Boston is the capital and most populous city in Massachusetts. According to the Wikipedia page for Boston, the city had an estimated population of 675,647 as of 2020, making it also the most populous city in New England. The city spans 48.4 square miles and has a population density of 13,900 people per square mile.
History
Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers and was one of the earliest cities established in the Americas. It quickly grew into a center of revolutionary activity and intellectual thinking, playing a key role in the American Revolution. The city continued to develop into a major manufacturing hub and center of commerce in the 1800s.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census data, Boston had the following racial/ethnic breakdown:
- 44.6% White
- 19.1% Black or African American
- 11.9% Asian
- 22.4% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
Other key facts about Boston’s population:
- There are slightly more women than men with a gender ratio of 52.7% female to 47.3% male.
- The median age is 31.8 years old.
- Nearly 38% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The median household income is $71,115.
Economy
Boston has a strong, diverse economy with major industries in technology, healthcare, finance, education and manufacturing. Some key economic facts:
- The GDP of Boston was over $444 billion in 2021.
- Major companies headquartered in Boston include General Electric, Liberty Mutual and Wayfair.
- Top employers are Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
- Boston is home to several top universities including Harvard University and MIT which also fuel the economy.
- The finance industry has a major presence in the city including Fidelity Investments and State Street Corporation.
To learn more details about Boston’s economy and major employers, visit the City of Boston government website.
Landmarks
Some of the most famous landmarks in Boston include:
- Fenway Park – Home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
- Faneuil Hall – Historic marketplace and meeting hall.
- The Freedom Trail – Walking trail linking historic sites from the American Revolution.
- Boston Common – Oldest public park in the United States.
- Paul Revere House – Home of American patriot Paul Revere.
The rich history and culture of Boston are highlighted by these iconic landmarks and attractions which bring in millions of visitors each year. The tourism industry plays a significant role in Boston’s economy.
Sports
Boston fans are extremely passionate about sports, especially the success of their professional teams. The major teams include:
- Boston Red Sox – One of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with 9 World Series titles and playing at Fenway Park.
- New England Patriots – The dominant NFL team of the past two decades with 6 Super Bowl wins playing at Gillette Stadium.
- Boston Celtics – Historic NBA franchise with 17 championships and the most titles of any team.
- Boston Bruins – Professional hockey team and 6-time Stanley Cup winners.
The energy and excitement around Boston sports provides a major boost to the city’s culture and economy. Sports are a significant part of Boston’s identity.
Summary
With its roots stretching back nearly 400 years, Boston has grown into one of the largest and most influential cities in America. The city’s population of over 675,000 reflects its diversity and vitality. While retaining its historical charm, Boston has developed into an economic powerhouse driven by healthcare, technology, education and finance. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with top-tier educational institutions, medical facilities, sports teams and cultural attractions. From its revolutionary beginnings to its economic dominance today, Boston is truly one of the premier cities in the United States.
To stay connected on news and events in Boston, check out the city’s Facebook page.