Dorchester Center ZIP Codes — Suffolk County, MA

There is one unique ZIP code in Dorchester Center, Massachusetts and it is 02124. Area code: 617.

ZIP codes

2.97

sq mi land

0.07

sq mi water

617

area code

Dorchester Center, MA ZIP code map

About Dorchester Center, MA

Dorchester Center is a vibrant neighborhood located in Massachusetts, specifically within the city of Boston. This area is known for its rich cultural diversity and a strong sense of community among its residents. With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, Dorchester Center offers a unique atmosphere for both families and individuals.

Location & geography

Dorchester Center is situated in Suffolk County, approximately 6 miles southwest of downtown Boston. It is bordered by several notable neighborhoods, including Mattapan to the west and Ashmont to the north. The total land area of Dorchester Center is 2.97 square miles, with a small water area of 0.07 square miles, reflecting its urban environment.

Community & economy

The character of Dorchester Center is marked by a mix of residential homes, parks, and local businesses that contribute to its community-driven vibe. The area has been historically known for its strong industrial presence, but it has evolved over the years to include various service industries, retail establishments, and cultural institutions. Daily life in Dorchester Center is vibrant, with numerous events and activities that engage residents year-round.

Transportation

Dorchester Center is well-connected through major thoroughfares, including highways like Interstate 93, making travel to and from the area convenient. The nearest airport is Boston Logan International Airport, located about 8 miles north of Dorchester Center. Public transportation options, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus and subway services, provide easy access to downtown Boston and surrounding areas.

History

Dorchester Center was founded as part of the larger Dorchester neighborhood, which has roots dating back to the early 17th century when it became one of the first settlements in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Over the years, Dorchester Center developed as a significant hub for various industries, including manufacturing and transportation, contributing to its growth and prosperity. Key events throughout its history have shaped the community's identity, fostering a diverse culture that is evident today.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Dorchester Center is its historical significance in Boston's civil rights movement, with several prominent figures emerging from the area. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts beautiful green spaces, such as the Dorchester Park, which serves as a gathering spot for families and community events.

ZIP codes for Dorchester Center, MA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
02124	Dorchester Center	Suffolk	View map

Demographics & statistics

55,336

Population

36.3

Median age

$72,189

Median household income

$36,873

Per capita income

$570,900

Median home value

$1,629

Median monthly rent

41.9%

Home ownership

17.6%

Poverty rate

8.5%

Unemployment

2,171

Housing units

30.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

1,490

Under 5

1,676

1,576

5–9

1,772

1,764

10–14

1,985

1,982

15–19

2,229

1,622

20–24

1,825

4,081

25–34

4,591

3,446

35–44

3,876

3,620

45–54

4,071

1,782

55–59

2,004

1,156

60–64

1,301

1,913

65–74

2,152

1,198

75–84

1,347

413

85+

464

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	12,853	23.2%
18 and over	42,483	76.8%
65 and over	7,487	13.5%
Median age	36.3 years

Race & ethnicity

Black or African American 41.9%

White 17.4%

Hispanic or Latino 15.8%

Two or more races 13.4%

Other race 5.7%

Asian 5.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Group	Count	%
Black or African American	27,518	41.9%
White	11,458	17.4%
Hispanic or Latino	10,349	15.8%
Two or more races	8,828	13.4%
Other race	3,740	5.7%
Asian	3,672	5.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	113	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 8.8%

$10k–$15k 5.5%

$15k–$25k 8.1%

$25k–$35k 7.6%

$35k–$50k 7.8%

$50k–$75k 12.9%

$75k–$100k 9.7%

$100k–$150k 15.9%

$150k–$200k 10.4%

$200k+ 13.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.8%
$10k–$15k	5.5%
$15k–$25k	8.1%
$25k–$35k	7.6%
$35k–$50k	7.8%
$50k–$75k	12.9%
$75k–$100k	9.7%
$100k–$150k	15.9%
$150k–$200k	10.4%
$200k+	13.3%
Median income	$72,189

