| City: | Dorchester, Massachusetts |
| City Alias: | Boston, Grove Hall |
| County: | Suffolk County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 7:49:34 PM |
| Population: | 28,766 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 857 / 617 / 781 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 42.3073, -71.0859 |
| Land Area: | 1.886 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 02121 has 28,766 residents and 10,345 households (average 2.76 persons per household). The median age is 32.9 years, significantly younger than the state (39.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 44.6% male and 55.4% female, which is lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (57.0%, much higher than the state average of 7.0% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and Hispanic or Latino (34.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 34.2%, which is much higher than the state average (12.6%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (7.0%) and national averages (12.4%) and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than both the state (7.1%) and national averages (8.4%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 28,766Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 28,298Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 26,153Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 15,252.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $38,565Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 10,345Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $548,100Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.76Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.35Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 24,972 | 26,801 | 27,093 | 27,459 | 28,051 | 28,029 | 28,479 | 29,919 | 30,159 | 29,570 | 29,888 | 29,820 | 28,298 |
| Decennial Census | 25,978 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 28,766 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 32.9
Male Median Age: 30.4
Female Median Age: 34.9
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 922 | 1,051 | 1,232 | 1,131 | 1,078 | 900 | 987 | 763 | 715 | 682 | 759 | 707 | 610 | 440 | 378 | 216 | 151 | 105 |
| Female | 1,005 | 1,101 | 1,191 | 1,088 | 1,098 | 1,188 | 1,338 | 1,099 | 1,009 | 904 | 1,004 | 971 | 902 | 673 | 513 | 409 | 243 | 203 |
| Total | 1,927 | 2,152 | 2,423 | 2,219 | 2,176 | 2,088 | 2,325 | 1,862 | 1,724 | 1,586 | 1,763 | 1,678 | 1,512 | 1,113 | 891 | 625 | 394 | 308 |
| White: | 1,680 | 4.93% |
| Black: | 16,395 | 48.13% |
| Hispanic:* | 9,831 | 28.86% |
| Asian: | 387 | 1.14% |
| American Indian: | 247 | 0.73% |
| Hawaiian: | 11 | 0.03% |
| Other: | 5,511 | 16.18% |
| Total: | 34,062 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 12,827 | 44.59% | 30.4 years |
| Females: | 15,939 | 55.41% | 34.9 years |
| Total: | 28,766 | 100% | 32.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 15,935 | 56.31% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1,646 | 5.82% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 5,471 | 19.33% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 5,246 | 37.87% |
| Total Population: | 28,298 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 17,581 | 62.13% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 10,717 | 37.87% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $38,565, which is much lower than the state median ($101,341), is up $8,557 (28.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,065. Family households earn a median of $51,272 versus $26,328 for nonfamily households (a difference of $24,944). By gender, male median income is $49,345 and female is $42,635, which is much lower than the state female median ($71,225), with a current gap of $6,710 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 62.6%, which is falls short of the state rate (67.2%). The unemployment rate is 9.6%, which is markedly higher than the state rate (5.1%). The largest occupation group is Service (34.3%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $30,008 | $30,419 | $28,238 | $26,530 | $26,150 | $26,313 | $27,964 | $30,712 | $32,500 | $36,479 | $40,732 | $42,411 | $38,565 |
| Median Family Income | $34,931 | $35,439 | $34,469 | $33,035 | $31,766 | $31,703 | $31,887 | $33,964 | $37,017 | $45,596 | $51,214 | $51,667 | $51,272 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $17,917 | $17,461 | $17,869 | $16,868 | $15,744 | $16,613 | $17,798 | $17,826 | $24,094 | $27,709 | $26,088 | $27,591 | $26,328 |
| Median Male Income | $39,519 | $35,683 | $37,511 | $37,053 | $35,936 | $35,409 | $40,583 | $40,958 | $43,540 | $42,068 | $44,609 | $47,190 | $49,345 |
| Median Female Income | $38,800 | $37,659 | $37,261 | $36,996 | $36,500 | $36,686 | $38,914 | $41,948 | $41,257 | $41,182 | $42,185 | $44,506 | $42,635 |
| Employed: | 12,295 | 56.56% |
| Unemployed: | 1,304 | 6.00% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 8,138 | 37.44% |
| Total: | 21,737 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 3,020 | 24.56% |
| Service: | 4,216 | 34.29% |
| Sales and Office: | 2,790 | 22.69% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 815 | 6.63% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 1,454 | 11.83% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 12,295 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $548,100, which is far above the national median ($303,400), is up $174,300 (46.63%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $48,000. The median gross rent is $1,316, which is much lower than the state median ($1,687), is up $518 (64.91%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $334. Of occupied housing, owners make up 23.12% (78.80% with a mortgage, 21.20% free-and-clear) and renters 76.88% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 8.97%, which is far lower than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $373,800 | $336,000 | $311,700 | $317,600 | $318,700 | $369,600 | $417,500 | $455,900 | $500,100 | $536,800 | $541,900 | $517,800 | $548,100 |
