Wellesley, MA
Population 29,906 · Massachusetts
About Wellesley, MA
Wellesley is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 29,906 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wellesley features a median home value of $1,513,400, which is 518% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wellesley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,849, 145% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,428 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (7,642 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (1,459 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wellesley shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Wellesley have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
87.1% of Wellesley 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 0.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 17.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wellesley Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Wellesley, MA
Compared to national averages, Wellesley has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,513,400, which is 518% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,849 is 145% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Wellesley's income is 137% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 170% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Wellesley, MA?
Wellesley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 87.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,513,400. However, Wellesley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wellesley has a population of 29,906 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Wellesley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Wellesley
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester | 29,862 | $87,898 | $587,800 | Compare |
| Melrose | 29,488 | $126,854 | $796,100 | Compare |
| North Attleborough Town | 30,842 | $109,426 | $462,700 | Compare |
| Bridgewater Town | 28,669 | $112,482 | $500,600 | Compare |
| Northampton | 28,640 | $78,467 | $398,000 | Compare |
| West Springfield Town | 28,635 | $70,401 | $307,900 | Compare |
| Saugus | 28,599 | $100,819 | $589,500 | Compare |
| Agawam Town | 28,510 | $82,359 | $290,000 | 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 Wellesley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wellesley
What is the population of Wellesley, MA?
The population of Wellesley, MA is 29,906 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 Wellesley?
The median household income in Wellesley, MA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wellesley?
The median home value in Wellesley, MA is $1,513,400, which is 518% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wellesley?
The median monthly rent in Wellesley, MA is $2,849, which is 145% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wellesley?
The unemployment rate in Wellesley, MA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wellesley, MA a good place to live?
Wellesley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 29,906 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wellesley, MA?
87.1% of residents in Wellesley 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 Wellesley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wellesley, MA: median home value is $1,513,400 (518% above national), median rent is $2,849/month, and median household income is $250,001. 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 Wellesley?
The poverty rate in Wellesley, MA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Wellesley, MA?
Wellesley's population is 0.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 17.4% of residents are foreign-born.