Worcester, MA
Population 205,501 · Massachusetts
About Worcester, MA
Worcester is a major city located in Massachusetts with a population of 205,501 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,544 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.1 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 Worcester features a median home value of $339,500, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Worcester in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,415, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 85,371 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (33,510 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (45,579 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 Worcester shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Worcester have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.1% of Worcester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Black or African American, and 9.7% Asian residents, with 23.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Worcester Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Worcester, MA
Compared to national averages, Worcester has a median household income of $67,544 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $339,500, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,415 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Worcester's income is 36% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 40% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Worcester, MA?
Worcester offers a well-educated community where 34.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,544) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Worcester provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Worcester has a population of 205,501 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare Worcester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Worcester
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 154,751 | $51,339 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Cambridge | 117,794 | $126,469 | $1,040,500 | Compare |
| Lowell | 114,799 | $76,205 | $395,100 | Compare |
| Brockton | 105,080 | $77,089 | $405,500 | Compare |
| Quincy | 101,361 | $95,711 | $598,100 | Compare |
| Lynn | 100,905 | $74,715 | $472,600 | Compare |
| New Bedford | 100,731 | $56,025 | $324,400 | Compare |
| Fall River | 93,764 | $53,933 | $357,800 | 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 Worcester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Worcester
What is the population of Worcester, MA?
The population of Worcester, MA is 205,501 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Worcester?
The median household income in Worcester, MA is $67,544 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Worcester?
The median home value in Worcester, MA is $339,500, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Worcester?
The median monthly rent in Worcester, MA is $1,415, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Worcester?
The unemployment rate in Worcester, MA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live?
Worcester offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 205,501 and a median age of 34.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Worcester, MA?
34.1% of residents in Worcester 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 Worcester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Worcester, MA: median home value is $339,500 (39% above national), median rent is $1,415/month, and median household income is $67,544. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Worcester?
The poverty rate in Worcester, MA is 19.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Worcester, MA?
Worcester's population is 0.8% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Black or African American, 9.7% Asian, and 11.4% two or more races. 23.2% of residents are foreign-born.