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.

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): 29.27% are white, 65.90% are Black or African American, 1.38% are some other race and 3.45% 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

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.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Non-Hispanic population of Boston by race. It includes the distribution of the Non-Hispanic population of Boston across various race categories as identified by the Census Bureau. The dataset can be utilized to understand the Non-Hispanic population distribution of Boston across relevant racial categories.

Key observations

Of the Non-Hispanic population in Boston, the largest racial group is White alone with a population of 295,342 (54.88% of the total Non-Hispanic population).

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 (for Non-Hispanic) for the Boston
• Population: The population of the racial category (for Non-Hispanic) 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 Non-Hispanic 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

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 New 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 New 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 New Boston was 2,229, a 0.71% decrease year-by-year from 2022. Previously, in 2022, New Boston population was 2,245, a decline of 1.19% compared to a population of 2,272 in 2021. Over the last 20 plus years, between 2000 and 2023, population of New Boston decreased by 122. In this period, the peak population was 2,351 in the year 2000. 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 New Boston is shown in this column.
• Year on Year Change: This column displays the change in New 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 New Boston Population by Year. You can refer the same here

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Boston metro area from 1950 to 2025. United Nations population projections are also included through the year 2035.

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 Boston town Hispanic or Latino population. It includes the distribution of the Hispanic or Latino population, of Boston town, by their ancestries, as identified by the Census Bureau. The dataset can be utilized to understand the origin of the Hispanic or Latino population of Boston town.

Key observations

Among the Hispanic population in Boston town, regardless of the race, the largest group is of Puerto Rican origin, with a population of 37 (97.37% of the total Hispanic population).

Content

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

Origin for Hispanic or Latino population include:

• Mexican
• Puerto Rican
• Cuban
• Other Hispanic or Latino

Variables / Data Columns

• Origin: This column displays the origin for Hispanic or Latino population for the Boston town
• Population: The population of the specific origin for Hispanic or Latino population in the Boston town is shown in this column.
• % of Total Hispanic Population: This column displays the percentage distribution of each Hispanic origin as a proportion of Boston town total Hispanic or Latino 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 town Population by Race & Ethnicity. You can refer the same here

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.

Graph and download economic data for Resident Population in Middlesex County, MA (MAMIDD7POP) from 1970 to 2024 about Middlesex County, MA; Boston; MA; residents; population; and USA.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the New 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 New Boston. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of New Boston by age. For example, using this dataset, we can identify the largest age group in New Boston.

Key observations

The largest age group in New Boston, IL was for the group of age 20 to 24 years years with a population of 62 (9.81%), according to the ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. At the same time, the smallest age group in New Boston, IL was the 80 to 84 years years with a population of 7 (1.11%). 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 New Boston is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the population of each age group as a proportion of New 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 New Boston Population by Age. You can refer the same 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.

The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Greater Boston metro area has increased significantly since 2001. In 2022, the area's GDP amounted to 504.1 billion chained 2017 U.S. dollars, compared to 284.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2001.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Hispanic or Latino, Two or More Races, Two Races Including Some Other Race (5-year estimate) in Suffolk County, MA (B03002020E025025) from 2009 to 2023 about Suffolk County, MA; Boston; MA; latino; hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Not Hispanic or Latino, Two or More Races, Two Races Including Some Other Race (5-year estimate) in Middlesex County, MA (B03002010E025017) from 2009 to 2023 about Middlesex County, MA; Boston; MA; non-hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Hispanic or Latino, White Alone (5-year estimate) in Norfolk County, MA (B03002013E025021) from 2009 to 2023 about Norfolk County, MA; Boston; MA; white; latino; hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

This dataset underlies a choropleth map of Boston area communities in which areas are shaded according to the percentage of the population that was foreign-born during each decade. The data was drawn from the US Census of Population, as well as the American Community Survey.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Hispanic or Latino, Two or More Races, Two Races Excluding Some Other Race, and Three or More Races (5-year estimate) in Plymouth County, MA (B03002021E025023) from 2009 to 2023 about Plymouth County, MA; Boston; MA; latino; hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Population Estimate, Total, Hispanic or Latino, White Alone (5-year estimate) in Plymouth County, MA (B03002013E025023) from 2009 to 2023 about Plymouth County, MA; Boston; MA; white; latino; hispanic; estimate; persons; 5-year; population; and USA.