Great Barrington, MA
Population 1,953 · Massachusetts
About Great Barrington, MA
Great Barrington is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,953 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,071 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55 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 Great Barrington features a median home value of $459,000, which is 87% above the national median of $244,900. This places Great Barrington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,142, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,075 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (639 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (351 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Great Barrington shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Great Barrington have an average one-way commute time of 13.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
47.0% of Great Barrington 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 0.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Great Barrington Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Great Barrington, MA
Compared to national averages, Great Barrington has a median household income of $57,071 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $459,000, which is 87% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,142 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Great Barrington's income is 46% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 18% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Great Barrington, MA?
Great Barrington offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,142/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 47.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,071) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $459,000. However, Great Barrington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Great Barrington has a population of 1,953 with a median age of 55 years. Compare Great Barrington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Great Barrington
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Eastham | 1,958 | $80,375 | $641,200 | Compare |
| East Pepperell | 1,984 | $111,736 | $415,200 | Compare |
| South Lancaster | 1,991 | $104,745 | $370,200 | Compare |
| Hanson | 2,002 | $115,109 | $490,700 | Compare |
| Dennis | 1,903 | $127,292 | $835,300 | Compare |
| Harwich Port | 2,011 | $64,813 | $654,900 | Compare |
| Pepperell | 1,887 | $76,196 | $399,700 | Compare |
| White Island Shores | 1,880 | $104,940 | $366,800 | 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 Great Barrington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Barrington
What is the population of Great Barrington, MA?
The population of Great Barrington, MA is 1,953 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 Great Barrington?
The median household income in Great Barrington, MA is $57,071 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Great Barrington?
The median home value in Great Barrington, MA is $459,000, which is 87% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Great Barrington?
The median monthly rent in Great Barrington, MA is $1,142, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Great Barrington?
The unemployment rate in Great Barrington, MA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Great Barrington, MA a good place to live?
Great Barrington offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,953 and a median age of 55, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Great Barrington, MA?
47.0% of residents in Great Barrington 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 Great Barrington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Great Barrington, MA: median home value is $459,000 (87% above national), median rent is $1,142/month, and median household income is $57,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Great Barrington?
The poverty rate in Great Barrington, MA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Great Barrington, MA?
Great Barrington's population is 0.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.