| Less than $500: | 1,571 | 19.72% |
| $500 to $999: | 1,713 | 21.50% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1,333 | 16.73% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 1,374 | 17.25% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 933 | 11.71% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 784 | 9.84% |
| $3,000 or more: | 175 | 2.20% |
| No Rent: | 84 | 1.05% |
| Total: | 7,967 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $798 | $813 | $809 | $760 | $768 | $801 | $812 | $862 | $982 | $1,023 | $1,129 | $1,282 | $1,316 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 1,888 | 18.22% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 508 | 4.90% |
| Renter Occupied: | 7,967 | 76.88% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 10,363 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 10,363 | 91.03% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 1,021 | 8.97% |
| Total Housing Units: | 11,384 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,589 | 13.96% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 9,795 | 86.04% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 11,384 | 100% |
In 2023, 20.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (46.60%). High school or higher is 75.50%, which is markedly below the state rate (91.40%). The uninsured rate is 3.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 40.80%, which is generally lower than the state rate (73.80%). Public coverage is 62.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 23.40%, which is markedly above the state rate (6.60%), down 6.00 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.40 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (44.33%). College enrollment is 21.19%, which is markedly below the state rate (32.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 2,499 | 14.18% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 1,827 | 10.37% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 5,446 | 30.90% |
| Some college, no degree: | 3,279 | 18.61% |
| Associate's degree: | 956 | 5.43% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 2,353 | 13.35% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 1,262 | 7.16% |
| Total: | 17,622 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 13,296 | 75.45% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 3,615 | 20.51% |
| Private Insurance: | 11,530 | 38.06% |
| Public Insurance: | 17,734 | 58.55% |
| No Insurance: | 1,027 | 3.39% |
| Total: | 30,291 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 29,264 | 96.61% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 29.4% | 28.3% | 31.3% | 32.9% | 32.8% | 34.3% | 33.4% | 33.4% | 29.8% | 26.7% | 23.1% | 22.8% | 23.4% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 341 | 4.46% |
| Kindergarten: | 331 | 4.32% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 3,393 | 44.33% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 1,967 | 25.70% |
| College or graduate school: | 1,622 | 21.19% |
| Total: | 7,654 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 672 | 8.78% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 5,691 | 74.35% |
ZIP Code 02121 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 275 business establishments, employing about 2,317 people with an annual payroll of $112,539,000. USPS data shows 9,476 residential mailboxes and 371 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 9,476Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 371Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 10,779Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 3,219Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 6,001Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 275Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $24,311,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $112,539,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 2,317Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 02121 is located in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, within the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 14460) and Massachusetts's 7th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 4,917,661 people, about 0.58% of whom live in ZIP Code 02121, and is subdivided into the Boston, MA division. It covers 1.886 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.011 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 14460Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Boston, MA (CBSA Div 14454)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 4,917,661Source: Census |
| MSA: | Boston-Worcester-Lawrence, MA-NH-ME-CT CMSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 1.886 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.011 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 07Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 62.67 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Boston, MA-NH PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 02121 is in the Boston School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 7 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on November 1, 2025.