Boston, MA Census Data
The largest city in Massachusetts by population · 25 cities ranked
Boston is the largest city in Massachusetts by population and ranks 13th of 25 for median household income. With 663,972 residents, its poverty rate of 16.9% ranks among the higher rates in Massachusetts. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
663,972
48.1% male · 51.9% female
Median Age
33.2
5.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$94,755
$16,217 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
54.1%
19.1% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.9%
Poverty Rate
16.9%
4.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.0%
Broadband Access
94.8%
5.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$710,400
Median rent: $2,093 · 35% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Labor force participation: 66.1%
Per Capita Income
$55,909
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.2%
Disability rate: 12.1%
How Boston Compares to Other Massachusetts Cities
Rankings among all 25 Massachusetts cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 1st of 25 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 13th of 25 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 20th of 25 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 7th of 25 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 6th of 25 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Boston, MA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Boston, MA?
The population of Boston, MA is 663,972 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 33.2 years.
What is the median household income in Boston?
The median household income in Boston, MA is $94,755, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $55,909.
What is the poverty rate in Boston?
The poverty rate in Boston, MA is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Boston residents have a college degree?
54.1% of adults (25+) in Boston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Boston?
The median home value in Boston, MA is $710,400. Median rent is $2,093 per month, with 35% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Boston?
Boston's population is 47.8% White, 21.5% Black, 18.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 10.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Boston rank among Massachusetts cities?
Boston is the 1st largest city in Massachusetts by population, the 13th highest for median household income, the 20th lowest for poverty rate, the 7th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 25 ranked Massachusetts cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Boston?
The unemployment rate in Boston, MA is 6.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.1%. Per capita income is $55,909.