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
Methodological Differences in Census Programs

N/A Neighborhoods

Nov 26 2019 Publication Date

This white paper reviews the three following census programs: Decennial Census, Population Estimates Program’s (PEP) Annual Estimates of the Resident Population, and the American Community Survey (ACS). The paper examines the differences between the programs and how their methodologies affect Boston population estimates.


Topics: Population & Demographics
Brazilians in Massachusetts

N/A Neighborhoods

Nov 21 2019 Publication Date

With a Brazilian population of 111,224 in 2017, Massachusetts was home to 16% of all Brazilians in the United States. This report provides a demographic profile of Brazilians living in Massachusetts, including those who were born in Brazil and others who claim Brazilian ancestry.


Topics: Population & Demographics
Neighborhood Profiles 2019

All Neighborhoods Neighborhoods

Aug 21 2019 Publication Date

A brief overview of demographic, economic, and development data for each Boston neighborhood. This is an update to the Neighborhood Profiles released in 2017. Click the thumbnail image for a compilation of all profiles, or click on the following links for individual neighborhood profiles: Allston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Longwood, Mattapan, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South Boston Waterfront, South End, West End, West Roxbury


Topics: Population & Demographics
Boston 2030 Population Projections (2019 Revision)

N/A Neighborhoods

Jul 31 2019 Publication Date

This presentation examines historical trends in Boston's population and introduces the 2019 revision of Boston Planning and Development Agency's population projections for Boston through 2030. The 2016 version of the projections is available here.


Topics: Population & Demographics
Demographic Profile of Adult Limited English Speakers in Massachusetts

N/A Neighborhoods

Feb 06 2019 Publication Date

Limited English-Speaking (LES) adults are those who self-report as speaking English less than "very well." This report details where LES adults live in Massachusetts, their population demographics, and workforce statistics.


Topics: Language
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
Boston at a Glance 2019

N/A Neighborhoods

Jan 22 2019 Publication Date

A two-page reference guide to frequently requested information about Boston's population and development. The primary data source is the 2013-2017 5-year American Community Survey. Updated January 28, 2019 to ensure consistency with prior publications.


Topics: Population & Demographics
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
Approaches to Immigration Policy and their Impacts on Boston

N/A Neighborhoods

Jan 08 2019 Publication Date

Boston’s healthcare, scientific, educational, and finance sectors have driven its recent economic growth. Foreign-born workers have supplied needed labor in these sectors. Using the REMI model, this report examines the economic impact that two proposed changes in U.S. immigration policy would have on Boston’s economy over a 10-year period.


Topics: Foreign-born
Women in Boston

N/A Neighborhoods

Oct 29 2018 Publication Date

This report looks at the demographics of women in Boston with particular focus on employment and pay disparities between men and women.


Topics: Population & Demographics