Worcester, MA Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Massachusetts by population · 25 cities ranked
Worcester is the 2nd largest city in Massachusetts by population and ranks 20th of 25 for median household income. With 205,501 residents, its poverty rate of 19.8% 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
205,501
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
34.1
4.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$67,544
$10,994 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
34.1%
0.9% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 85.7%
Poverty Rate
19.8%
7.4% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.9%
Broadband Access
94.2%
4.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$339,500
Median rent: $1,415 · 42% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
Labor force participation: 60.8%
Per Capita Income
$41,065
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.5%
Disability rate: 14.7%
How Worcester Compares to Other Massachusetts Cities
Rankings among all 25 Massachusetts cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 25 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 20th of 25 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 22nd of 25 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 12th of 25 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 22nd of 25 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Worcester, MA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Worcester, MA?
The population of Worcester, MA is 205,501 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.1 years.
What is the median household income in Worcester?
The median household income in Worcester, MA is $67,544, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $41,065.
What is the poverty rate in Worcester?
The poverty rate in Worcester, MA is 19.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Worcester residents have a college degree?
34.1% of adults (25+) in Worcester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 85.7% 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 Worcester?
The median home value in Worcester, MA is $339,500. Median rent is $1,415 per month, with 42% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Worcester?
Worcester's population is 58.0% White, 12.1% Black, 24.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Worcester rank among Massachusetts cities?
Worcester is the 2nd largest city in Massachusetts by population, the 20th highest for median household income, the 22nd lowest for poverty rate, the 12th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 25 ranked Massachusetts cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Worcester?
The unemployment rate in Worcester, MA is 6.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.8%. Per capita income is $41,065.
Cities Similar to Worcester
Other Massachusetts cities with comparable population and income levels.