As of the census of 2000, there were 47,283 people, 19,463 households, and 11,872 families residing in the city. The population density was 7,994.2 people per square mile (3,089.0/km²). There were 20,181 housing units at an average density of 3,412.0/sq mi (1,318.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.35% White (which includes a large Italian community), 2.88% African American, 0.26% Native American, 4.54% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 4.11% from other races, and 3.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.44% of the population. There were 19,463 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.0% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,067, and the median income for a family was $45,865. Males had a median income of $36,881 versus $31,300 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,698. About 11.9% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.
The completion in 1838 of the Eastern Railroad (later the Boston & Maine), and in 1875 of the Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn Railroad (narrow gauge), signaled the beginning of rapid population growth for the town and the development of the beach as a summer resort. They increased accessibility of Revere Beach, which became famous as a resort. By 1885, ten years later, the town had increased to 3,637 people, more than tripling in size over 15 years. By 1890 the population grew to 5,668.
In 1871, Revere was the site of the deadliest railroad accident in Massachusetts history as the Eastern Railroad's "Portland Express" slammed into the back of a stopped local commuter train at Revere Station.
The MBTA Blue Line terminates in Revere, with stops at Wonderland, Revere Beach, and Beachmont.
U.S. 1 and state routes 1A, 16, 60, 107, and 145 run through Revere.