Waltham, MA
Population 64,723 · Massachusetts
About Waltham, MA
Waltham is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 64,723 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $116,560 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 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 Waltham features a median home value of $705,700, which is 188% above the national median of $244,900. This places Waltham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,232, 92% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,898 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (12,553 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (13,168 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 Waltham 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 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waltham have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.4% of Waltham 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 1.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, and 13.1% Asian residents, with 26.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waltham Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Waltham, MA
Compared to national averages, Waltham has a median household income of $116,560 (55% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $705,700, which is 188% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,232 is 92% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Waltham's income is 10% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 26% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Waltham, MA?
Waltham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $116,560, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 56.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $705,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Waltham provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Waltham has a population of 64,723 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Waltham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Waltham
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malden | 65,509 | $95,298 | $607,500 | Compare |
| Brookline | 62,822 | $140,631 | $1,233,100 | Compare |
| Haverhill | 67,387 | $87,675 | $426,900 | Compare |
| Revere | 59,933 | $81,121 | $566,200 | Compare |
| Taunton | 59,719 | $79,715 | $388,200 | Compare |
| Medford | 59,062 | $118,089 | $715,500 | Compare |
| Weymouth Town | 57,786 | $100,077 | $516,200 | Compare |
| Framingham | 72,013 | $98,179 | $600,600 | 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 Waltham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waltham
What is the population of Waltham, MA?
The population of Waltham, MA is 64,723 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 Waltham?
The median household income in Waltham, MA is $116,560 per year, which is 55% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waltham?
The median home value in Waltham, MA is $705,700, which is 188% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Waltham?
The median monthly rent in Waltham, MA is $2,232, which is 92% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waltham?
The unemployment rate in Waltham, 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 Waltham, MA a good place to live?
Waltham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 64,723 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waltham, MA?
56.4% of residents in Waltham 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 Waltham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waltham, MA: median home value is $705,700 (188% above national), median rent is $2,232/month, and median household income is $116,560. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Waltham?
The poverty rate in Waltham, MA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waltham, MA?
Waltham's population is 1.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, 13.1% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 26.6% of residents are foreign-born.