Boston, MA — City Data, Demographics & Statistics
Suffolk County · Massachusetts
City DNA
A unique fingerprint for Boston based on 8 key metrics — compared to averages.
Why Boston, MA Is One of the Best Places to Live in America
Boston, MA ranks 15th overall among all US cities with a livability score of 53.5/100, placing it among the best places to live in America. The average commute of 24.6 minutes helps residents reclaim valuable time each day. A cost of living index of 180.6 makes Boston more affordable than 77% of cities nationwide. With a median home value of $710,400, the housing market remains accessible compared to many US cities. See full ranking
Quick Stats
Population
663,972
2023 ACS
Median Income
$94,755
2023
Median Home Value
$710,400
2023
Median Rent
$2,093
2023
Median Age
33.2
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg Temperature
50°F
Cost of Living Index
180.6
100 = national avg
Boston is a city in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, with a population of 663,972 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Boston is one of the communities in Massachusetts.
The median household income in Boston is $94,755, and the median home value is $710,400. The cost of living index is 180.6 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $2,093 per month. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, and the median age is 33.2 years.
People & Demographics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Population
Total Population
663,972
Male
319,182
48.1%
Female
344,790
51.9%
Median Age
33.2
Education & Household
Bachelor's or Higher
38.0%
High School or Higher
50.8%
Foreign Born
27.5%
Veterans
1.9%
Married
29.0%
Avg Household Size
2.2
Marital Status by Age
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
0.657
Simpson's Index (0-1)
Largest Group
White
47.8%
Foreign Born
27.5%
Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.
Hispanic/Latino
18.9%
125,756 people
Not Hispanic/Latino
81.1%
Hispanic/Latino Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Asian Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)American Indian & Alaska Native Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Languages Spoken
Total Speakers (5+)
633,383
English Only
64.8%
#1 Non-English Language
Spanish
98,220 speakers
Limited English
15.5%
Language Distribution
English Proficiency
Speaks English Very Well
84.5%
Limited English Proficiency
15.5%
Veterans & Military
Total Veterans
12,509
1.9% of population
Disability Rate
25.1%
3,139 with disability
Veteran Median Income
$60,576
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Period of Service
Veteran Age Distribution
Male Veterans
11,066
88.5%
Female Veterans
1,443
11.5%
Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income
Veteran Income
$60,576
Non-Veteran Income
$48,666
Difference
$11,910
24.5% higher
Disability Status
With Disability
3,139
Without Disability
9,370
Disability Rate
25.1%
Ancestry & Heritage
Total Reporting Ancestry
391,509
#1 Ancestry
Irish
13.2% (87,904)
#2 Ancestry
Italian
7.3% (48,372)
#3 Ancestry
West Indian
6.4% (42,474)
Top 20 Ancestries
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Families & Households
Total Households
279,216
Family Households
128,433
46.0%
Married Couples
77,877
27.9%
Non-Family Households
150,783
54.0%
Single Mother Households
39,019
14.0%
Single Father Households
11,537
4.1%
Living Alone
103,102
36.9%
Children Under 18
Total Children
86,369
In Married Couple
49,667
57.5%
With Single Mother
31,431
36.4%
With Single Father
5,271
6.1%
Family Income
Median Family Income
$114,125
Married Couple Income
$166,110
Single Mother Income
$54,145
Single Father Income
$73,837
Avg Family Size
2.2
Avg Non-Family Size
2.1
Grandparents w/ Grandchildren
10,727
Grandparents Responsible
2,921
Economy
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Income Overview
Median Household Income
$94,755
+29% vs national
Per Capita Income
$60,001
+61% vs national
Poverty Rate
16.9%
+24% vs national
Gini Index
0.5325
0 = perfect equality
Unemployment
6.0%
+16% vs national
SNAP Recipients
18.6%
of households
How Boston Compares
Boston vs Similar Cities
Compared to cities with 500,000 - 1,000,000 residents. Boston is highlighted.
Median Household Income
Boston, MA has a median household income of $94,755, making it the 5,680th highest median household income out of 28,123 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher median household income than 80% of all the cities we measured.
Per Capita Income
Boston, MA has a per capita income of $60,001, making it the 2,611th highest per capita income out of 28,123 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher per capita income than 91% of all the cities we measured.
Poverty Rate
Boston, MA has a poverty rate of 16.9%, making it the 9,432nd highest poverty rate out of 31,262 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher poverty rate than 70% of all the cities we measured.
