Harwich Center, MA
Population 1,620 · Massachusetts
About Harwich Center, MA
Harwich Center is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,620 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,944 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.2 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 Harwich Center features a median home value of $546,600, which is 123% above the national median of $244,900. This places Harwich Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,355, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,229 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (541 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (261 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harwich Center shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Harwich Center have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.8% of Harwich Center 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Harwich Center, MA
Compared to national averages, Harwich Center has a median household income of $76,944 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $546,600, which is 123% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,355 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Harwich Center's income is 27% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 3% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Harwich Center, MA?
Harwich Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,944, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 43.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $546,600. However, Harwich Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harwich Center has a population of 1,620 with a median age of 57.2 years. Compare Harwich Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Harwich Center
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duxbury | 1,620 | $126,750 | $1,386,200 | Compare |
| Orleans | 1,618 | $76,768 | $542,500 | Compare |
| Chatham | 1,614 | $82,269 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
| West Falmouth | 1,655 | $115,735 | $734,000 | Compare |
| Rowley | 1,576 | $106,250 | $615,500 | Compare |
| Groton | 1,571 | $0 | $736,800 | Compare |
| Onset | 1,561 | $0 | $415,500 | Compare |
| Brewster | 1,711 | $75,481 | $702,000 | 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 Harwich Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harwich Center
What is the population of Harwich Center, MA?
The population of Harwich Center, MA is 1,620 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 Harwich Center?
The median household income in Harwich Center, MA is $76,944 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harwich Center?
The median home value in Harwich Center, MA is $546,600, which is 123% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harwich Center?
The median monthly rent in Harwich Center, MA is $1,355, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harwich Center?
The unemployment rate in Harwich Center, MA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Harwich Center, MA a good place to live?
Harwich Center offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,620 and a median age of 57.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Harwich Center, MA?
43.8% of residents in Harwich Center 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 Harwich Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harwich Center, MA: median home value is $546,600 (123% above national), median rent is $1,355/month, and median household income is $76,944. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Harwich Center?
The poverty rate in Harwich Center, MA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Harwich Center, MA?
Harwich Center's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.