Overview of Boston's Population

Overview of Boston’s Population

Boston Redevelopment Authority – Research DivisionAlvaro Lima, Director of Research

June - 2012

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 400,000

450,000

500,000

550,000

600,000

650,000

700,000

750,000

800,000

850,000 801,444

697,197

641,071

562,994

574,283

589,141

617,594

Source: US Census Bureau, BRA Research Division Analysis

Historic Trends – Boston’s Population

Boston reached its population peak in 1950.

Boston’s population, like many major cities, declined after 1950.

In recent decades, Boston’s population has grown.

The 2010 Census marks the first time since 1970 that Boston’s population has been over 600,000.


Major Northeastern Cities and Population Change, 2010 Census

CityTotal Population Population Change

2000-2010

2000 2010 N %

Washington (DC) 572,059 601,723 29,664 5.2%

Worcester (MA) 172,648 181,045 8,397 4.9%

Boston (MA) 589,141 617,594 28,453 4.8%

Cambridge (MA) 101,355 105,162 3,807 3.8%

Elizabeth (NJ) 120,568 124,969 4,401 3.7%

Hartford (CT) 121,578 124,775 3,197 2.6%

Providence (RI) 173,618 178,042 4,424 2.5%

New York (NY) 8,008,278 8,175,133 166,855 2.1%

Newark (NJ) 273,546 277,140 3,594 1.3%

Springfield (MA) 152,082 153,060 978 0.6%

Philadelphia (PA) 1,517,550 1,526,006 8,456 0.6%

Baltimore (MD) 651,154 620,961 -30,193 -4.6%

Pittsburgh (PA) 334,563 305,704 -28,859 -8.6%

Buffalo (NY) 292,648 261,310 -31,338 -10.7%

Boston’s population growth since 2000 compares favorably to most other northeastern cities.


25 Largest US Cities and Population Change, 2010 Census

City Total Population Population Change 2000-20102000 2010 N %

Fort Worth (TX) 534,694 741,206 206,512 38.6% Charlotte (NC) 540,828 731,424 190,596 35.2% Austin (TX) 656,562 790,390 133,828 20.4% San Antonio (TX) 1,144,646 1,327,407 182,761 16.0% El Paso (TX) 563,662 649,121 85,459 15.2% Jacksonville (FL) 735,617 821,784 86,167 11.7% Columbus (OH) 711,470 787,033 75,563 10.6% Nashville (TN) 545,524 601,222 55,698 10.2% Phoenix (AZ) 1,321,045 1,445,632 124,587 9.4% Seattle (WA) 563,374 608,660 45,286 8.0% Houston (TX) 1,953,631 2,099,451 145,820 7.5% San Diego (CA) 1,223,400 1,307,402 84,002 6.9% San Jose (CA) 894,943 945,942 50,999 5.7% Washington (DC) 572,059 601,723 29,664 5.2% Indianapolis (IN) 781,870 820,445 38,575 4.9% Boston (MA) 589,141 617,594 28,453 4.8% San Francisco (CA) 776,733 805,235 28,502 3.7% Los Angeles (CA) 3,694,820 3,792,621 97,801 2.6% New York City (NY) 8,008,278 8,175,133 166,855 2.1% Dallas (TX) 1,188,580 1,197,816 9,236 0.8% Philadelphia (PA) 1,517,550 1,526,006 8,456 0.6% Memphis (TN) 650,100 646,889 -3,211 -0.5% Baltimore (MD) 651,154 620,961 -30,193 -4.6% Chicago (IL) 2,896,016 2,695,598 -200,418 -6.9% Detroit (MI) 951,270 713,777 -237,493 -25.0%

Boston’s population growth rate since 2000 was higher than the rates for New York and San Francisco.

Four of the 25 largest cities experienced population declines between 2000 and 2010.

Demographic Breakdown of Boston’s Population

Source: Age – 2010 Census, BRA Research Division AnalysisNativity – 2005-2009 American Community Survey, BRA Research Division Analysis

Boston is a young city. Currently Boston has the 2nd highest concentration of young adults (20-34) amongst the largest 25 cities in the US.

Boston is a diverse city. Today, Boston ranks 6th among the 25 largest cities in the US in proportion of the population that is foreign-born.

73%

27%

Nativity

Native Foreign -Born

22%

35%

24%

19%

Age

0-19 years 20-34 years35-54 years 55 and older

Source: 2005-2009 American Community Survey, BRA Research Division Analysis

Educational Attainment of Population, 1980 and 2005-2009

Boston has one of the most highly-educated populations among major American cities.