Unemployment Rate
Boston, MA has a unemployment rate of 6.0%, making it the 9,161st highest unemployment rate out of 31,012 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher unemployment rate than 70% of all the cities we measured.
Where Do You Stack Up?
Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Boston. The median household income here is $94,755.
Income Distribution
Employment Snapshot
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
+23% vs MA avg
Labor Force
403,888
Employed
379,153
Mean Commute
25 min
How People Get to Work
Employment by Sector
Education & Workforce
Bachelor's Degree+
38.0%
of adults 25+
High School Diploma+
50.8%
of adults 25+
Median Age
33.2
Work from Home
18.8%
of workers
Top Occupations & Wages
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (2024)
Data represents the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area
Highest-Paying Job
Software Developers
Top Median Wage
$154.2K
per year
Occupations Tracked
20
Cost of Living
Overall Index
180.6
100 = national avg
+80.6 vs national average
Living Wage (1 Adult)
$79,458
per year
Living Wage (Family of 4)
$187,809
per year
Cost Index by Category
100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.
Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD
1 Bedroom
$2,476
per month
2 Bedroom
$2,941
per month
The median household income in Boston, MA is $94,755, which is 29.4% above the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $60,001. The poverty rate of 16.9% is higher than the MA state average of 8.7%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.5325, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, compared to the state average of 4.9%. The labor force is 403,888. 38.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 25 minutes, with 18.8% working from home. About 34.1% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 180.6, which is 80.6% above the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 272.1. A single adult needs to earn approximately $79,458 per year to cover basic expenses.
Housing & Real Estate
Market SnapshotRedfin — January 2026
Median Sale Price
$825,000
Median List Price
$849,900
Price Per Sq Ft
$656
Days on Market
60
Active Inventory
979
Months of Supply
3.8
Seller's market
Zillow Home Value
$772,838
ZHVI — January 2026
Zillow Rent Index
$3,652
ZORI — January 2026
Market CompetitivenessRedfin
Sold Above List
13.6%
Off Market in 2 Weeks
36.2%
Sale-to-List Ratio
97.3%
Buyer's market
Price TrendsRedfin
Market ActivityRedfin
Homes Sold
258
New Listings
468
Pending Sales
298
Price Per Square FootRedfin
Median Sale $/SF
$656
Median List $/SF
$722
Boston vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin
Compared to cities with 500,000 - 1,000,000 residents. Boston is highlighted.
Median Home Value
Boston, MA has a median home value of $710,400, making it the 1,419th highest median home value out of 27,993 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher median home value than 95% of all the cities we measured.
Median Rent
Boston, MA has a median rent of $2,093, making it the 1,421st highest median rent out of 22,337 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher median rent than 94% of all the cities we measured.
Median Price Per Sq Ft
Boston, MA has a price per square foot of $656, making it the 575th highest price per square foot out of 20,748 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher price per square foot than 97% of all the cities we measured.
Rent Burden
Boston, MA has a rent burden of 26.5%, making it the 2,540th highest rent burden out of 21,928 cities in our database. This means that Boston has a higher rent burden than 88% of all the cities we measured.
Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023
Median Home Value
$710,400
Median Rent
$2,093
Total Housing Units
307,840
Vacancy Rate
9.3%
Owner Occupied
35.4%
Renter Occupied
64.6%
Median Property Tax
$4,335
per year
Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)
$2,401
Housing Types
Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023
Median Property Tax
$4,335
per year
Effective Tax Rate
0.61%
of home value
Median Home Value
$710,400
Estimated Mean Tax
$6,014
The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($4,335) by the median home value ($710,400). In Boston, MA, this works out to an effective rate of 0.61%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.
The current median sale price in Boston, MA is $825,000 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 60 days on the market. 13.6% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 3.8 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $656. Zillow's observed rent index is $3,652/month. About 35.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1947. There are 307,840 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $4,335. The effective tax rate is 0.61%, below the national average.
Crime Overview
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)Violent Crime Rate
6.28
per 1,000 residents
+142% vs national
Property Crime Rate
20.22
per 1,000 residents
+18% vs national
Total Crimes
17,463
2024
Violent Clearance
31%
cases solved
Property Clearance
6%
cases solved
YoY Change
+0.1%
violent crime rate
worsening vs 2023
How Boston Compares
Source: FBI (2024)Boston vs Similar Cities
Source: FBI (2024)Compared to cities with 500,000 - 1,000,000 residents. Boston is highlighted in green.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)
Property Crime Rate (per 1,000)
Murder Rate (per 1,000)
Crime Rate Trends
Source: FBICrime Composition
Source: FBI (2024)Violent Crime Breakdown
Property Crime Breakdown
Crime Clearance (Solve) Rates
Source: FBI (2024)Boston police solve 54% of murder cases but only 0% of motor vehicle theft cases.
