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Population Review

Suffolk County, Massachusetts Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Massachusetts

The population of Suffolk County, Massachusetts is 782,172 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Massachusetts. The median household income is $92,859, the median home value is $680,700, and the median age is 33.8.

The population of Suffolk County has grown 9.3% since 2010 (725,786 → 793,144), a +0.64% annualized rate.

Suffolk County within Massachusetts · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

782,172

Population

+0.64%

Annual growth

13426

People / sq mi

$92,859

Median Income

$680,700

Median Home Value

Suffolk County covers 58 sq mi of land at 13426.2 people per square mile.

About Suffolk County, MA

Suffolk County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 13,426 people per square mile. With 782,172 residents, Suffolk County is a county in Massachusetts. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Massachusetts in the country, at #4 by population.

Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $92,859, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $680,700, with typical rent around $2,069.

The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 49.9% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 17.5% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Suffolk County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Suffolk County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Suffolk County had a population of 725,786 in 2010 and 793,144 in 2024, a 9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 805,915 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.64%.

2019 · 806K20102024
Suffolk County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

793,144

Population (2024)

725,786

Population (2010)

805,915

Peak (2019)

0.64%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010725,786
2011737,285
2012751,371
2013762,863
2014774,113
2015783,177
2016793,020
2017801,269
2018804,023
2019805,915
2020797,239
2021776,280
2022777,266
2023781,678
2024793,144

Race & Ethnicity

White48.1%
Black or African American19.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

33.8

Median Age

51.7%

Female

48.3%

Male

13.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.9%
5–9
4.1%
10–14
4.6%
15–19
6.9%
20–24
9.1%
25–34
22.5%
35–44
13.6%
45–54
10.7%
55–59
5.5%
60–64
5.2%
65–74
7.7%
75–84
3.5%
85+
1.8%

Children (under 15): 13.6% · Seniors (65+): 13.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$92,859$-8,482 vs state
Mean household income$136,155
Per-capita income$56,920
Poverty rate11.6%+5.0% vs state
Unemployment rate4.4%
Employment-to-population65.8%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
29.8%
Finance & real estate
18.9%
Education & health care
9.2%
Information
8.6%
Manufacturing
5.0%
Retail trade
4.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.1%
Construction
3.9%

The largest employment sector in Suffolk County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.8% of workers.

How residents commute

23.6%

Drive alone

12.3%

Carpool

36.6%

Public transit

17.5%

Work from home

30.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$680,700+$154,900 vs state

Median home value

$2,069

Median rent

36.6%

Homeownership rate

353,930

Total housing units

91.0%

Occupied

9.0%

Vacant

63.4%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

96.7%

With health insurance

94.6%

With broadband internet

23.6%

Foreign-born

2.3%

Veterans (18+)

12.3%

With a disability

61.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

87.6%

High School+

49.9%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Massachusetts

Other counties in Massachusetts

Part of Massachusetts

Metro areas in Massachusetts

County rankings

Common questions about Suffolk County, MA

Frequently Asked Questions

Suffolk County, Massachusetts has a population of 782,172 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Massachusetts. Population density is 13426 people per square mile.

The population of Suffolk County has grown 9.3% since 2010 (725,786 → 793,144), a +0.64% annualized rate.

The median household income in Suffolk County, Massachusetts is $92,859, with mean (average) household income of $136,155 and per-capita income of $56,920. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Suffolk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (48.1%), Black or African American (19.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Suffolk County, Massachusetts is 33.8 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.

The median home value in Suffolk County is $680,700 and median monthly rent is $2,069. 36.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 353,930 total housing units, 9.0% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Suffolk County, Massachusetts is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.

Boston is among the largest cities associated with Suffolk County, Massachusetts, with a population of 663,972.


Suffolk County, MA Climate

Suffolk County, 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

-10°0°10°20°30°104mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Suffolk County, MA — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-2° / 28°101 mm
February-1° / 30°86 mm
March3° / 38°102 mm
April9° / 47°95 mm
May15° / 58°85 mm
June20° / 67°87 mm
July23° / 73°82 mm
August22° / 72°91 mm
September18° / 64°91 mm
October12° / 53°97 mm
November6° / 43°104 mm
December0° / 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 Suffolk County, MA

The most comfortable months to visit Suffolk County, 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.

JuneAugustJuly

Where to stay near Suffolk County

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Top-rated places to stay near Suffolk County

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

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