Chelsea, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Chelsea, Massachusetts is 39,460 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest city in Massachusetts. The median household income is $72,220, the median home value is $476,500, and the median age is 34.5.
The population has grown 13.9% since 2010 (35,341 → 40,245).
39,460
Population
17783
People / sq mi
$72,220
Median Income
$476,500
Median Home Value
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Chelsea covers 2.2 sq mi of land at 17783 people per square mile.
About Chelsea, MA
What distinguishes Chelsea is density: among the most densely settled of US cities, around 17,783 people per square mile. With 39,460 residents, Chelsea is a city in Massachusetts. It ranks #38 among cities in Massachusetts by population.
Median household income is $72,220, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.3% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $476,500, with typical rent around $1,859.
College attainment is 22.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.6%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Chelsea: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Chelsea city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Chelsea city had a population of 35,341 in 2010 and 40,245 in 2024, a 13.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,549 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.94%.
40,245
Population (2024)
35,341
Population (2010)
40,549
Peak (2020)
0.94%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,341 |
| 2011 | 36,207 |
| 2012 | 36,911 |
| 2013 | 37,644 |
| 2014 | 38,685 |
| 2015 | 39,735 |
| 2016 | 40,261 |
| 2017 | 40,287 |
| 2018 | 39,937 |
| 2019 | 39,690 |
| 2020 | 40,549 |
| 2021 | 39,596 |
| 2022 | 39,577 |
| 2023 | 39,526 |
| 2024 | 40,245 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 26.9% |
| Black or African American | 7.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$72,220
Median Household Income
$31,544
Per Capita Income
16.3%
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$476,500
Median Home Value
$1,859
Median Rent
29.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
69.1%
High School+
22.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
20.3%
Drive Alone
46.4%
Public Transit
9.6%
Work From Home
33.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
7.2%
Foreign Born
29.6%
Non-English at Home
1.9%
Veterans
14.8%
With Disability
96.0%
Health Insurance
92.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.9% |
| Construction | 12.5% |
| Retail Trade | 8.2% |
| Manufacturing | 5.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Public Administration | 2.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Massachusetts
Largest counties in Massachusetts
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chelsea, Massachusetts has a population of 39,460 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest city in Massachusetts.
The median household income in Chelsea, Massachusetts is $72,220, with 16.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Chelsea, Massachusetts is $476,500, with median monthly rent at $1,859 and a homeownership rate of 29.2%.
The median age in Chelsea, Massachusetts is 34.5 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The population has grown 13.9% since 2010 (35,341 → 40,245).
Chelsea city, MA Climate
Chelsea city, MA has an average annual temperature of 10.3°C (51°F) and receives about 1121 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.3°C
Avg Temp
1121
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 101 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 86 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 102 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 95 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 85 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 87 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 82 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 91 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 91 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 97 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 104 mm |
| December | 0° / 33° | 100 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Chelsea city, MA
The most comfortable months to visit Chelsea city, MA are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chelsea
Visiting or relocating to Chelsea, MA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chelsea
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.