Weapon Used in Violent Crime
Source: FBI (2024)Crime Breakdown
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)| Crime Type | Category | Count | Rate per 1K | Clearance % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Violent | 24 | 0.04 | 54.2% |
| Rape | Violent | 169 | 0.26 | 24.3% |
| Robbery | Violent | 833 | 1.26 | 18.1% |
| Aggravated Assault | Violent | 3,112 | 4.72 | 34.8% |
| Burglary | Property | 1,171 | 1.78 | 15.7% |
| Larceny/Theft | Property | 11,121 | 16.87 | 5.1% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | Property | 1,032 | 1.57 | 0.5% |
Boston, MA reported 4,139 violent crimes and 13,324 property crimes in 2024. The violent crime rate of 6.28 per 1,000 residents is 141.5% above the national average of 2.60 per 1,000. Law enforcement cleared 31% of violent crimes. Larceny/theft accounts for 11,121 of the property crime reports. Firearms were involved in 14.6% of aggravated assaults. Violent crime has been trending upward.
Crime History
Source: FBI| Year | Violent | Property | Violent Rate | Property Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4,139 | 13,324 | 6.28 | 20.22 |
| 2023 | 4,034 | 12,499 | 6.28 | 19.44 |
| 2022 | 4,049 | 11,661 | 6.34 | 18.25 |
| 2021 | 3,937 | 11,702 | 5.59 | 16.60 |
| 2020 | 4,435 | 13,199 | 6.36 | 18.93 |
| 2019 | 4,244 | 13,213 | 6.07 | 18.90 |
| 2018 | 4,324 | 14,007 | 6.22 | 20.16 |
| 2017 | 4,571 | 14,266 | 6.69 | 20.89 |
| 2016 | 4,771 | 14,489 | 7.08 | 21.50 |
| 2015 | 4,702 | 15,408 | 7.07 | 23.16 |
School Shootings
Source: The Washington PostTotal Incidents
1
Total Killed
0
Total Injured
1
| Date | School | Killed | Injured | Type | Weapon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 1999 | Dorchester High School | 0 | 1 | targeted | nan |
Data from The Washington Post, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Natural Hazard Risk
Source: FEMA National Risk IndexRisk Score
93.5
Relatively Moderate
Expected Annual Loss
91.9
Score (0-100)
Social Vulnerability
70.6
Score (0-100)
Community Resilience
95.5
Score (0-100)
Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.
Disaster History & Federal Spending
Source: FEMATotal Declarations
38
Public Assistance
$601.3M
Individual Assistance
$34.7M
Most Common Type
Snowstorm
9 declarations
Public Assistance by Category
| Disaster | Type | Date | PA $ | IA $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Lee → | Hurricane | Sep 2023 | $173K | — |
| Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm → | Snowstorm | Apr 2022 | $9.9M | — |
| Covid-19 Pandemic → | Biological | Mar 2020 | $489.3M | $18.0M |
| Covid-19 → | Biological | Mar 2020 | — | — |
| Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm → | Snowstorm | Jul 2018 | $12.2M | — |
| Severe Winter Storm and Flooding → | Severe Storm(s) | Jun 2018 | $434K | — |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Floo… → | Severe Storm | Apr 2015 | $25.6M | — |
| Severe Winter Storm, Snowstorm, and Floo… → | Severe Storm | Apr 2013 | $3.9M | — |
| Explosions → | Terrorist | Apr 2013 | $3.6M | — |
| Hurricane Sandy → | Hurricane | Dec 2012 | $3.7M | — |
| Hurricane Sandy → | Hurricane | Oct 2012 | — | — |
| Severe Storm and Snowstorm → | Severe Storm(s) | Jan 2012 | $1.4M | — |
| Hurricane Irene → | Hurricane | Aug 2011 | $917K | — |
| Severe Storms and Tornadoes → | Tornado | Jun 2011 | $11K | — |
| Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm → | Snowstorm | Mar 2011 | $9.4M | — |
| Hurricane Earl → | Hurricane | Sep 2010 | $63K | — |
| Water Main Break → | Other | May 2010 | — | — |
| Severe Storms and Flooding → | Severe Storm | Mar 2010 | $4.5M | $10.8M |
| Severe Winter Storm and Flooding → | Severe Ice Storm | Jan 2009 | $8.7M | — |
| Severe Winter Storm → | Severe Storm | Dec 2008 | — | — |
Showing 20 of 47 disasters
PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).
