About Chelsea

Chelsea is a dynamic small city that is growing fueled by many immigrant groups from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia.

The factors listed below impact the stability of our some Chelsea neighborhoods. As families gain a financial foothold, they often relocate to other communities. This trend is one we seek to address.

Population Trends: Given Chelsea’s diversity, our programming addresses skill building and engagement of new and diverse Americans.

While the total population of Massachusetts was flat from 1980 to 2000, Chelsea grew by 38%; Chelsea is the fastest growing city in the region.
This increase is tied to growth in first-generation immigrants. Foreign-born residents now represent 36% of Chelsea’s total population and 21% of our city population entered the US in the last 10 years.
Chelsea is one of six Massachusetts cities in which more than 50% of the population is an ethnic minority.

Household Incomes: Compared to the overall Boston metropolitan area, Chelsea features heavy concentrations of low-income households.

In 2000, the median income for Chelsea was $30,161, and 5,021 households, or 42% of all households, had incomes below $25,000.
Only 790 households, or 7%, had incomes over $100,000.

Housing Stats: Demand for affordable housing will remain very high in Chelsea, as will the need to renovate the existing stock.

71% of Chelsea’s housing units are renter-occupied.
The median rent for a one- or two-bedroom apartment in Chelsea is $1,170.
2,187 (17.8%) of Chelsea’s housing units are subsidized.
Rent burden is a problem for 3,683 households in Chelsea that devote 35% to 99% of their household income to housing costs.
1,064 of the city’s housing units are in substandard condition.
More than 40% of Chelsea households cannot afford a median priced housing unit in Chelsea. A household must earn $62,500 to afford the average rent or mortgage payment.
Only 32% of the population can afford to purchase a home in Chelsea.

Educational Attainment: Educational attainment levels in Chelsea are low.

40% of all adults over the age of 25 lack high school credentials.
Less than 15% of adults have any post-high school education; 9.1% of youth drop out of high school.

Neighborhood Safety: Violent crime and property-related crime rates are very high in Chelsea.

The city is second in violent crime and seventh in property-related crime statewide.
Crime impacts some neighborhoods significantly.

Population Density: Chelsea’s streets are crowded with double- and triple-decker housing.

Chelsea is the second most densely populated community in the state;
with a population of 35,080 people in 1.8 square miles; the average density is over 30 people per acre.
Chelsea is home to twice as many large families (five or more people) as the balance of the county. This is in contrast to most areas, where household size is shrinking as the general population ages.