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.5%

$50k–$100k 1.0%

$100k–$150k 0.6%

$150k–$200k 0.1%

$200k–$300k 4.8%

$300k–$500k 28.4%

$500k–$1M 51.9%

$1M+ 8.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$570,900
Median rent / month	$1,629
Owner occupied	41.9%
Renter occupied	58.1%
Vacant	7.1%
Single-family detached	16.8%
Large apartment buildings	8.0%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	5.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.96

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	3.5%
2000–2009	7.8%
1990–1999	4.6%
1980–1989	4.6%
1970–1979	4.7%
1960–1969	5.2%
1950–1959	6.4%
1940–1949	8.1%
1939 or earlier	55.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.7%
1 bedroom	11.0%
2 bedrooms	30.5%
3 bedrooms	38.4%
4 bedrooms	11.7%
5+ bedrooms	6.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	26.8%
1 vehicle	39.4%
2 vehicles	25.5%
3 or more	8.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	67.8%
Electricity	20.2%
Propane / LP gas	2.4%
Fuel oil	8.5%
Wood	0.1%
No fuel used	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	6,212	32.4%
Cohabiting couple	1,056	5.5%
Male householder, no spouse	3,305	17.2%
Female householder, no spouse	8,593	44.8%
Households with children under 18	7,025	36.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	5,628	29.4%
Average household size	2.86

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	49.7%	48.4%
Married	39.0%	28.5%
Separated	2.5%	4.8%
Widowed	1.8%	6.4%
Divorced	7.0%	11.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 8.2%

Some HS, no diploma 8.2%

HS graduate 26.9%

Some college, no degree 19.0%

Associate's degree 7.4%

Bachelor's degree 17.8%

Graduate / professional 12.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	83.6%
Bachelor's or higher	30.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	454	3.1%
Kindergarten	802	5.5%
Elementary school	6,049	41.7%
High school	3,638	25.1%
College / grad school	3,578	24.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 33.2%

Professional & management 10.8%

Retail trade 10.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.8%

Other services 6.9%

Transportation & utilities 6.3%

Finance & real estate 6.2%

Public administration 5.9%

Manufacturing 3.8%

Construction 3.5%

Wholesale trade 1.6%

Information 1.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	35.7%
Service	26.3%
Sales & office	22.4%
Natural resources & construction	4.9%
Production & transportation	10.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	80.7%
Government	14.2%
Self-employed	4.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	47.4%
Carpool	7.3%
Public transit	25.6%
Walk	2.9%
Other means	4.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	36.1

Poverty

All people 17.6%

Under 18 years 26.1%

18 and over 15.2%

Married-couple families 7.4%

Female-led households 21.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	24.9%
Retirement income	14.9%
Supplemental Security	12.1%
Cash public assistance	4.5%
Food stamps / SNAP	31.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	31.5%
High cholesterol	25.9%
Heart disease	5.2%
Stroke	3.5%
Asthma	13.2%
Arthritis	21.9%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	5.7%
Cancer	5.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.8%
No physical activity	26.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	38.7%
Fair or poor health	16.9%
Poor mental health	16.2%
Poor physical health	10.3%
No health insurance	10.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	79.8%
Visited dentist	59.4%
Cholesterol screening	89.2%
Teeth loss	17.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,269	3.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	17.4%
Under 18	8.4%
18–64 years	14.3%
65 and over	47.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	55.1%
Public insurance	52.6%
Uninsured under 19	3.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	52,170	94.3%
Spanish	9,018	17.3%
Other Indo-European	3,573	6.8%
Asian & Pacific Islander	3,250	6.2%
Other languages	1,989	3.8%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	37,767	68.3%
Born in same state	36,013	65.1%
Born in different state	28,643	51.8%
Foreign born	1,754	3.2%
Naturalized citizen	17,569	31.7%
Not a US citizen	11,222	63.9%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	5,070	9.2%
Arab	1,286	2.3%
French	1,218	2.2%
German	342	0.6%
Polish	78	0.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
Irish	53	0.1%
English	47	0.1%
Norwegian	37	0.1%
Dutch	13	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	34.6%
Internet access	93.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Dorchester Center, MA have?

Dorchester Center, MA has one ZIP code: 02124. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.