Flood Insurance (NFIP)
Source: FEMA NFIPTotal Claims
4,365
Total Claims Paid
$28,944,609
Avg Claim Payout
$6,631
County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
Hazard Mitigation
Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation AssistanceMitigation Projects
20
Federal Funding
$11,577,796
Properties Protected
18
Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio
1.55
BCR
Top Mitigation Project Types
| Project Type | Projects | Federal $ |
|---|---|---|
| 403.1: Stormwater Management - Culverts | 3 | $2,354,981 |
| 904.2: Advance Assistance (FMA and PDMC) | 3 | $1,659,000 |
| 91.1: Local Multihazard Mitigation Plan | 2 | $336,063 |
| 91.4: Local Multijurisdictional Multihazard Mitigation Plan - NEW | 2 | $1,485,000 |
| 106.2: Other Non Construction; 700.1: Management Costs - Salaries | 2 | $2,300,000 |
Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.
Boston has a relatively moderate overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are lightning, heat wave, earthquake. The area has had 38 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is snowstorm (9 declarations). 4,365 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $601,315,626 in public assistance recovery funding. $34,670,356 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 20 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.
Health
Community Health
Source: CDC PLACES
Obesity Rate
23.4%
12.7pp below the national average
Depression Rate
24.0%
0.5pp above the national average
Diabetes Rate
8.6%
3.3pp below the national average
Uninsured Rate
6.3%
4.3pp below the national average
Health Scorecard
Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)
Health Outcomes
Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.
High Cholesterol
30.7%
Arthritis
17.8%
Cancer (excl. skin)
5.3%
Teeth Lost (65+)
14.2%
Health Risk Behaviors
Prevention & Screening
Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Frequent Mental Distress
18.0%
14+ days in past month
Depression
24.0%
Loneliness
39.3%
Lack of Support
25.1%
Disability Prevalence
Any Disability
25.8%
Mobility
10.4%
Cognitive
15.3%
Hearing
4.5%
Vision
5.0%
Self-Care
3.4%
Independent Living
8.2%
Health-Related Social Needs
Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health
Boston has an obesity rate of 23.4%, which is 12.7pp below the national average. The depression rate is 24.0%, 0.5pp above the national average. About 6.3% of adults lack health insurance. 77.9% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.
Nearby Hospitals
Source: CMS Hospital Compare
Nearest Hospitals
5
With Emergency Services
4
Avg CMS Rating
3.7 / 5
Nearest Hospital
0.5 mi
Massachusetts General Hospital
| Hospital | Distance | Type | Rating | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital | 0.5 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 5/5 | Yes |
| Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary - | 0.5 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | — | Yes |
| Tufts Medical Center | 0.5 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 3/5 | Yes |
| The Shriners' Hospital For Children - Boston | 0.5 mi | Childrens | — | — |
| Boston Medical Center | 1.5 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 3/5 | Yes |
Climate & Environment
Annual Overview
Avg Temperature
50°F
Sunny Days
200
per year
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
UV Index
4.3
annual avg
Annual Snowfall
16.5"
Weather Time Machine
Experience a year of weather in Boston. Click a month or press play.
27°F
19° / 35°
Jan
High
35°F
Low
19°F
Wind
10 mph
Temperature Records
Source: NOAARecord High
104°F
Record Low
-16°F
Avg High
59°F
Avg Low
43°F
Monthly Averages
Source: NOAA Climate Normals| Month | High | Low | Rain | Snow | Humidity | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 19°F | 2.25" | 4.0" | 69% | 10.2 mph |
| Feb | 37°F | 21°F | 1.90" | 3.9" | 68% | 10.1 mph |
| Mar | 44°F | 28°F | 3.26" | 3.7" | 69% | 10.0 mph |
| Apr | 56°F | 39°F | 3.62" | 0.9" | 69% | 9.2 mph |
| May | 66°F | 49°F | 3.16" | — | 73% | 8.3 mph |
| Jun | 76°F | 59°F | 3.45" | — | 73% | 7.8 mph |
| Jul | 82°F | 65°F | 2.91" | — | 71% | 7.2 mph |
| Aug | 80°F | 64°F | 3.35" | — | 73% | 7.1 mph |
| Sep | 73°F | 58°F | 3.54" | — | 75% | 8.0 mph |
| Oct | 61°F | 47°F | 4.21" | 0.1" | 74% | 9.1 mph |
| Nov | 50°F | 36°F | 3.59" | 0.4" | 74% | 9.5 mph |
| Dec | 40°F | 27°F | 3.32" | 3.4" | 72% | 10.0 mph |
Boston has an average annual temperature of 50°F. The area enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals about 38.6 inches. Snowfall averages 16.5 inches per year.
