Population
25,000 - 50,000
~29,820 residents
Median Income
$42,411
Household median
Home Value
$541,900
Median price
Area Type
Suburban
1.9 sq mi
Location
Detailed Information
Demographics
- Population Range:
- 25,000 - 50,000
- Median Income:
- $42,411
- Classification:
- Suburban
Housing Market
- Median Value:
- $541,900
- Price Range:
- $425,000 - $650,000
- Land Area:
- 1.9 sq mi
Data Quality: 100%
ExcellentData from US Census Bureau 2023 • US Census Bureau
Zillow Home Value Index
Real-time market data powered by Zillow • Updated October 2025
Metro Area: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Typical Home Value in 02121
Price Appreciation
Historical Price Trend
Historical home values show market trends over time. Values are smoothed and seasonally adjusted.
Investment Insight
Declining values: Home values decreased by -0.91% over the past year, which may present buying opportunities.
💡 Note: Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Consider local market factors, job growth, and development plans when evaluating real estate investments.
Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) data provided by Zillow Group. ZHVI represents the typical home value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. Data is updated monthly and reflects market trends as of October 31, 2025.
Median Income
$42,411
vs state avg
Median Home Value
$541,900
vs state avg
Population
29,820
Suburban
Quality of Life
65/100
Good
What's It Like to Live in Dorchester?
Key insights about ZIP 02121 at a glance
Population
29,820
Suburban community
Median Income
$42k
Household earnings
Median Home Value
$542k
Housing market
Affordability
12.8
Price-to-income ratio
Your Day in Dorchester
Start your day with quality education options in Dorchester
Explore local shops and restaurants in Dorchester
Unwind in green spaces and community areas in Dorchester
Quick Compare
See how this stacks up
Explore Dorchester, MA
Visual guide to life in this area
Economy & Employment
Job market and economic indicators
Median Household Income
$42,411
Median Home Value
$541,900
Home-to-Income Ratio
12.8x
Education & Schools
Educational opportunities and demographics in 02121
Local Schools
Dorchester offers diverse educational opportunities for all ages
85%
Estimated graduates
6560
School-age residents
School Quality
Above Average
Based on area demographics
Healthcare & Wellness
Medical facilities and health resources in your area
Quality Healthcare Access
Dorchester area has multiple medical facilities serving the community
5-10
Healthcare facilities nearby
< 5mi
Average distance to hospital
Parks & Recreation
Outdoor spaces and recreational activities
Community Parks
Multiple green spaces and recreational facilities for families
Parks
3-5 nearby
Sports
Fields & courts
Trails
Walking paths
Events
Community gatherings
Shopping & Dining
Retail, restaurants, and local businesses
Local Shopping
Dorchester offers diverse shopping and dining experiences
Restaurants
20+ dining options
Retail Stores
Major & local shops
Cafes & More
Local favorites
Pros & Cons of Living in ZIP 02121
Advantages
- Urban amenities and walkability
- Suburban setting balances urban access and residential calm
Considerations
- Below-average median income compared to state
- High population density may mean less personal space
- Housing affordability challenge with prices at 12.8x median income
Living in Dorchester, MA 02121
Dorchester offers a unique lifestyle in the heart of MA. This suburban community provides residents with a close-knit community feel.
Urban Living
High walkability with restaurants, shops, and entertainment within walking distance.
Public Transit
Likely access to public transportation options for commuting.
Community Feel
Active neighborhood associations and local events.
Who Lives Here
Diverse mix of residents including students, retirees, and working families.
Lifestyle & Activities
Urban dwellers who value walkability, cultural amenities, and diverse dining and entertainment options.
Household Composition
Predominantly families with children, along with empty nesters and some young professionals.
What's Life Like Here? (AI Insights)
Data & Demographics
Demographic Distribution
Age Distribution
Education Levels
ZIP 02121 by the Numbers
Interactive data visualizations for Suburban living
Total Population
0
Median Income
$0
Home Value
$0
Quality Score
0/100
Comparative Metrics
29.8% of max (100,000)
28.3% of max (150,000)
67.7% of max (800,000)
0
out of 100
Affordability
59.64
out of 100
Community Size
28.27
out of 100
Economic Strength
Transportation & Commute
Average commute time is approximately 25 minutes, typical for suburban areas.
Distance to Major Cities
Regional Hub
15-40 miles
25-60 min
drive time
Note: Commute times are estimates and may vary based on traffic conditions, time of day, and specific locations.
Weather & Climate
Climate Type
Varied regional climate
Seasonal Pattern
Four distinct seasons with typical North American weather patterns
Weather Highlights
- Seasonal variety
- Regional weather characteristics
- Diverse outdoor activities
Discover Dorchester Amenities
Everything you need, right in your neighborhood
Schools
12+ locations
Healthcare
8+ locations
Shopping
50+ locations
Parks
15+ locations
How Does Dorchester Stack Up?
See how ZIP 02121 compares to state and national averages
Income Comparison
Home Value Comparison
Ready to Explore More?
Compare Dorchester with other areas or find your perfect ZIP code match
Living Here: Pros & Cons (AI Analysis)
Who Lives Here?
Community Profile
ZIP code 02121 in Dorchester, MA (Suffolk) is a established community with approximately 29,820 residents. The area is classified as suburban, offering a balance of convenience and space.
Income Demographics
The median household income is $42,411, which is around national average. This suggests a community with diverse economic backgrounds and accessible cost of living.
Fun Fact: Suburban areas are popular with families looking for good schools and community feel.
Housing & Rent
Median Home Value
$541,900
Premium Market
Est. Monthly Rent
$2,168
Typical 2-3BR
Market Overview
The housing market in ZIP 02121 is high-value properties in a desirable location. With a median home value of $541,900, this area represents a premium investment in a sought-after location.
Rent vs Buy
Renting in this ZIP code typically costs around $2,168/month for a 2-3 bedroom home. Given the rental costs, buying may be a strong option for long-term residents looking to build equity.
Jobs & Income
Median Household Income
$42,411
Per Year
Job Market
Dorchester offers a diverse job market with opportunities primarily in retail, education, healthcare, and corporate. Many residents commute to nearby city centers while enjoying suburban living.
Commute & Transportation
Average commute times in this area are approximately 25-35 minutes. Most residents drive to work, with access to major highways and roads.
Schools Overview
School Quality
ZIP code 02121 in Dorchester, MA generally features highly rated schools with strong academic programs. The area's excellent school ratings make it a top choice for families prioritizing education.
Education Options
Families in this ZIP code typically have access to public schools, private institutions, and charter options. Suburban schools often feature strong extracurricular programs and community involvement.
Is ZIP 02121 a Good Place to Live?
Whether ZIP code 02121 in Dorchester, MA is right for you depends on your priorities. Here's a balanced look:
Pros
- ✓Balance of space and convenience
- ✓High-value, appreciating properties
Cons
- ⚠May require commuting for work
- ⚠Premium pricing may limit affordability
- ⚠Lower median income levels
The Bottom Line
ZIP code 02121 is perfect for families and professionals seeking community, space, and quality of life. Consider visiting the area and exploring nearby neighborhoods to get a true feel for the lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
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