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
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
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
Imagine all the People - Latinos

N/A Neighborhoods

Oct 23 2015 Publication Date

“Imagine all the People” is a series of publications produced by the Boston Redevelopment Authority for the Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians, that provides a comprehensive profile of Boston’s diverse immigrant communities and their numerous contributions to the city’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. It is part of an ongoing effort to celebrate new Bostonians and gain insight into how our city is shaped by their presence.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Income & Poverty
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'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
Women in Boston

N/A Neighborhoods

Jun 16 2014 Publication Date

This document was created to contribute to and inform the work of the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement. It provides a demographic overview of women in the city, and includes details on age, race, ethnicity, nativity, educational attainment, labor force characteristics, and more. It also includes information on three key issue areas for women in Boston: poverty, the pay gap between men and women, and female-owned businesses.


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Households & Families, Income & Poverty, Race
Overview of Public Benefits in Boston

N/A Neighborhoods

Apr 24 2014 Publication Date

This presentation explores recipients of 6 types of public benefits in Boston: public assistance income, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security income, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and food stamps (SNAP).


Topics: Age, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Race
High-skilled Immigrants in the Massachusetts Civilian Labor Force: U.S./Foreign Degree

N/A Neighborhoods

Apr 23 2014 Publication Date

This presentation examines high-skilled immigrant workers in Massachusetts (defined as having a Bachelor's degree or higher) and where they obtained their degree: in the U.S. or in their home country.


Topics: Age, Economy & Jobs, Education, Foreign-born, Gender, Language, Race