First 2020 Census Results for Cambridge Are Out

Population increases by 12.6% to 118,403


8/12/2021 • 3 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 3 years ago.

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On August 12 the U.S. Census Bureau released the first set of results from the 2020 Census. These figures come from a limited release called the redistricting file. Included are basic data about population by race and Hispanic origin, those under 18 and 18 or older, group quarters occupancy, and total housing units.

The 2020 Census reports that the population of Cambridge grew over the decade to 118,403 residents, increasing by 12.6% from the 105,162 reported in 2010.

Almost all growth is due to an increase in the non-White and Hispanic populations. 

While the White Non-Hispanic population increased by about 300 residents, all other groups combined grew by almost 13,000 people. The Asian population grew by 43% to 22,743 and persons identifying with two or more races more than doubled to 10,873. 

The Hispanic population grew by a third to 10,738.  Persons of Hispanic ethnicity now make up 9.1% of the population of Cambridge. Note that the Census Bureau treats ethnicity and race separately; Hispanics can be a member of any race.

White Non-Hispanics now include 55.4% of city residents, declining from 62.1% in 2010.   

Growth of the population under 18 exceeded the overall rate of population growth, increasing by 15.3% to 13,863.  58% of this group is either non-White, Hispanic or both, a 2% increase from the 56% reported in 2010.

The 2020 Census recorded 53,907 housing units in Cambridge, a 14% increase amounting to 6,616 additional units counted.  This figure is roughly in line with the 6,000 to 7,000 unit net increase in the housing stock reported in the preceding ten year period. 

Top line results are summarized in this document.

For More Information

For more information contact Cliff Cook, Senior Planning Information Manager, at ccook@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-4656.