Barre, MA
Population 550 · Massachusetts
About Barre, MA
Barre is a small community located in Massachusetts with a population of 550 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,625 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52 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 Barre features a median home value of $313,100, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Barre in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,906, 64% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 378 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (203 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (131 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barre shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Barre have an average one-way commute time of 45.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
55.8% of Barre 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 10.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Barre Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Barre, MA
Compared to national averages, Barre has a median household income of $55,625 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $313,100, which is 28% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,906 is 64% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Barre's income is 47% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 44% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Barre, MA?
Barre offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 55.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,625) that falls below the national average. However, Barre’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Barre has a population of 550 with a median age of 52 years. Compare Barre with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
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Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Barre
What is the population of Barre, MA?
The population of Barre, MA is 550 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Barre?
The median household income in Barre, MA is $55,625 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barre?
The median home value in Barre, MA is $313,100, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Barre?
The median monthly rent in Barre, MA is $1,906, which is 64% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barre?
The unemployment rate in Barre, MA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Barre, MA a good place to live?
Barre offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 550 and a median age of 52, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Barre, MA?
55.8% of residents in Barre 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 Barre?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barre, MA: median home value is $313,100 (28% above national), median rent is $1,906/month, and median household income is $55,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Barre?
The poverty rate in Barre, MA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Barre, MA?
Barre's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 10.0% of residents are foreign-born.