Historical Boston Population Estimates 1950-2020 (Tract Level)

This dataset includes historical demographic data for Boston’s population from 1950 to 2020 using U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census data from 1950 - 2010 and Research Division population estimates for 2020, at the Census Tract level.

These historical data are cross walked to 2020 Census Tract geographies, the smallest available geography for some variables included in this dataset. However, the Census Bureau has changed the boundaries of its Census Tracts across the decades. The Research Division used the most recent map of Census Tracts (from the 2020 Census), then where necessary, interpolated data from earlier years’ Census Tracts to conform to the tracts from 2020. For more detailed crosswalk methodology information, please visit the 'About' page of the Division's <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/research/exploring-neighborhood-change">Exploring Neighborhood Change Tool</a>.

The Research Division of the Planning Department developed 2020 estimates in light of the 2020 Decennial Census’s and subsequent American Community Surveys’ undercounts of Boston's population. The Research Division provides annual estimates of Boston's population rectifying this undercount. This dataset includes only the Research Division’s 2020 annual estimate. For estimates of Boston’s population in subsequent years, please see the following
analyze boston datasets and/or the Research Division's <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/research/mydemographic-viewer">MyDemographic Viewer
Tool</a>.

To download these data at the city and neighborhood level, please see these pages: [city-level data](https://data.boston.gov/dataset/historical-boston-population-estimates-1950-2020-city-level), [neighborhood-level data](https://data.boston.gov/dataset/historical-boston-population-estimates-1950-2020-neighborhood-level).

To view this data interactively from 1950 to 2035 at the city, neighborhood, and tract level, please use the Research Division's <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/research/exploring-neighborhood-change">Exploring Neighborhood Change Tool</a>.

To view the most recent data year, 2025, and more demographic variables interactively, please use the Research Division's <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/research/mydemographic-viewer">MyDemographic Viewer Tool</a>.

For more information on the Research Division's motivations and methodology for creating alternate population estimates to the Census Bureau, please see the following documents:
A detailed explanation for the motivation for creating these population estimates can be found <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/documents/research-other/rationale-for-creating-alternatives-to-census-esti">here</a>.
A presentation overview of the undercount of Boston's population can be found <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/documents/research-other/undercount-of-boston-s-population-presentation">here</a>.
A detailed explanation of the population estimation methodology can be found <a href="https://www.bostonplans.org/documents/research-other/summary-population-adjustment-and-projection-metho"> here</a>.

For research inquiries and to view more work by the City of Boston Planning Department Research Division, please visit our website: www.bostonplans.org/research