Cambridge, MA
Cambridge issued 4,238 building permits in 2025 worth over $185M in construction value.
Permits (2025)
4,238
building permits issued
Total Value
$ 185,000,000
in construction value
Median Permit
$ 5,500
typical project cost
Population
118,977
Middlesex County
Housing Units
52,000
36% homeownership
Median Built
1933
year home built
Permit Volume — 5-Year Trend
Year-over-year building permit activity in Cambridge.
Permit Breakdown by Type
Electrical, building, plumbing, and mechanical permits issued in 2025.
| Type | Count | Share | Median | Average | Common Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 1,440 | 34 | $3K | $4K | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Building | 1,272 | 30 | $28K | $52K | $12,000–$85,000 |
| Plumbing | 1,018 | 24 | $5K | $7K | $2,500–$9,000 |
| Mechanical/HVAC | 508 | 12 | $9K | $11K | $5,000–$16,000 |
Top Contractors in Cambridge
Most active contractors by permit count in 2025.
| Contractor | Permits | Avg Value | Most Common |
|---|---|---|---|
| JW Electric Corp | 312 | $3,800 | Electrical |
| Cambridge Heating & Cooling | 195 | $7,200 | Mechanical/HVAC |
| DG Construction Services | 148 | $35,000 | Building |
| Apex Plumbing & Heating | 132 | $5,400 | Plumbing |
| Somerville Plumbing & Gas Fitting | 87 | $4,800 | Plumbing |
Housing Stock
House Styles
Age Distribution
Energy Rebates & Incentives
Available programs for Cambridge homeowners.
Heat Pump Rebate
Up to $10,000Provider: Mass Save
Eligibility: Oil/propane to heat pump conversion
Multifamily Retrofit Program
Up to $50,000Provider: Eversource
Eligibility: Buildings with 5+ units
Cambridge Energy Challenge
VariesProvider: City of Cambridge
Eligibility: Cambridge residents
Nearby Towns
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many building permits were issued in Cambridge MA in 2025?
4,238 permits were issued in Cambridge, MA in 2025, with a total construction value of $185M. Electrical permits led at 1,440, followed by building at 1,272.
What is the most common housing type in Cambridge MA?
Triple deckers are the most common housing style in Cambridge at 22%, reflecting the city's dense historic character. Victorian homes make up 18%, and traditional Colonials account for 16%.
How old is the average home in Cambridge MA?
The median year built in Cambridge is 1933, making the average home about 92 years old. Over 55% of housing was built before 1940, and 77% predates 1970.