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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).


Worcester city, MA Climate

Worcester city, MA has an average annual temperature of 8.8°C (48°F) and receives about 1196 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

8.8°C

Avg Temp

1196

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-15°-5°5°15°25°113mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Worcester city, MA — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-5° / 23°96 mm
February-4° / 25°88 mm
March1° / 34°100 mm
April7° / 45°101 mm
May14° / 56°99 mm
June18° / 65°101 mm
July22° / 71°99 mm
August21° / 70°103 mm
September17° / 62°94 mm
October11° / 51°100 mm
November5° / 41°113 mm
December-1° / 30°102 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 Worcester city, MA

The most comfortable months to visit Worcester city, MA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). November is usually the wettest month.

AugustJulyJune

Where to stay near Worcester

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

Top-rated places to stay near Worcester

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Planning a move to Worcester?

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

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