There are over 240,000 veterans in Massachusetts with 102,000 being of working age (18-64). The largest segment falls between the ages 35-54, although this population has fallen due to fewer military enrollments over the last 50 years. The racial and demographic makeup of veterans in Massachusetts mirrors that of the general population. Most veterans are white (74.2%), while 12.4% are Black and 8.6% are Hispanic/Latino.
Compared to the general population, veterans in Massachusetts report higher rates of disabilities as well as lower rates of bachelor’s degree attainment. They experience lower unemployment and poverty rates, however, as compared to the general population along with higher median household incomes and significantly higher homeownership rates. Despite this, approximately 32% of veteran households are experiencing housing cost burden. ACS data from 2017-2021 shows approximately 66,528 veterans live in homes with one or major problems of quality, crowding or costs.
Research has shown that veterans experience homelessness at higher rates than the general population, with combat exposure and PTSD identified as high-risk factors. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs has increased funding and prioritized housing assistance for veterans while the state has allocated funding to ensure every municipality has a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). These combined efforts have resulted in more than a 50% decrease in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts— going from 1,268 veterans experiencing homelessness in 2011 to 545 in 2024. As outlined later in this report, the decrease in persons entering active service has resulted in a steady decrease in the veteran population which merits specific considerations as it relates to future housing needs.