Demographic Data for Boston’s Neighborhoods, 1950-2019

Boston is a city defined by the unique character of its many neighborhoods. The historical tables created by the BPDA Research Division from U.S. Census Decennial data describe demographic changes in Boston’s neighborhoods from 1950 through 2010 using consistent tract-based geographies. For more analysis of these data, please see Historical Trends in Boston's Neighborhoods. The most recent available neighborhood demographic data come from the 5-year American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS tables also present demographic data for Census-tract approximations of Boston’s neighborhoods. For pdf versions of the data presented here plus earlier versions of the analysis, please see Boston in Context.

2020 Census data for the city of Boston, Boston neighborhoods, census tracts, block groups, and voting districts. In the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau divided Boston into 207 census tracts (~4,000 residents) made up of 581 smaller block groups. The Boston Planning and Development Agency uses the 2020 tracts to approximate Boston neighborhoods. The 2020 Census Redistricting data also identify Boston’s voting districts.

For analysis of Boston’s 2020 Census data including graphs and maps by the BPDA Research Division and Office of Digital Cartography and GIS, see 2020 Census Research Publications

For a complete official data dictionary, please go to 2020 Census State Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, Chapter 6. Data Dictionary. 2020 Census State Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File

2020 Census Tracts In Boston

2020 Census Block Groups In Boston

Boston Neighborhood Boundaries Approximated By 2020 Census Tracts

Boston Voting District Boundaries

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the population of Boston by gender, including both male and female populations. This dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of Boston across both sexes and to determine which sex constitutes the majority.

Key observations

There is a slight majority of female population, with 51.93% of total population being female. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Scope of gender :

Please note that American Community Survey asks a question about the respondents current sex, but not about gender, sexual orientation, or sex at birth. The question is intended to capture data for biological sex, not gender. Respondents are supposed to respond with the answer as either of Male or Female. Our research and this dataset mirrors the data reported as Male and Female for gender distribution analysis. No further analysis is done on the data reported from the Census Bureau.

Variables / Data Columns

• Gender: This column displays the Gender (Male / Female)
• Population: The population of the gender in the Boston is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the percentage distribution of each gender as a proportion of Boston total population. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Boston Population by Race & Ethnicity. You can refer the same here

In 2023, the population of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metropolitan area in the United States was about 4.92 million people. This is a slight increase when compared with last year's population, which was about 4.9 million people.

Graph and download economic data for Resident Population in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (MSA) (BOSPOP) from 2000 to 2024 about Boston, NH, MA, residents, population, and USA.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Boston population over the last 20 plus years. It lists the population for each year, along with the year on year change in population, as well as the change in percentage terms for each year. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population change of Boston across the last two decades. For example, using this dataset, we can identify if the population is declining or increasing. If there is a change, when the population peaked, or if it is still growing and has not reached its peak. We can also compare the trend with the overall trend of United States population over the same period of time.

Key observations

In 2023, the population of Boston was 1,216, a 0.16% decrease year-by-year from 2022. Previously, in 2022, Boston population was 1,218, an increase of 0.41% compared to a population of 1,213 in 2021. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2023, population of Boston decreased by 207. In this period, the peak population was 1,460 in the year 2008. The numbers suggest that the population has already reached its peak and is showing a trend of decline. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP).

Data Coverage:

• From 2000 to 2023

Variables / Data Columns

• Year: This column displays the data year (Measured annually and for years 2000 to 2023)
• Population: The population for the specific year for the Boston is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in Boston population for each year compared to the previous year.
• Change in Percent: This column displays the year on year change as a percentage. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Boston Population by Year. You can refer the same here

The population density picture of Boston is generally a story of two Bostons: the high density central and northern neighborhoods, and the low density southern neighborhoods.The highest density areas of Boston are particularly concentrated in Brighton, Allston, and the Fenway area, areas of the city with large numbers of college students and young adults. There is also high population density in areas such as the Back Bay, the South End, Charlestown, the North End, and South Boston. These are all relatively small areas geographically, but have housing stock conducive to population density (e.g. multi-family dwelling units, row housing, large apartment buildings). The southern neighborhoods, specifically Hyde Park and West Roxbury, have significant numbers of people living in them, but lots sizes tend to be much larger. These areas of the city also tend to have more single family dwelling units. In that, there are fewer people per square mile than places north in the city. Census data reveals that population density varies noticeably from area to area. Small area census data do a better job depicting where the crowded neighborhoods are. In this map, areas of highest density exceed 30,000 persons per square kilometer. Very high density areas exceed 7,000 persons per square kilometer. High density areas exceed 5,200 persons per square kilometer. The last categories break at 3,330 persons per square kilometer, and 1,500 persons per square kilometer.How to make this map for your city

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Boston metro area from 1950 to 2025.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Boston population distribution across 18 age groups. It lists the population in each age group along with the percentage population relative of the total population for Boston. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of Boston by age. For example, using this dataset, we can identify the largest age group in Boston.

