Ayer, MA
Population 3,012 · Massachusetts
About Ayer, MA
Ayer is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 3,012 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,286 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ayer features a median home value of $417,300, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ayer in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,228, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,564 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (899 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (555 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ayer shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ayer have an average one-way commute time of 29.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Ayer residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ayer Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Ayer, MA
Compared to national averages, Ayer has a median household income of $81,286 (8% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $417,300, which is 70% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,228 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Ayer's income is 23% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 26% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Ayer, MA?
Ayer offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,286, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $417,300. However, Ayer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ayer has a population of 3,012 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Ayer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Ayer
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upton | 2,985 | $109,925 | $474,600 | Compare |
| Sandwich | 2,976 | $108,583 | $511,000 | Compare |
| Monument Beach | 3,067 | $86,953 | $540,600 | Compare |
| Cordaville | 3,076 | $161,023 | $730,600 | Compare |
| Buzzards Bay | 2,941 | $95,847 | $453,500 | Compare |
| Ocean Grove | 3,099 | $97,109 | $337,800 | Compare |
| North Seekonk | 2,903 | $110,541 | $417,300 | Compare |
| Hopkinton | 3,142 | $173,750 | $601,900 | 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 Ayer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ayer
What is the population of Ayer, MA?
The population of Ayer, MA is 3,012 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 Ayer?
The median household income in Ayer, MA is $81,286 per year, which is 8% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ayer?
The median home value in Ayer, MA is $417,300, which is 70% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ayer?
The median monthly rent in Ayer, MA is $1,228, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ayer?
The unemployment rate in Ayer, MA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ayer, MA a good place to live?
Ayer offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,012 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ayer, MA?
35.9% of residents in Ayer 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 Ayer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ayer, MA: median home value is $417,300 (70% above national), median rent is $1,228/month, and median household income is $81,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ayer?
The poverty rate in Ayer, MA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ayer, MA?
Ayer's population is 5.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 6.6% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.