Chelsea Demographics

A Portrait of Chelsea

Chelsea is a small, dense, and remarkably diverse Gateway City, the most densely populated city in Suffolk County and among the most densely populated in the United States. The figures below come from the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Chelsea, and the state Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Census estimates are from the American Community Survey (2024) unless noted.

Population & Households

• Population estimate (2026): ~40,000
• Language other than English spoken at home: majority of households
• Persons 65 years and over: ~10%
• Persons under 18 years: ~22%
• Total population: 40,787 (2020 U.S. Census); approximately 40,000 estimated in 2026
• Median age: 34.4 years
• Land area: 2.22 sq mi, the smallest city in Massachusetts
• Population density: ~18,000/sq mi, one of the highest in the United States
• Foreign-born residents: high proportion; Chelsea has long been a first destination for immigrant families from Central America, Southeast Asia, and beyond
• Mean commute to work: ~33 minutes

Race & Ethnicity

• Hispanic or Latino: ~65%
• White (non-Hispanic): ~20%
• Black or African American: ~6.5%
• Asian: ~3.2%
• Two or more races: ~2.5%
• American Indian / Other: ~1.8%

Economy & Education

• Median household income: ~$72,220
• Per-capita income: ~$31,000
• Residents below the poverty line: ~16 to 21%
• Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Haitian Creole widely spoken

Registered Voters

Chelsea has 18,990 registered voters (February 2025). The largest group is unenrolled (independent) voters.

• Unenrolled (independent): 11,370 (59.87%)
• Democrat: 6,486 (34.15%)
• Republican: 929 (4.89%)
• Other political designations: 205 (1.08%)

Students (Chelsea Public Schools)

Chelsea Public Schools enrolls approximately 5,749 students (2025-26), one of the most diverse districts in Massachusetts.

• Hispanic or Latino: ~89%
• White: ~4%
• Black or African American: ~3%
• Asian: ~2%
• Multi-race: ~2%
• English learners: large and growing share with extensive newcomer programming

Sources

• Population, income, housing: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census and American Community Survey (2024). Census QuickFacts: Chelsea
• Registered voters: Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, February 2025 enrollment statistics.
• Student data: Massachusetts DESE, 2025-26. DESE Profiles: Chelsea
• Massachusetts Secretary of State, Voter Registration Statistics (2025)