Population

How many immigrants are in Massachusetts?

About 1.21M in 2021. This represents approximately 17.3% of the population, or about 1 in 6 residents in Massachusetts. Immigrants include foreign-born residents, encompassing those who have become US citizens, those authorized to enter the US (e.g., for work), and undocumented residents.
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In 2021

1.21M

Massachusetts residents were foreign-born
In 2021

1 in 6

Massachusetts residents were foreign-born
The number of foreign-born residents in Massachusetts increased from 957K in 2011 to 1.21M in 2021. This rise occurred alongside changes in the native-born population due to births, deaths, and migration. Analyzing the foreign-born share of the total population provides a clearer understanding of these demographics. In 2021, the foreign-born population in Massachusetts was 17.3%, higher than the overall US rate of 13.6%, and up from 14.7% in the state in 2011.

Foreign-born share of the population in Massachusetts

Variations in immigrant populations reflect changes in both local and national population landscapes. The largest immigrant populations are found in major metro areas. Metro areas in California, Texas, Florida, and parts of the Northeast generally have a higher share of foreign-born residents.

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In 2021, the metro areas in the US with the highest and lowest foreign-born population shares were: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL at 41.2% (highest) and Beckley, WV at 0.8% (lowest). In Massachusetts, the highest and lowest were: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at 19.3% and Pittsfield, MA at 6%.

On average, 8.2% of the population in metro areas was foreign-born in 2021

Foreign-born share of the population (2021)

Foreign-born share of the population (2021)

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