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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.