Water Systems
Source: EPA SDWISWater Systems
6
Pop. Served
676,215
Violations (5yr)
0
No violations
| System Name | Pop. Served | Violations (5yr) |
|---|---|---|
| BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA) | 675,647 | 0 |
| NOQUOCHOKE VILLAGE LLC | 180 | 0 |
| WRIGHT FARM CONDOS | 160 | 0 |
| FIELDS AT SHERBORN CONDO TRUST | 110 | 0 |
| PINE ACRES CONDOS | 90 | 0 |
| ROCKVILLE MILL HOPKINTON, LLC | 28 | 0 |
Greenhouse Gas Emitters
Source: EPA GHGRP (2023)Facilities Reporting
5
Total CO₂e
459.6K MT
Top Emitter
MEDICAL AREA TOTAL ENERGY PLANT
263.1K MT CO₂e
Total CO₂e vs Similar Cities (500,000 - 1,000,000)
| Facility | Sector | CO₂e (MT) |
|---|---|---|
MEDICAL AREA TOTAL ENERGY PLANT Longwood Energy Partners Llc | Power Plants | 263,148 |
Kneeland Station Vicinity Energy Inc | Power Plants | 75,238 |
Boston University Trustees Of Boston University | Other | 49,083 |
GILLETTE CO The Procter & Gamble Co | Other | 44,355 |
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Northeastern University | Other | 27,779 |
Data from EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Includes facilities emitting 25,000+ metric tons CO₂e/year.
There are 6 water systems serving the area. 5 industrial facilities report greenhouse gas emissions totaling 459.6K metric tons of CO₂e.
Infrastructure
Commute Overview2023 ACS
Mean Commute
25 min
+5% vs national
Drive Alone
34.1%
-57% vs national
Public Transit
24.0%
+2570% vs national
Work From Home
18.8%
+102% vs national
Carpool
5.4%
Walk / Bike
15.9%
combined
How Boston's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023
How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023
Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023
Traffic Fatalities
Source: NHTSA FARS (2023)Fatalities
18
2023
6-Year Avg
21
fatalities/yr
Pedestrian
7
Cyclist
1
Nighttime
12
dark conditions
| Year | Crashes | Fatalities | Alcohol | Pedestrian | Cyclist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 | 18 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| 2022 | 22 | 24 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
| 2021 | 28 | 30 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 2020 | 18 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| 2019 | 19 | 20 | 6 | 9 | 1 |
| 2018 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.
The average commute in Boston, MA is 25 minutes, which is 5.1% above the national average of 23 minutes. 34.1% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 18.8% work from home, which is above the MA state average of 15.7%. Public transit is used by 24.0% of commuters, compared to the national average of 0.9%. 5.4% of workers carpool. 13.8% walk to work. 2.1% commute by bicycle. In 2023, there were 18 traffic fatalities from 17 fatal crashes. 7 were pedestrians.
Internet & Broadband Access
Source: Census ACSBroadband Access
90.6%
of households
Cable / Fiber / DSL
80.1%
of households
No Internet
7.0%
of households
Total Households
279,216
Internet Subscription Types
Device Ownership
Source: Census ACSHas Computer
94.8%
of households
Smartphone
90.9%
of households
Desktop / Laptop
83.2%
of households
Tablet
62.2%
of households
Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).
Electricity Rates
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)Residential Rate
29.4¢
per kWh
+80% vs 500,000 - 1,000,000 avg
Commercial Rate
20.9¢
per kWh
+64% vs 500,000 - 1,000,000 avg
Industrial Rate
18.2¢
per kWh
+103% vs 500,000 - 1,000,000 avg
Avg Monthly Bill
$167
residential
+23% vs 500,000 - 1,000,000 avg
72% above the national average of 17.1¢/kWh
Residential electricity in Massachusetts averages 29.4¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1¢. The average monthly electric bill is $167. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).
