Chatham, MA
Population 1,614 · Massachusetts
About Chatham, MA
Chatham is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,614 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,269 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 67.4 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 Chatham features a median home value of $1,550,000, which is 533% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chatham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $924, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,076 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (718 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (185 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chatham shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chatham have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
60.4% of Chatham 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 4.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chatham Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Chatham, MA
Compared to national averages, Chatham has a median household income of $82,269 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,550,000, which is 533% above the national median. Monthly rent at $924 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Chatham's income is 22% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 176% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Chatham, MA?
Chatham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,269, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $924/month, and a well-educated community where 60.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,550,000. However, Chatham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chatham has a population of 1,614 with a median age of 67.4 years. Compare Chatham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Chatham
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orleans | 1,618 | $76,768 | $542,500 | Compare |
| Duxbury | 1,620 | $126,750 | $1,386,200 | Compare |
| Harwich Center | 1,620 | $76,944 | $546,600 | Compare |
| Rowley | 1,576 | $106,250 | $615,500 | Compare |
| West Falmouth | 1,655 | $115,735 | $734,000 | Compare |
| Groton | 1,571 | $0 | $736,800 | Compare |
| Onset | 1,561 | $0 | $415,500 | Compare |
| Lee | 1,522 | $70,306 | $265,900 | 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 Chatham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chatham
What is the population of Chatham, MA?
The population of Chatham, MA is 1,614 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 Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham, MA is $82,269 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham, MA is $1,550,000, which is 533% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chatham?
The median monthly rent in Chatham, MA is $924, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chatham?
The unemployment rate in Chatham, MA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chatham, MA a good place to live?
Chatham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,614 and a median age of 67.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chatham, MA?
60.4% of residents in Chatham 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 Chatham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chatham, MA: median home value is $1,550,000 (533% above national), median rent is $924/month, and median household income is $82,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 18.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Chatham?
The poverty rate in Chatham, MA is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chatham, MA?
Chatham'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. 4.2% of residents are foreign-born.