Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dorchester, MA
Considering a move to Dorchester, MA? Home to about 125,000 residents, Dorchester features a vibrant, diverse community with a median home price of $570,000 and average rents around $2,250. The neighborhood offers convenient public transportation, a commute averaging 34 minutes, and access to quality healthcare and schools. While crime rates are higher than average, Dorchester boasts rich cultural diversity, plenty of sunny days, and proximity to downtown Boston, making it a dynamic option for city living.
Demographics - Dorchester, MA
Demographics - Dorchester, MA
Dorchester is a densely populated urban neighborhood with about 125,000 residents and a median age of 34, offering a youthful, diverse community where over one-third of residents speak a language other than English. The area has a balanced gender ratio and is known for its rich ethnic mix, with strong Black, White, Asian, and multicultural representation.
Population:
125,000
Density:
13,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
33.0%
Black:
43.0%
Asian:
10.0%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dorchester, MA?
Living in Dorchester comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected by a median home value of $570,000 and average monthly rent of $2,250. Residents should also anticipate elevated expenses for groceries, transportation, and utilities, making budgeting essential for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$570,000
Gross Rent:
$2,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
145.0
Grocery:
123.0
Housing:
168.0
Utilities:
114.0
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
119.0
Miscellaneous:
117.0
Crime
Is Dorchester, MA a safe place to live?
Dorchester experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a 1 in 156 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime. While the community is vibrant, prospective residents should remain aware of safety concerns and consider neighborhood choices carefully.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
640
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,740
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 156
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Dorchester, MA year-round?
Dorchester enjoys four distinct seasons, ranging from cold, snowy winters to warm, sunny summers with highs up to 82°F. Annual rainfall averages nearly 45 inches, and the area sees sunshine about 56% of the year, offering a balance of seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Dorchester’s residents have a median household income of $72,500, with around 18% living below the poverty line, indicating a mixed economic landscape. The area has a highly diverse population, strong public transportation usage, and an average commute time of about 34 minutes.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$72,500
Family Income:
$81,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,000
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$2,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
38.0%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dorchester, MA?
Dorchester is served by a mix of public and private schools, including well-regarded institutions like Boston Latin Academy, and offers access to nearby colleges such as UMass Boston and Northeastern University. Families benefit from diverse educational options and reasonable student-teacher ratios.
Public Schools
Name:
Boston Latin Academy
Street:
205 Townsend St
Phone:
617-635-9957
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Jeremiah E. Burke High School
Street:
60 Washington St
Phone:
617-635-9837
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. John Paul II Catholic Academy
Street:
239 Neponset Ave
Phone:
617-265-0019
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Boston
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
16,200
Name:
Northeastern University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
22,200
Healthcare
Dorchester offers excellent healthcare access with major hospitals like Carney Hospital and Boston Medical Center nearby, and nearly 95% of residents have health insurance coverage. The area boasts a high physician-to-resident ratio, supporting strong local medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Carney Hospital
Address:
2100 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124
Phone:
(617) 296-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Boston Medical Center
Address:
One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118
Phone:
(617) 638-8000
Type:
General & Trauma
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
80.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dorchester, MA?
Dorchester’s housing market features a median home price of $570,000 and a rental market with average two-bedroom rents at $2,250. Homeownership is less common, with most residents renting, but the area has seen steady home appreciation and a relatively low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$570,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
35.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local vehicle and licensing services are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston and accessible online or by phone. Residents can expect comprehensive support for all standard DMV needs through this state office.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.