42.9% of Boston’s adult population has at least a bachelor’s degree, ranking Boston 5th amongst the 30 largest cities in the nation.

31.5%35.0%

13.1%

20.3%15.8%

23.3%

18.0%

42.9%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%

50.0%

-

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

Less than High School High School graduate or GED equivalent

Some College or Associates Degree

Bachelor's, Master's or Professional Degree

1980 Population 2005-2009 Population

1980 % of Population 2005-2009 % of Population

Educational Attainment by Nativity

Less than HS High School Some College Associates Degree

Bachelors Degree

Graduate Degree

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%32.1%

21.9%

12.6%

5.3%

16.8%

11.4%

23.1%

16.8%18.1%

3.8%

24.0%

14.1%

Foreign-BornNative-Born

Source: 2009 American Community Survey Public Use Micro-data Sample (PUMS), BRA Research Division Analysis

Overall, Boston’s foreign-born population is less-educated than its native residents.

Racial and Ethnic Breakdown for Boston’s Population, 1980-2010

Over the last several decades, the racial and ethnic composition of Boston has changed a great deal

In 1980, close to 70% of Boston was white. Today, only half the city is white.

The last two Census reports show Boston as a “majority-minority” city.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, BRA Research Division Analysis.Note: 2000 was the first year the Census compiled data on individuals who identified themselves as

“multiracial”

68%

22%

6%1% 3%

1980

47%

22%

18%

0%

9%2% 2%

2010

50%

24%

14%

8% 1%3%2000

59%

24%

11%

5% 1%

1990

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, BRA Research Division Analysis

Population Change - BRA Planning Districts (2000 – 2010)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

-20%

-15%

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Series1, 4.8%

7.7%

2.8%

22.7%

8.2%

5.5%

14.9%

-16.4%

1.1%

4.5%

-8.0%

-1.4%

-6.2%

5.5%

12.4%

-5.4%

22.9%

5.9%

Planning Districts

Popu

latio

n Ch

ange

(200

0 - 2

010)


Change in White Population – BRA Planning Districts (2000 – 2010)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

-50%

-40%

-30%

-20%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Series1; -0.4%

3.6%

-1.5%

20.2%

4.3%

-21.1%

8.4%

-36.5%

-34.1%

12.5%

-12.1%

-3.8%

-18.2%

42.7%

4.8%

-17.7%

34.4%

-7.2%

Planning Districts

Chan

ge in

Whi

te P

opul

ation

(200

0 - 2

010)


Change in Black or African American Population – BRA Planning Districts (2000 – 2010)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

-40%

-20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Series1; -1.6%

10.3%

5.1%

36.2%41.7%

9.0%

4.3%

-16.4%

21.1%

-16.0%

-10.7%

-7.2%

15.2%

-6.1%

112.1%

-6.0%

-7.5%

72.2%

Planning Districts

Chan

ge in

Bla

ck o

r Afr

ican

Am

eric

an P

opul

ation

(200

0 - 2

010)


Change in Hispanic/Latino Population – BRA Planning Districts (2000 – 2010)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

-20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Series1; 26.8%

17.4%

29.8%

68.2%

-9.8%

42.9%

28.0%

11.7%

62.0%

-2.2%

20.1%

15.9%16.1%

29.0%

49.1%

22.1%

20.3%

96.6%

Planning Districts

Chan

ge in

Hisp

anic/

Latin

o Po

pula

tion

(200

0 - 2

010)


Change in Asian Population – BRA Planning Districts (2000 – 2010)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

-40%

-20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

140%

Series1; 24.6%20.7%

44.9%

18.5%

77.2%

-8.6%

46.3%

100.0%

12.6%

26.7%

6.9%

-0.4%

-19.6%

124.7%

40.6%

11.9%

44.6%

81.5%

Planning Districts

Chan

ge in

Asia

n Po

pula

tion

(200

0 - 2

010)


North DorchesterSouth Dorchester

Harbor Islands

Boston

South End

Roslindale

Hyde Park

Jamaica Plain

RoxburyEast Boston

Feneway/ Kenmore

Allston/ Brighton

Central

West Roxbury

Charlestown

Mattapan

South Boston

Back Bay/ Beacon Hill

0.00

0.50

1.00

Planning District Diversity Index (2000-2010)

2010 2000

Employment and Unemployment in Boston

Unemployed With Less Than High School Education by Industry

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade

Transportation and Warehousing

Information

Finance and Insurance

Real Estate and Rental & Leasing

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Administrative Support and Waste Management Services

Educational Services

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Accommodation and Food Services

Other Services

Government

Not Specified

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18%

5.5%

15.0%

3.6%

12.2%

4.0%

0.0%

0.0%

4.3%

0.0%

14.1%

1.5%

4.5%

3.0%

13.2%

0.9%

2.5%

15.9%

Less than High School (n = 7,622)


The unemployment rate for workers with less than high school education is 12.6%.

