Barnstable Town, MA
Population 49,232 · Massachusetts
About Barnstable Town, MA
Barnstable Town is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 49,232 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,348 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.6 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 Barnstable Town features a median home value of $559,200, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. This places Barnstable Town in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,751, 51% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,488 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (15,432 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (5,182 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barnstable Town shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Barnstable Town have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.3% of Barnstable Town 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 0.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 17.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Barnstable Town Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Barnstable Town, MA
Compared to national averages, Barnstable Town has a median household income of $97,348 (30% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $559,200, which is 128% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,751 is 51% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Barnstable Town's income is 8% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 0% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Barnstable Town, MA?
Barnstable Town offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,348, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 42.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $559,200. However, Barnstable Town’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Barnstable Town has a population of 49,232 with a median age of 48.6 years. Compare Barnstable Town with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Barnstable Town
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everett | 49,236 | $79,658 | $605,200 | Compare |
| Attleboro | 46,499 | $93,266 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Arlington | 46,015 | $141,440 | $885,000 | Compare |
| Methuen Town | 53,043 | $103,270 | $472,200 | Compare |
| Peabody | 54,180 | $95,278 | $566,200 | Compare |
| Salem | 44,241 | $85,137 | $497,400 | Compare |
| Leominster | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 43,559 | $68,386 | $233,700 | 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 Barnstable Town With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Barnstable Town
What is the population of Barnstable Town, MA?
The population of Barnstable Town, MA is 49,232 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 Barnstable Town?
The median household income in Barnstable Town, MA is $97,348 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barnstable Town?
The median home value in Barnstable Town, MA is $559,200, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Barnstable Town?
The median monthly rent in Barnstable Town, MA is $1,751, which is 51% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barnstable Town?
The unemployment rate in Barnstable Town, MA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Barnstable Town, MA a good place to live?
Barnstable Town offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 49,232 and a median age of 48.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Barnstable Town, MA?
42.3% of residents in Barnstable 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 Barnstable Town?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barnstable Town, MA: median home value is $559,200 (128% above national), median rent is $1,751/month, and median household income is $97,348. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Barnstable Town?
The poverty rate in Barnstable Town, MA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Barnstable Town, MA?
Barnstable Town's population is 0.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 6.3% two or more races. 17.2% of residents are foreign-born.