Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 34.9 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.52 |
| Below Poverty | 21.9% ▲ 119% above avg |
| College Grads | 42.2% ▲ 9% above avg |
| Unemployment | 8.1% ▲ 66% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 2,799 (5.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 14,896 (29%) |
| Some College | 4,557 (8.9%) |
| Associates | 6,999 (13.6%) |
| Bachelors | 2,787 (5.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 19,279 (37.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $63,802 ▼ 16% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $615,988 ▲ 121% above avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 9.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,746/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 36,422 |
| Vacant Units | 3,141 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Dorchester is a city in Massachusetts, located in Suffolk County. The city spans 3 ZIP codes and is home to approximately 84,838 residents. It is a relatively young city, with a median age of 34.94 years.
Economically, Dorchester is a solidly middle-class community. The median household income of $63,801 is below the national average. Approximately 21.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 8.1%, significantly above the national average.
The real estate market in Dorchester is a premium housing market. Median home values stand at $615,988, which is more than double the national average. Renters typically pay around $1,746 per month. At 33.5% owner-occupied, renters make up the majority — common in urban or college-town settings.
The population of Dorchester is well-educated. 42.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — near the national average. The community is racially diverse, with Black as the largest group at 32.2%.
Dorchester, MA offers residents a cost-conscious lifestyle within Massachusetts. Spread across 3 ZIP codes, the city's neighborhoods vary in character, density, and demographics — explore each ZIP code below for a detailed breakdown.