, MA?
Norwood's population is 0.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 6.7% two or more races. 21.6% of residents are foreign-born.