Boston vs Similar Cities
Source: EIA (2024)Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (500,000 - 1,000,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.
Residential Rate (¢/kWh)
Commercial Rate (¢/kWh)
Industrial Rate (¢/kWh)
Average Monthly Bill
Water Systems
Source: EPA SDWISWater Systems
6
Population Served
676,215
Violations (5yr)
0
| System Name | Type | Source | Pop. Served | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA) | Community | Purchased surface water | 675,647 | 0 |
| NOQUOCHOKE VILLAGE LLC | Community | Ground water | 180 | 0 |
| WRIGHT FARM CONDOS | Community | Ground water | 160 | 0 |
| FIELDS AT SHERBORN CONDO TRUST | Community | Ground water | 110 | 0 |
| PINE ACRES CONDOS | Community | Ground water | 90 | 0 |
| ROCKVILLE MILL HOPKINTON, LLC | Community | Ground water | 28 | 0 |
90.6% of households in Boston have broadband internet access. 80.1% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 9.0% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 7.0% of households have no internet access. 7.7% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 6 water systems, providing water to 676,215 people. No water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years.
Politics & Government
County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Boston is located in Suffolk County, MA. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Boston.
Election Overview
Source: Suffolk County (2024)2024 Winner
Democrat
Dem Votes
222,280
74.8%
GOP Votes
66,480
22.4%
Total Votes
297,041
Margin
D+52.5%
Shift from 2020
R+10.7pp
vs prior election
Election History
Source: County-Level Election Results| Year | Dem Votes | GOP Votes | Total | Dem % | GOP % | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 222,280 | 66,480 | 297,041 | 74.8% | 22.4% | D+52.5 |
| 2020 | 270,522 | 58,613 | 335,462 | 80.6% | 17.5% | D+63.2 |
| 2016 | 241,212 | 50,042 | 303,517 | 79.5% | 16.5% | D+63.0 |
In the 2024 presidential election, Suffolk County recorded 297,041 total votes. Democrats won the county with 74.8% of the vote compared to 22.4% for Republicans, a margin of D+52.5%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted R+10.7pp from the previous election. Since 2016, Suffolk County has shifted 10.5 percentage points toward Republicans.
Official City Website
Source: boston.govPublic Records Request
Source: boston.govSubmit a public records request to Boston — Email address for public records requests found. The online request portal link resulted in a 403 Forbidden error..
Source: boston.gov
Nonprofits Overview
Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMFTotal Nonprofits
3,668
Total Assets
$230.0B
Total Income
$112.7B
Per 10K Residents
55.2
nonprofits
-12.9% vs peers avg
Orgs with >$1M Assets
1,482
Median Assets
$1.5M
Oldest Active
1920
ruling year
Newest Org
2026
ruling year
Nonprofits by Category
Source: IRS / NTEE ClassificationTop 10 hold $158.2B of $230.0B total
Nonprofit Size Distribution
Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMFNumber of nonprofits by total asset size
When Were Nonprofits Founded?
Source: IRS Ruling DateNumber of currently active nonprofits by founding decade
Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities
Source: IRS BMF + Census ACSCompared to cities with population 500,000 - 1,000,000
Largest Nonprofits in Boston
Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMFBoston, MA has 3,668 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $230.0B. The most common category is Philanthropy & Grantmaking, with 743 organizations. 1,482 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 55.2 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1920.
