There are over 240,000 veterans in Massachusetts with 102,000 being of working age (18-64). The largest segment are between the ages 35-54, though this population has been declining since fewer people have been enrolled in the military over the last 50 years. Racial and demographic trends in Massachusetts are proportional to the racial and ethnic makeup of the general population. Most veterans are white (74.2%), while 12.4% are Black and 8.6% are Hispanic/Latino.
Veterans in Massachusetts have higher rates of reported disabilities as well as lower rates of bachelor’s degree attainment. Despite that, they have lower unemployment rates and lower poverty rates as compared to the general population. Veterans also have higher median household income as well as significantly higher homeownerships in comparison to the general population. However, 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 are experience homelessness at higher rates than the general population—with combat exposure and resulting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being identified as high-risk factors. Veterans have received increased focus and levels of funding in part due to the investments Department of Veterans Affairs has made towards housing interventions for this population. In conjunction with State efforts, such as funding to ensure every municipality has a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), there has been a marked decrease in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. Veterans homelessness has decreased by over 50% since 2011, going from 1,268 veterans experiencing homelessness to 545 as of 2024 data. 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.