Gardner, MA
Population 21,075 · Massachusetts
About Gardner, MA
Gardner is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 21,075 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,948 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Gardner features a median home value of $271,300, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Gardner in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,071, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,487 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (5,055 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (3,853 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gardner shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gardner have an average one-way commute time of 31 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Gardner 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 0.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gardner Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Gardner, MA
Compared to national averages, Gardner has a median household income of $62,948 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $271,300, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,071 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Gardner's income is 40% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 52% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Gardner, MA?
Gardner offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,071/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,948) that falls below the national average. However, Gardner’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gardner has a population of 21,075 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Gardner with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Gardner
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marblehead | 20,334 | $165,859 | $906,200 | Compare |
| Winchester | 22,862 | $218,176 | $1,181,700 | Compare |
| Stoneham | 22,986 | $112,635 | $629,000 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 23,195 | $161,473 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Winthrop Town | 18,807 | $106,357 | $606,900 | Compare |
| Newburyport | 18,444 | $144,259 | $792,400 | Compare |
| Somerset | 18,246 | $111,720 | $389,400 | Compare |
| Southbridge Town | 17,806 | $59,397 | $267,000 | 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 Gardner With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardner
What is the population of Gardner, MA?
The population of Gardner, MA is 21,075 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 Gardner?
The median household income in Gardner, MA is $62,948 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gardner?
The median home value in Gardner, MA is $271,300, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gardner?
The median monthly rent in Gardner, MA is $1,071, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gardner?
The unemployment rate in Gardner, MA is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gardner, MA a good place to live?
Gardner offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,075 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gardner, MA?
22.8% of residents in Gardner 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 Gardner?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gardner, MA: median home value is $271,300 (11% above national), median rent is $1,071/month, and median household income is $62,948. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gardner?
The poverty rate in Gardner, MA is 14.3%, 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 Gardner, MA?
Gardner's population is 0.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.