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Population Review

Worcester, Massachusetts Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Worcester, Massachusetts is 205,501 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in Massachusetts. The median household income is $67,544, the median home value is $339,500, and the median age is 34.1.

The population has grown 16.2% since 2010 (181,759 → 211,286).

205,501

Population

5501

People / sq mi

$67,544

Median Income

$339,500

Median Home Value

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Worcester covers 37.4 sq mi of land at 5501 people per square mile.

About Worcester, MA

Homeownership is the standout figure in Worcester: 42.4% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 205,501 residents, Worcester is a city in Massachusetts. It is the #2-largest of all cities in Massachusetts nationally.

The typical household here earns about $67,544, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.4%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $339,500, with typical rent around $1,415.

34.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 10.7%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.

Worcester city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Worcester city had a population of 181,759 in 2010 and 211,286 in 2024, a 16.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 211,286 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.11%.

2024 · 211K20102024
Worcester city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

211,286

Population (2024)

181,759

Population (2010)

211,286

Peak (2024)

1.11%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010181,759
2011182,387
2012182,575
2013183,327
2014184,559
2015184,627
2016184,859
2017185,325
2018185,555
2019185,428
2020202,475
2021205,656
2022206,602
2023209,211
2024211,286

Race & Ethnicity

White58.0%
Black or African American12.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.1%

Economy & Income

$67,544

Median Household Income

$35,825

Per Capita Income

14.4%

Poverty Rate

4.1%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$339,500

Median Home Value

$1,415

Median Rent

42.4%

Owner-Occupied

Education

85.7%

High School+

34.1%

Bachelor's+

Commute

2.7%

Drive Alone

65.8%

Public Transit

10.7%

Work From Home

25.1 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

15.8%

Foreign Born

61.1%

Non-English at Home

3.5%

Veterans

14.7%

With Disability

96.1%

Health Insurance

94.2%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management33.0%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.5%
Manufacturing9.7%
Education, Health Care & Social Services8.1%
Construction6.1%
Retail Trade5.4%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.9%
Information4.5%
Public Administration2.9%
Transportation & Warehousing1.5%
Agriculture & Mining0.2%

Largest cities in Massachusetts

Largest counties in Massachusetts

Part of Massachusetts

Metro areas in Massachusetts

City rankings

Common questions about Worcester, MA

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester, Massachusetts has a population of 205,501 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in Massachusetts.

The median household income in Worcester, Massachusetts is $67,544, with 14.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Worcester, Massachusetts is $339,500, with median monthly rent at $1,415 and a homeownership rate of 42.4%.

The median age in Worcester, Massachusetts is 34.1 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

The population has grown 16.2% since 2010 (181,759 → 211,286).

Where to stay in Worcester

Visiting or relocating to Worcester, MA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.