Research Publications

Explore the BPDA Research Division publications below by keyword, neighborhood, or topic. If you have questions about these documents, or are looking for specific information, please review the Frequently Requested Information page. This page features publications covering the most requested economic and demographic data for Boston.

A-to-Z
Young Adults in Boston and Across the Nation

All Neighborhoods Neighborhoods

Nov 29 2022 Publication Date

Young Adults 18-34 make up 39% of Boston’s population, but only 23% of the U.S. Population. This presentation looks at how Boston's young adult population compares to the rest of the country.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Language, Race
Boston in Context 2020

All Neighborhoods Neighborhoods

Feb 07 2020 Publication Date

Boston in Context tabulates various social, demographic, and economic characteristics from the 2014-2018 American Community Survey by Boston Neighborhood. Citywide totals as well as totals for Massachusetts and the United States are provided for comparison.


Topics: Population & Demographics
Boston in Context 2019

All Neighborhoods Neighborhoods

Jan 25 2019 Publication Date

Boston in Context tabulates various social, demographic, and economic characteristics from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey by Boston Neighborhood. Citywide totals as well as totals for Massachusetts and the United States are provided for comparison. Data on slides 22-23 revised June, 2019.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Race
Demographic Trends in Boston 2010-2017

N/A Neighborhoods

Jan 11 2019 Publication Date

Boston has experienced rapid population growth in recent years. This report uses the most recent American Community Survey to examine how the composition of Boston's population has changed from 2010 to 2017. Variables covering age, race, educational attainment, income, housing, and transportation are included.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Language, Race
Historical Trends in Boston Neighborhoods since 1950

All Neighborhoods Neighborhoods

Dec 13 2017 Publication Date

This report analyzes trends in Boston neighborhoods since 1950 in the areas of population, housing, age distribution, race and ethnicity, nativity, educational attainment and labor force participation using data from the 1950-2010 Decennial Censuses and the 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 5-year American Community Surveys.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Race
Boston at a Glance - 2015

N/A Neighborhoods

Nov 04 2015 Publication Date

Boston at a Glance is a series that presents some selected demographic, economic and housing characteristics of Boston. The data used in this report is a combination of 2013 ACS 1-Year Estimate and 2009-2013 ACS 5-Years Estimates. Updated January 28, 2019 to ensure consistency across publications.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Income & Poverty, Language, Race
Trends in Poverty and Inequality

N/A Neighborhoods

Oct 20 2015 Publication Date

The BRA Research Division prepared this presentation for the Boston Citywide Plan to provide a factual basis to understand 1) historical trends that have shaped poverty and inequality in Boston, 2) the extent of poverty and inequality in Boston today, and 3) specific populations that are disproportionately affected by poverty and inequality.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Income & Poverty, Language, Race
Boston in Context: Neighborhoods - 2015

All Neighborhoods Neighborhoods

Aug 04 2015 Publication Date

This publication compares Boston and its neighborhoods to the U.S. and Massachusetts on several demographic, economic and housing characteristics. This report uses a combination of 2010 Census data and 2009-2013 American Community Survey data.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Households & Families, Income & Poverty, Industry Profiles, Labor Market, Language, Race
Boston's Shifting Demographics

N/A Neighborhoods

Jul 20 2015 Publication Date

This presentation provides statistics showing historical trends that shaped the present population of Boston. Presentation sections include population growth, diversity, educational attainment, age distribution, and changing families.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Language, Race
Boston City Council Districts

N/A Neighborhoods

Apr 30 2015 Publication Date

This report presents demographic statistics for the Boston City Council Districts from the 2009-2013 American Community Survey.


Topics: Age, City Council Districts, Foreign-born, Gender, Race