SBA Lending Overview
Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level DataTotal SBA Loans
3,391
Total Approved
$690.3M
Jobs Supported
31,591
Per 10K Residents
51.1
SBA loans
-36.4% vs peers avg
Unique Lenders
174
Top Lender
Citizens Bank, National Association
875 loans
Top Industry
Professional & Technical Services
Data Span
1992–2026
Loan Program Breakdown
Source: SBA FOIALoans
3,189
Total Amount
$549.5M
Avg Loan
$172,298
Median Loan
$60,000
SBA Guaranteed
$377.3M(69%)
Jobs Supported
28,752
Loans
202
Total Amount
$140.8M
Avg Loan
$697,183
Median Loan
$461,000
Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)
Source: SBA FOIARecent Loans
366
11% of all-time total
Recent Amount
$168.5M
24% of all-time total
Avg Recent Loan
$460,341
Top Industries Funded
Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS CodesSBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities
Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACSCompared to cities with population 500,000 - 1,000,000
Top SBA Borrowers
Source: SBA FOIA| Business | Loans | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Solomon Mccown & Company Inc. | 4 | $11.8M |
| Sterlingwear of Boston Inc | 3 | $7.4M |
| Mighty Squirrel Llc. | 2 | $6.2M |
| Artel Software Inc. | 3 | $5.0M |
| Mercury Business Services Llc | 1 | $5.0M |
| Boston Self Storage, Llc | 1 | $5.0M |
| Ellevate Med Spa | 1 | $4.9M |
| Boston Sword & Tuna, Inc. | 2 | $4.8M |
| Dev Hospitality, Llc | 1 | $4.2M |
| Birger Engineering Inc. | 6 | $4.1M |
Boston, MA has received 3,391 SBA loans totaling $690.3M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 3,189 loans (94% of the total), supporting 28,752 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 202 loans totaling $140.8M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Professional & Technical Services. The most active SBA lender in Boston is Citizens Bank, National Association with 875 loans. That works out to 51.1 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.
ZIP Code Overview
Source: Census ACSZIP Codes
78
Total Population
1,820,579
Avg Median Income
-$25,524,416
Avg Home Value
-$41,922,899
ZIP Code Details
Source: Census ACS| ZIP Code | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Median Rent | Area (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01890 | 22,862 | $218,176 | $1,181,700 | $2,271 | 6.0 |
| 01901 | 1,934 | $27,561 | $343,200 | $1,193 | 0.3 |
| 01902 | 51,680 | $66,755 | $456,000 | $1,571 | 2.4 |
| 01905 | 27,188 | $84,341 | $443,200 | $1,749 | 3.0 |
| 01906 | 28,599 | $100,819 | $589,500 | $1,982 | 11.6 |
| 01908 | 3,328 | $111,004 | $686,000 | $1,790 | 1.1 |
| 02026 | 25,109 | $124,375 | $630,400 | $2,058 | 10.3 |
| 02108 | 4,178 | $212,664 | $1,570,400 | $2,692 | 0.3 |
| 02109 | 3,714 | $177,500 | $1,007,200 | $3,501 | 0.2 |
| 02110 | 2,178 | $132,239 | $1,104,700 | $3,142 | 0.2 |
| 02111 | 8,067 | $70,865 | $953,400 | $1,994 | 0.2 |
| 02113 | 6,522 | $110,321 | $693,900 | $2,498 | 0.1 |
| 02114 | 13,853 | $135,057 | $927,900 | $2,933 | 0.4 |
| 02115 | 28,621 | $53,398 | $1,015,400 | $2,033 | 0.7 |
| 02116 | 22,040 | $127,309 | $1,583,500 | $2,341 | 0.7 |
| 02118 | 28,522 | $90,142 | $1,029,100 | $1,748 | 1.1 |
| 02119 | 26,851 | $43,255 | $668,900 | $1,252 | 1.6 |
| 02120 | 15,248 | $61,472 | $941,200 | $1,630 | 0.6 |
| 02121 | 28,298 | $38,565 | $548,100 | $1,316 | 1.9 |
| 02122 | 23,471 | $82,945 | $656,400 | $2,052 | 1.7 |
| 02124 | 55,897 | $79,168 | $607,200 | $1,783 | 3.0 |
