| ZIP Code | 02121 |
|---|---|
| City | Dorchester |
| State | Massachusetts (MA) |
| County | Suffolk County |
| Area Code | 617/781/857 |
| Elevation | 149 ft |
| Latitude | 42.305403 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -71.086971 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 25025 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 34.2 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.71 |
| Below Poverty | 26.3% ▲ 163% above avg |
| College Grads | 30.5% ▼ 21% below avg |
| Unemployment | 9.6% ▲ 96% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 939 (6.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,036 (34.2%) |
| Some College | 1,467 (10%) |
| Associates | 2,790 (19%) |
| Bachelors | 956 (6.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,531 (24%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $38,565 ▼ 49% below avg ↑ 19% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $548,100 ▲ 97% above avg ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 14.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,316/mo ↑ 34% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 11,384 |
| Vacant Units | 1,021 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.71 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 11,384 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,021 |
| Owner Occupied | 23.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 76.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.71 |
ZIP code 02121 is located in Dorchester, Massachusetts, within Suffolk County. With a population of 28,298, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 34.2 years. Economically, 02121 is a lower-income ZIP code: the median household income of $38,565 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 02121 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $548,100 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,316 per month in median rent. This is predominantly a renter community, with 76.9% of occupied units rented — typical of urban and transitional neighborhoods. Median home values have increased by 10% since 2019.
The population of 02121 is racially diverse, with Black as the largest group at 45.0%. Residents are moderately educated — 30.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 26.3%. Household income has grown by 19% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 02121 stands at 9.6%, which is significantly above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 40%.
Overall, ZIP code 02121 in Dorchester, MA is characterized as lower-income, moderately educated, and a relatively young community. With 28,298 residents, a median household income of $38,565, and a median home value of $548,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Massachusetts.