Amherst Town, MA
Population 35,472 · Massachusetts
About Amherst Town, MA
Amherst Town is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 35,472 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,938 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Amherst Town features a median home value of $454,000, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. This places Amherst Town in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,570, 35% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,400 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (4,150 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (4,889 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Amherst Town shows an unemployment rate of 9.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Amherst Town have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
73.8% of Amherst Town residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 15.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Amherst Town Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Amherst Town, MA
Compared to national averages, Amherst Town has a median household income of $65,938 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $454,000, which is 85% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,570 is 35% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Amherst Town's income is 38% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 19% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Amherst Town, MA?
Amherst Town offers a well-educated community where 73.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,938) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $454,000. However, Amherst Town’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Amherst Town has a population of 35,472 with a median age of 21.3 years. Compare Amherst Town with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Amherst Town
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown Town | 35,270 | $123,422 | $737,600 | Compare |
| Randolph Town | 34,683 | $103,129 | $463,500 | Compare |
| Lexington | 34,085 | $219,402 | $1,147,900 | Compare |
| Franklin Town | 33,067 | $142,788 | $567,100 | Compare |
| Holyoke | 37,949 | $51,892 | $255,300 | Compare |
| Braintree Town | 38,762 | $125,305 | $623,200 | Compare |
| Needham | 32,059 | $212,241 | $1,146,000 | Compare |
| Chelsea | 39,460 | $72,220 | $476,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Amherst Town With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Amherst Town
What is the population of Amherst Town, MA?
The population of Amherst Town, MA is 35,472 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Amherst Town?
The median household income in Amherst Town, MA is $65,938 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Amherst Town?
The median home value in Amherst Town, MA is $454,000, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Amherst Town?
The median monthly rent in Amherst Town, MA is $1,570, which is 35% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Amherst Town?
The unemployment rate in Amherst Town, MA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Amherst Town, MA a good place to live?
Amherst Town offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,472 and a median age of 21.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Amherst Town, MA?
73.8% of residents in Amherst Town aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Amherst Town?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Amherst Town, MA: median home value is $454,000 (85% above national), median rent is $1,570/month, and median household income is $65,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Amherst Town?
The poverty rate in Amherst Town, MA is 24.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Amherst Town, MA?
Amherst Town's population is 0.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 15.8% of residents are foreign-born.