| 02125 | 33,069 | $71,810 | $645,400 | $1,897 | 2.2 |
| 02126 | 25,313 | $67,206 | $515,000 | $1,659 | 1.8 |
| 02127 | 36,646 | $156,373 | $858,600 | $2,435 | 2.1 |
| 02128 | 44,124 | $92,079 | $680,000 | $2,009 | 5.0 |
| 02129 | 19,994 | $157,192 | $926,000 | $2,258 | 1.4 |
| 02130 | 41,109 | $130,533 | $763,700 | $2,434 | 3.5 |
| 02131 | 31,564 | $109,237 | $634,200 | $1,999 | 2.8 |
| 02132 | 27,069 | $139,545 | $714,000 | $2,140 | 4.9 |
| 02133 | 80 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.0 |
| 02134 | 17,637 | $75,317 | $586,700 | $2,269 | 1.2 |
| 02135 | 43,683 | $88,208 | $684,000 | $2,179 | 2.6 |
| 02136 | 38,071 | $96,862 | $566,300 | $1,772 | 4.6 |
| 02138 | 38,077 | $122,040 | $1,088,700 | $2,799 | 2.7 |
| 02139 | 39,609 | $124,648 | $1,066,200 | $2,613 | 1.6 |
| 02140 | 21,361 | $136,382 | $1,070,200 | $2,581 | 1.2 |
| 02141 | 14,677 | $120,542 | $892,600 | $2,752 | 0.6 |
| 02142 | 4,349 | $168,788 | $1,726,900 | $3,501 | 0.3 |
| 02143 | 25,161 | $126,102 | $930,200 | $2,424 | 1.5 |
| 02144 | 25,009 | $140,591 | $987,000 | $2,654 | 1.1 |
| 02145 | 27,929 | $119,167 | $784,900 | $2,377 | 1.4 |
| 02148 | 65,509 | $95,298 | $607,500 | $2,066 | 5.0 |
| 02149 | 49,236 | $79,658 | $605,200 | $1,988 | 3.4 |
| 02150 | 39,444 | $72,122 | $476,500 | $1,861 | 2.2 |
| 02151 | 59,949 | $80,948 | $566,200 | $1,964 | 5.7 |
| 02152 | 18,807 | $106,357 | $606,900 | $1,909 | 1.7 |
| 02155 | 61,276 | $118,403 | $715,500 | $2,483 | 8.2 |
| 02163 | 1,852 | $74,028 | N/A | $3,501 | 0.2 |
| 02169 | 60,928 | $92,080 | $552,200 | $1,975 | 12.1 |
| 02170 | 19,685 | $101,840 | $661,800 | $1,801 | 2.1 |
| 02171 | 20,513 | $104,992 | $630,200 | $2,281 | 2.5 |
| 02176 | 29,488 | $126,854 | $796,100 | $1,933 | 4.7 |
| 02180 | 22,986 | $112,635 | $629,000 | $1,878 | 6.0 |
| 02186 | 28,716 | $177,222 | $896,500 | $1,545 | 13.7 |
| 02191 | 8,130 | $116,496 | $492,200 | $1,833 | 1.8 |
| 02199 | 1,253 | $118,367 | N/A | $3,404 | 0.1 |
| 02203 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.0 |
| 02205 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0.1 |
| 02210 | 6,554 | $178,833 | $1,212,000 | $3,501 | 0.9 |
| 02215 | 24,054 | $65,827 | $683,800 | $2,385 | 0.9 |
| 02445 | 22,568 | $145,878 | $1,218,000 | $2,779 | 2.6 |
| 02446 | 31,109 | $127,519 | $1,172,800 | $2,757 | 1.3 |
| 02452 | 16,173 | $112,902 | $779,900 | $2,325 | 3.8 |
| 02453 | 30,314 | $114,029 | $666,300 | $2,063 | 3.6 |
| 02458 | 13,308 | $151,782 | $1,116,600 | $2,313 | 2.0 |
| 02459 | 18,604 | $214,941 | $1,336,200 | $2,308 | 5.0 |
| 02460 | 10,033 | $154,329 | $1,124,300 | $2,606 | 1.4 |
| 02461 | 6,717 | $207,292 | $1,154,500 | $3,026 | 1.5 |
| 02464 | 3,730 | $125,846 | $899,300 | $2,407 | 0.6 |
| 02465 | 11,297 | $174,518 | $1,098,600 | $2,251 | 2.1 |
| 02466 | 8,553 | $170,852 | $1,164,900 | $2,082 | 1.6 |
| 02467 | 22,325 | $173,854 | $1,249,100 | $3,067 | 4.9 |
| 02468 | 5,901 | $250,001 | $1,809,300 | $2,875 | 1.5 |
| 02472 | 35,317 | $123,383 | $737,600 | $2,356 | 4.0 |
| 02474 | 28,283 | $139,199 | $887,000 | $2,157 | 3.1 |
| 02476 | 17,732 | $145,150 | $882,100 | $1,823 | 2.1 |
| 02478 | 26,966 | $177,790 | $1,108,800 | $2,382 | 4.6 |
| 02494 | 10,578 | $173,750 | $1,052,400 | $2,452 | 2.8 |
Boston, MA has 78 ZIP codes with a combined population of 1,820,579. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is -$25,524,416. The average median home value is -$41,922,899. The average median monthly rent is -$25,638,838.
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