Unemployed workers with less than high school education worked mainly in the manufacturing, administrative support, and food services industries.

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade


Information









Other Services

Government

Not Specified

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18%

16.8%

2.9%

6.9%

3.9%

4.2%

1.8%

0.0%

1.4%

4.6%

13.7%

2.0%

7.6%

1.3%

10.1%

9.1%

6.4%

7.2%

High School (n = 12,760)


Unemployed With High School Education by Industry

The unemployment rate for workers a high school education is 14.7%.

Unemployed workers with a high school education worked mainly in the construction, administrative support, and food services industries.

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade


Information









Other Services

Government

Not Specified

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20%

2.6%

2.4%

2.1%

10.0%

3.9%

0.0%

3.0%

2.6%

1.1%

9.1%

5.1%

17.7%

1.7%

15.4%

5.6%

4.4%

13.3%

Some College (n = 11,699)


Unemployed With Some College Education by Industry

The unemployment rate for workers with some college education is 7.9%.

Unemployed workers with some college education worked mainly in the healthcare, food services, and retail industries.

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade


Information









Other Services

Government

Not Specified

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16%

3.6%

5.7%

10.1%

13.9%

10.7%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

3.4%

0.0%

0.0%

11.3%

4.9%

14.8%

0.0%

12.2%

9.3%

Associate's Degree (n = 2,188)

Source: 2009 American Community Survey Public Use Micro-data Sample (PUMS), BRA Research Analysis

Unemployed With Associate’s Degree by Industry

The unemployment rate for workers with an associate’s degree is 9.8%.

Unemployed workers with an associate’s degree worked mainly in the retail, food services, and government industries.

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade


Information









Other Services

Government

Not Specified

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14%

6.8%

6.5%

4.5%

9.4%

0.0%

1.4%

10.7%

3.1%

9.6%

5.1%

12.9%

12.6%

5.7%

1.3%

0.0%

2.3%

8.2%

Bachelor's Degree (n = 6,881)


Unemployed With Bachelor’s Degree by Industry

The unemployment rate for workers with a bachelor’s degree is 4.5%.

Unemployed workers with a bachelor’s degree worked mainly in the education, healthcare, and finance industries.

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade


Information









Other Services

Government

Not Specified

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

21.5%

8.2%

0.0%

31.7%

3.2%

10.9%

18.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

3.1%

3.3%

Graduate Degree (n = 3,045)


Unemployed With Graduate Degree by Industry

The unemployment rate for workers with a graduate degree is 4.0%.

Unemployed workers with a graduate degree worked mainly in the professional services, information, and healthcare industries.

Boston vs. U.S. on Unemployment Rate

Unemployment Rate by Race

White Black Hispanic Asian Other0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

9%

16%

12%

8%

13%

5%

15%

10%

9%

6%

Unemployment Rate (US)Unemployment Rate (Boston)


Compared to the U.S., Boston’s unemployment rate is lower for people of all races except Asian.

Unemployment Rate by Income

Less than $10,000

$10,000 to $19,999

$20,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or more

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

34%

11%

6%

3%3% 2% 1% 1%

23%

14%

5%4%

2%3%

1%

3%



Boston’s unemployment rate is highest for people in the lowest income brackets.

Unemployment Rate by Educational Attainment


Residents with higher education levels are more likely to be employed than residents with lower education levels.

Less than HS HS Some College Associates Bachelors Graduate0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%18.9%

12.3%

10.2%

6.9%

5.4%

3.6%

12.6%

14.7%

7.9%

9.8%

4.5%4.0%


Boston’s Foreign Born Population

Proportion of the Population that is Foreign Born (1850-2009)

Historically, Boston has had a greater proportion of foreign-born residents than both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the nation as a whole.

