Somerville, MA
Population 80,549 · Massachusetts
About Somerville, MA
Somerville is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 80,549 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $127,056 per year, which is 69% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Somerville features a median home value of $899,400, which is 267% above the national median of $244,900. This places Somerville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,468, 112% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 37,583 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (12,155 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (23,272 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Somerville shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Somerville have an average one-way commute time of 30.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
68.0% of Somerville 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 1.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 8.3% Asian residents, with 24.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Somerville Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Somerville, MA
Compared to national averages, Somerville has a median household income of $127,056 (69% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $899,400, which is 267% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,468 is 112% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Somerville's income is 20% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 60% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Somerville, MA?
Somerville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $127,056, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 68.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $899,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Somerville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Somerville has a population of 80,549 with a median age of 32.3 years. Compare Somerville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Somerville
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 88,297 | $57,903 | $393,500 | Compare |
| Newton | 88,504 | $184,989 | $1,202,500 | Compare |
| Framingham | 72,013 | $98,179 | $600,600 | Compare |
| Haverhill | 67,387 | $87,675 | $426,900 | Compare |
| Fall River | 93,764 | $53,933 | $357,800 | Compare |
| Malden | 65,509 | $95,298 | $607,500 | Compare |
| Waltham | 64,723 | $116,560 | $705,700 | Compare |
| Brookline | 62,822 | $140,631 | $1,233,100 | 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 Somerville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Somerville
What is the population of Somerville, MA?
The population of Somerville, MA is 80,549 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 Somerville?
The median household income in Somerville, MA is $127,056 per year, which is 69% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Somerville?
The median home value in Somerville, MA is $899,400, which is 267% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Somerville?
The median monthly rent in Somerville, MA is $2,468, which is 112% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Somerville?
The unemployment rate in Somerville, MA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Somerville, MA a good place to live?
Somerville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 80,549 and a median age of 32.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Somerville, MA?
68.0% of residents in Somerville 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 Somerville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Somerville, MA: median home value is $899,400 (267% above national), median rent is $2,468/month, and median household income is $127,056. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Somerville?
The poverty rate in Somerville, MA is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Somerville, MA?
Somerville's population is 1.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 8.3% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 24.8% of residents are foreign-born.