Middlesex County, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Massachusetts
The population of Middlesex County, Massachusetts is 1,622,896 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Massachusetts. The median household income is $126,779, the median home value is $687,200, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Middlesex County has grown 10.7% since 2010 (1,507,694 → 1,668,956), a +0.73% annualized rate.
1,622,896
Population
+0.73%
Annual growth
1984
People / sq mi
$126,779
Median Income
$687,200
Median Home Value
Middlesex County covers 818 sq mi of land at 1984.3 people per square mile.
About Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County is defined demographically by education — 59.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 1,622,896 residents, Middlesex County is a county in Massachusetts. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Massachusetts in the country, at #1 by population.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $126,779, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.7%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $687,200, with typical rent around $2,126.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 59.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 22.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Middlesex County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Middlesex County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Middlesex County had a population of 1,507,694 in 2010 and 1,668,956 in 2024, a 10.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 1,668,956 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.73%.
1,668,956
Population (2024)
1,507,694
Population (2010)
1,668,956
Peak (2024)
0.73%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,507,694 |
| 2011 | 1,524,996 |
| 2012 | 1,543,163 |
| 2013 | 1,560,625 |
| 2014 | 1,575,520 |
| 2015 | 1,586,107 |
| 2016 | 1,595,581 |
| 2017 | 1,604,762 |
| 2018 | 1,608,509 |
| 2019 | 1,611,263 |
| 2020 | 1,627,578 |
| 2021 | 1,620,553 |
| 2022 | 1,629,805 |
| 2023 | 1,644,932 |
| 2024 | 1,668,956 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.0% |
| Black or African American | 5.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $126,779+$25,438 vs state |
| Mean household income | $172,162 |
| Per-capita income | $67,471 |
| Poverty rate | 4.7%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Middlesex County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
8.0%
Drive alone
4.2%
Carpool
56.0%
Public transit
22.2%
Work from home
30.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$687,200+$161,400 vs state
Median home value
$2,126
Median rent
61.6%
Homeownership rate
660,814
Total housing units
95.5%
Occupied
4.5%
Vacant
38.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.6%
With health insurance
96.5%
With broadband internet
22.7%
Foreign-born
3.5%
Veterans (18+)
9.8%
With a disability
71.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.4%
High School+
59.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Massachusetts
Other counties in Massachusetts
Part of Massachusetts
Metro areas in Massachusetts
County rankings
Common questions about Middlesex County, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Middlesex County, Massachusetts has a population of 1,622,896 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Massachusetts. Population density is 1984 people per square mile.
The population of Middlesex County has grown 10.7% since 2010 (1,507,694 → 1,668,956), a +0.73% annualized rate.
The median household income in Middlesex County, Massachusetts is $126,779, with mean (average) household income of $172,162 and per-capita income of $67,471. 4.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Middlesex County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (69.0%), Black or African American (5.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Middlesex County, Massachusetts is 38.9 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Middlesex County is $687,200 and median monthly rent is $2,126. 61.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 660,814 total housing units, 4.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Middlesex County, Massachusetts is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Boston is among the largest cities associated with Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with a population of 663,972.
Middlesex County, MA Climate
Middlesex County, MA has an average annual temperature of 9°C (48°F) and receives about 1166 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9°C
Avg Temp
1166
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 100 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 85 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 102 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 99 mm |
| May | 14° / 56° | 93 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 91 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 93 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 94 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 92 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 101 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 112 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 104 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 Middlesex County, MA
The most comfortable months to visit Middlesex County, 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.
Where to stay near Middlesex County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.