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.

Boston Neighborhood Boundaries represent a combination of zoning neighborhood boundaries, zip code boundaries and 2010 census tract boundaries. These boundaries are used in the broad sense for visualization purposes, research analysis and planning studies. However these boundaries are not official neighborhood boundaries for the City of Boston. The BPDA is not responsible for any districts or boundaries within the City of Boston except for the districts we use for planning purposes.

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

This data set contains a series of administrative geographies utilized by the City of Boston, including: traditional neighborhoods defined by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA Neighborhood Statistical Areas, BPDA Planning Districts); election board regions (City Council Districts, Election Precincts, Election Wards); and districts for City operations (Fire Districts, ISD Neighborhoods, Police Districts, Public Works Districts, and ZIP Codes). For each we include a shape file with unique identifiers. These geographic files were obtained from the City of Boston Department of Innovation and Technology’s Analyze Boston data hub site: https://data.boston.gov/. Information pertaining to these files can be found in the most recent documentation for the "Geographical Infrastructure for the City of Boston." Note: These geographies are the most recent updated versions at the time of the release of the most recent Geographical Infrastructure for the City of Boston.

American Community Survey Viewer developed by Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) Research & GIS The American Community Survey (ACS) from the U.S. Census Bureau is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis about our nation and its people. Information from the survey generates data that help inform how trillions of dollars in federal funds are distributed each year.