Since the 1970s, the proportion of foreign-born residents in Boston has grown dramatically.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, BRA Research Division Analysis

1850

1860

1870

1880

1890

1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2006

2009

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%Boston

Massachusetts

United States

Boston’s Foreign Born Population


Countries of Origin for Boston’s Foreign-Born Population, 2009

Today most of Boston’s immigrants come from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia

Source: 2005-2009 American Community Survey, BRA Research Division Analysis.

Ireland

Jamaica

Colombia

Cape Verde

Brazil

El Salvador

Vietnam

Haiti

China

Dominican Republic

0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% 4.0% 5.0% 6.0% 7.0% 8.0% 9.0% 10.0%

2.2%

3.7%

4.0%

4.2%

4.4%

4.5%

4.6%

7.9%

9.0%

9.4%

Share of the Foreign-Born Population in Boston

0 to 17 years 18 to 34 years 35 to 49 years 50 to 64 years 65+ years0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%

5.7%

34.0%

26.1%

20.7%

13.6%

21.0%

40.6%

17.1%

12.3%

9.0%


Age by Nativity


Older residents make up a far greater share of foreign-born residents than native residents.

59.7%

40.3%Native-BornForeign-Born

Nativity of Parent(s)


Although foreign-born children (0 to 17 years) make up a small share of all children in Boston, more than 40% of all children in Boston have at least one parent that is foreign born.

Income by Nativity

Less than $10,000

$10,000 to $19,999

$20,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or more

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%33%

18%19%

14%

9%

3% 3%

1%

30%

12%

14%

12%

16%

7%

5% 4%



A smaller portion of foreign-born residents have high-paying jobs than native residents.

Less than High School

High School Some College Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree

$-

$10,000.00

$20,000.00

$30,000.00

$40,000.00

$50,000.00

$60,000.00

$70,000.00

$80,000.00

$90,000.00

$100,000.00

$17,401.58 $22,197.56

$30,144.64

$36,249.95 $40,284.47

$62,678.98

$16,317.97

$28,148.54 $32,240.60

$42,252.64

$66,866.76

$94,550.30



Wage Differential By Educational Attainment

As educational attainment improves, native-born residents continue to earn higher wages than foreign-born residents.

Top 5 Countries of Origin for Foreign-Born Populationby Planning District


43.0%

6.4%

6.2%

3.5%

3.2%

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

China

Vietnam

Italy

India

Japan

Central

15.3%

11.7%

6.9%

3.7%

3.6%

0 0.1 0.2

China

Brazil

Russia

El Salvador

Ukraine

Allston-Brighton

15.3%

7.3%

6.2%

6.2%

3.7%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2

China

Canada

United Kingdom

France

Colombia

Back Bay-Beacon Hill

31.5%

23.3%

4.6%

3.1%

2.5%

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4

China

Dominican Republic

Russia

Canada

Philippines

Charlestown

Top 5 Countries of Origin for Foreign-Born Populationby Planning District (cont.)


14.0%

13.8%

6.3%

3.3%

2.8%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15

Dominican Republic

China

India

Ireland

United Kingdom

Jamaica Plain

28.8%

12.5%

10.6%

7.7%

5.3%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35

Haiti

Jamaica

Cape Verde

Dominican Republic

Trinidad and Tobago

Mattapan

23.3%

13.2%

7.8%

7.8%

4.9%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25

Cape Verde

Vietnam

Albania

Dominican Republic

Haiti

North Dorchester

17.8%

10.3%

6.4%

6.3%

4.0%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2

Dominican Republic

Haiti

Albania

Guatemala

Ireland

Roslindale



23.9%

13.9%

8.0%

6.3%

4.9%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3

Dominican Republic

Haiti

Jamaica

Cape Verde

Trinidad and Tobago

Roxbury

32.9%

15.8%

6.9%

4.0%

3.9%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35

Dominican Republic

China

Cape Verde

Philippines

Vietnam

South Boston

19.2%

10.9%

10.7%

10.3%

7.6%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25

Vietnam

Jamaica

Haiti

Cape Verde

Dominican Republic

South Dorchester

29.2%

11.3%

5.0%

4.0%

3.9%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35

China

Dominican Republic

Ethiopia

Colombia

Canada

South End



12.4%

10.1%

8.7%

7.6%

6.0%

0 0.05 0.1 0.15

Haiti

China

Dominican Republic

Ireland

Greece

West Roxbury

Business

Overview of Boston's Population