Immigrant demographics

Boston is a welcoming City with a rich immigrant history. In 2021 Boston had more than 672,000 residents. 28.2% of our population is foreign-born and many are the children of immigrants.

Source: 2019 American Community Survey (PUMS), BPDA Research Division Analysis

In this map, the font size is proportional to the foreign-born population within each neighborhood. Nearly half of East Boston residents are foreign-born. Over one third of Downtown, Allston, Mattapan, and Dorchester residents are foreign-born.

Other common countries of origin include the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Vietnam.

Source: 2017-2021 American Community Survey (PUMS), BPDA Research Division Analysis

Source: 2017-2021 American Community Survey (PUMS), BPDA Research Division Analysis

29.5% of immigrants in Boston are Hispanic/Latino, 25.5%  are Black/African American, and  24.6% are Asian/Pacific Islander.

In Boston 15% of residents have limited English proficiency and 35% speak a language other than English at home. The top three spoken languages are Spanish, Haitian, and Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese). 

Source: 2017-2021 American Community Survey (PUMS), BPDA Research Division Analysis

Immigrants work in a wide variety of jobs, ranging from service to healthcare. A larger share of immigrants than native-born residents work in service and blue collar occupations, including healthcare, construction and production jobs. 

Immigrants struggle to integrate into the labor market because they lack a general understanding of the market. They have limited access to employment and have difficulties transferring skills for certification/re-certification.

24.5% of Boston’s employed foreign-born residents work in service, compared to 12.9% of native-born resident workers. 23.9% of foreign-born residents work in Managerial & Professional occupations, compared to 34.2% of native-born residents.