Athol, MA
Population 8,711 · Massachusetts
About Athol, MA
Athol is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 8,711 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,742 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Athol features a median home value of $227,000, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Athol in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,018, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,784 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (2,167 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (1,227 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Athol 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 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Athol have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of Athol residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Athol Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Athol, MA
Compared to national averages, Athol has a median household income of $61,742 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $227,000, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,018 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Athol's income is 42% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 60% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Athol, MA?
Athol offers affordable housing with a median home value of $227,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,018/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,742) that falls below the national average. However, Athol’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Athol has a population of 8,711 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Athol with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Athol
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andover | 9,261 | $127,054 | $719,900 | Compare |
| Middleborough Center | 8,064 | $79,520 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 7,852 | $72,639 | $426,000 | Compare |
| Hull | 10,098 | $127,112 | $606,100 | Compare |
| Whitinsville | 7,250 | $93,504 | $440,100 | Compare |
| Mansfield Center | 7,232 | $101,546 | $449,200 | Compare |
| Clinton | 6,908 | $78,909 | $328,600 | Compare |
| Maynard | 10,663 | $119,549 | $494,200 | 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 Athol With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Athol
What is the population of Athol, MA?
The population of Athol, MA is 8,711 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Athol?
The median household income in Athol, MA is $61,742 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athol?
The median home value in Athol, MA is $227,000, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Athol?
The median monthly rent in Athol, MA is $1,018, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athol?
The unemployment rate in Athol, 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 Athol, MA a good place to live?
Athol offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,711 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Athol, MA?
21.9% of residents in Athol aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Athol?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Athol, MA: median home value is $227,000 (7% below national), median rent is $1,018/month, and median household income is $61,742. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Athol?
The poverty rate in Athol, MA is 18.1%, 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 Athol, MA?
Athol's population is 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.