Key observations

The largest age group in Boston, GA was for the group of age 20 to 24 years years with a population of 132 (10.11%), according to the ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. At the same time, the smallest age group in Boston, GA was the 85 years and over years with a population of 7 (0.54%). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group in consideration
• Population: The population for the specific age group in the Boston is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the population of each age group as a proportion of Boston total population. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Boston Population by Age. You can refer the same here

Census block groups are created by the U.S. Census Bureau as statistical geographic subdivisions of a census tract defined for the tabulation and presentation of data from the decennial census and the American Community Survey. Block groups generally contain between 600 and 3,000 people. Census block groups are split or merged every 10 years, depending on population change, with local feedback through the Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP). These shapefiles provide the boundaries for the 2020 block groups for Boston.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the population of Boston by race. It includes the population of Boston across racial categories (excluding ethnicity) as identified by the Census Bureau. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of Boston across relevant racial categories.

Key observations

The percent distribution of Boston population by race (across all racial categories recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau): 96.18% are white and 3.82% are multiracial.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Racial categories include:

• White
• Black or African American
• American Indian and Alaska Native
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• Some other race
• Two or more races (multiracial)

Variables / Data Columns

• Race: This column displays the racial categories (excluding ethnicity) for the Boston
• Population: The population of the racial category (excluding ethnicity) in the Boston is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the percentage distribution of each race as a proportion of Boston total population. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Boston Population by Race & Ethnicity. You can refer the same here

Census tracts are created by the U.S. Census Bureau to be small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a county. Census tracts average about 4,000 inhabitants: minimum population –1,200 and maximum population –8,000. Census tracts are split or merged every 10 years, depending on population change, with local feedback through the Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP).

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the data for the New Boston, TX population pyramid, which represents the New Boston population distribution across age and gender, using estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. It lists the male and female population for each age group, along with the total population for those age groups. Higher numbers at the bottom of the table suggest population growth, whereas higher numbers at the top indicate declining birth rates. Furthermore, the dataset can be utilized to understand the youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, total dependency ratio, and potential support ratio.

Key observations

• Youth dependency ratio, which is the number of children aged 0-14 per 100 persons aged 15-64, for New Boston, TX, is 36.2.
• Old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of persons aged 65 or over per 100 persons aged 15-64, for New Boston, TX, is 33.8.
• Total dependency ratio for New Boston, TX is 70.0.
• Potential support ratio, which is the number of youth (working age population) per elderly, for New Boston, TX is 3.0.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group for the New Boston population analysis. Total expected values are 18 and are define above in the age groups section.
• Population (Male): The male population in the New Boston for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Population (Female): The female population in the New Boston for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Total Population: The total population of the New Boston for the selected age group is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for New Boston Population by Age. You can refer the same here

The BPDA Research Division prepared Census data on total population, population by race and ethnicity, voting-age population, group quarters populations, and housing occupancy for use in the 2022 City Council redistricting process. These data reflect 2020 census block-level data from the 2020 Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data aggregated to the 275 precincts (as amended April 6, 2022) and the 9 current City Council Districts. Also included are 2010 estimates for these geographies based on 2010 census block-level.

Notes on coding of Race and Ethnicity:

The data presented here follow the conventions recommended by the Department of Justice in their September 1, 2021 guidance on the use of race and ethnicity data in redistricting. This differs from other commonly reported race and ethnicity groupings in that it groups those reporting 2 races, one White and one non-White, as being members of the non-White race reported. Thus a person reporting White and Black would be categorized here as Black. All residents of Hispanic or Latino origin, regardless of reported race, are grouped together. This coding appears on page 12 of the guidance that can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1429486/download

Notes on 2010 data:

For 2010 data the BPDA Research Division crosswalked 2010 census block data to 2020 boundaries using a combination of block assignment and areal interpolation based on Census Tiger shapefiles and the publicly available boundary files for Boston electoral geographies. For blocks split across 2020 boundaries the entire 2010 population was assigned to one side of the boundary if no residential structures within that block existed on the other side of the boundary. In cases where residential structures were present on both sides of the boundary, areal interpolation was used to assign the block's population and housing units based on the share of the land area of the block falling on either side of the boundary. These numbers will differ from those produced using different crosswalking methods.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Not Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American Alone (5-year estimate) in Middlesex County, MA (B03002004E025017) from 2009 to 2023 about Middlesex County, MA; Boston; MA; African-American; non-hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

How racially diverse are residents in Massachusetts? This topic shows the demographic breakdown of residents by race/ethnicity and the increases in the Non-white population since 2010.

The Census Bureau does not recognize or release data for Boston neighborhoods. However, Census tracts can be aggregated to approximate Boston neighborhood boundaries to allow for reporting and visualization of Census data at the neighborhood level. Census tracts are created by the U.S. Census Bureau as statistical geographic subdivisions of a county defined for the tabulation and presentation of data from the decennial census and the American Community Survey. The 2020 Census tract boundary files for Boston can be found here. These tract-approximated neighborhood boundaries are used for work with Census data. Work that does not rely on Census data generally uses the Boston neighborhood boundaries found here.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total (5-year estimate) in Plymouth County, MA (B03002001E025023) from 2009 to 2023 about Plymouth County, MA; Boston; MA; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimate, Median Age by Sex, Total Population (5-year estimate) in Middlesex County, MA (B01002001E025017) from 2009 to 2023 about Middlesex County, MA; Boston; age; MA; median; 5-year; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Hispanic or Latino, Some Other Race Alone (5-year estimate) in Suffolk County, MA (B03002018E025025) from 2009 to 2023 about Suffolk County, MA; Boston; MA; latino; hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.