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ZIP Code · MA

ZIP 02143

Pop. 25,513·Middlesex County·25th most expensive ZIP in Massachusetts
Median rent (all units)
$3,490/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.2%
Month-over-Month
-3.4%
vs US Median
+$1,525
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 02143 · $3,490
More expensive than 95% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,780
1 BR
$2,920
2 BR
$3,470
3 BR
$4,160
4 BR+
$4,590
Research median
$3,470/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$41,880/yr
At $3,490/mo median
Location
StateMA
CountyMiddlesex County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.2% YoY, -3.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 02143 (Somerville, MA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 75.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
25,513
Median income
$130,753
Median age
32.1
Renters
69%
Age distribution
50.4%
24.3%
Under 188.3%
18–3450.4%
35–5424.3%
55–648%
65+9%
Gender
46.6%
53.4%
Male46.6%
Female53.4%
Race & ethnicity
70.1%
White70.1%
Black4.5%
Hispanic9.8%
Asian10.2%
Other5.4%
Education (25+)
75.9%
No HS diploma5.7%
HS diploma9.3%
Some college9.1%
Bachelor's+75.9%
Housing tenure
31%
69%
Owner31%
Renter69%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 02143 in Somerville, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,579 → $3,490
up 35.3%
Income
$111,201 → $130,753
up 17.6%
Population
25,264 → 25,513
up 1.0%
Renter share
68.1% → 69%
+0.9 pts
Bachelor's+
72.9% → 75.9%
+3.0 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 02143 in Somerville, MA has increased from $2,579 to $3,490, a 35.3% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $130,753 today, compared with $111,201 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.0% since 2021, moving from about 25,264 residents to roughly 25,513. College-educated residents now make up 75.9% of adults here, versus 72.9% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 02143

About renting in ZIP 02143

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 02143 covers Somerville, MA. The median rent here is $3,490/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,920/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,470/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($130,753/yr), ZIP 02143 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 02143?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 02143 (Somerville, MA) is $3,490. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 02143 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 02143's median rent of $3,490/mo is $1,525 (78%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 02143 compare to other ZIPs in Massachusetts?

ZIP 02143 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Massachusetts, ranking #25 out of 168 ZIPs tracked at $3,490/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 02143?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $140,000/year (~$67/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,490/mo in ZIP 02143. The local median household income is $130,753/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 02143?

Rent in ZIP 02143 has increased 13.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 02143 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 02143 is considered moderate for renters. At $3,490/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($130,753/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 02143 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 02143 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 69% of ZIP 02143 households are renters, while 31% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 02143 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 02143 compare to the rest of Somerville?

ZIP 02143 is more affordable than Somerville overall. At $3,490/mo, it's $99 below the Somerville citywide median of $3,589/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 02143 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 02143 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $3,490/mo, rent takes ~32% of ZIP 02143's median household income ($130,753/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 02143 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Schools nearby

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