Median Income
$56,557
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,200
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
208/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Boston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population156
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density61/mi²
Male / Female80% / 20%
Largest GroupWhite 31%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,557
Per Capita$45,654
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,039M
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$510,436
Housing Units143
Rent Burden28.7%
Crime
F
Violent208/100K
Property3,116/100K
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking15.4%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation31 ft (9 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Broadband93.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Boston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boston receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Boston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Boston is $56,557, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Boston is $110,200, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Boston is below the national average at 208 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,116 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Boston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches, including 6.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Boston has a population of 156 with a density of 61 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 19.9% female and 80.1% male. The city is predominantly Black (68.6%), with 31.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Boston is $56,557, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,654 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,264 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,557 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,654 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,546 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,264 |
| County GDP | $2,039M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 146 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,826 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Boston is $110,200, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $510,436, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 143 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,826 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,200 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $510,436 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 143 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,826 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Boston, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 44.0% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 11.6% report binge drinking. 32.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.4% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,770. The dentist ratio is 1:1,844. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Boston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.0% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.8% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,770 |
| Dentists | 1:1,844 |
| Mental Health | 1:739 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.9% |
| Dental Visits | 54.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Boston has a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,116 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Boston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Boston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 207.8/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,116.3/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Boston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 31 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.8°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 31 ft (9 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 61/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6039°N, 75.8437°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Accomack County County |
| Nearest Airport | Newport News/Williamsburg International (PHF)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Apr 29, 2000 |
3 km N of Glen Allen, Virginia |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
15 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
228 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
156 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
243 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
193 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
92 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
168 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
170 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
171 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
61 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
100 km |
| 1981 |
Dennis |
Category 1 |
291 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
194 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 106 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1989 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1988 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1983 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1981 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1973 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
85 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,260 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Boston has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.1") and April the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Boston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152-$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202-$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101-$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809-$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152-$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404-$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101-$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61-$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51-$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152-$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044-$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404-$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561-$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506-$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055-$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022-$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809-$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202-$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011-$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76-$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03-$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53-$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53-$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03-$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04-$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61-$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81-$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51-$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76-$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213-$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607-$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506-$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202-$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404-$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055-$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51-$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101-$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $822 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $523 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $532 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston
What is the population of Boston?
Boston has a population of 156 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 61 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 19.9% female and 80.1% male.
Is Boston expensive to live in?
Boston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,557, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,200 (61% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Boston safe?
Boston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 208 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,116 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Boston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Boston?
Boston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches, with 6.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Boston?
The job market in Boston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 1,264 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Boston?
The median home value in Boston is $110,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $510,436. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,826.
How are the schools in Boston?
Schools in Boston score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Boston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boston?
The obesity rate in Boston is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 32.8% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,770.
What are the demographics of Boston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Boston is 31.4% White, 68.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
