Monson Center, MA
Population 1,794 · Massachusetts
About Monson Center, MA
Monson Center is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,603 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.3 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 Monson Center features a median home value of $279,500, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Monson Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $770, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 906 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (504 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (339 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Monson Center shows an unemployment rate of 16.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Monson Center have an average one-way commute time of 44.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Monson 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, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Monson Center Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Monson Center, MA
Compared to national averages, Monson Center has a median household income of $58,603 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $279,500, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $770 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Monson Center's income is 45% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 50% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Monson Center, MA?
Monson Center offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $770/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,603) that falls below the national average. However, Monson Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Monson Center has a population of 1,794 with a median age of 47.3 years. Compare Monson Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Monson Center
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutland | 1,796 | $102,885 | $357,700 | Compare |
| Lenox | 1,809 | $58,920 | $411,700 | Compare |
| Essex | 1,775 | $156,094 | $774,400 | Compare |
| South Deerfield | 1,822 | $97,250 | $419,100 | Compare |
| Bourne | 1,765 | $125,366 | $521,100 | Compare |
| Shelburne Falls | 1,755 | $52,604 | $296,000 | Compare |
| Hanscom AFB | 1,745 | $101,194 | $0 | Compare |
| Teaticket | 1,728 | $85,669 | $488,700 | 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 Monson Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Monson Center
What is the population of Monson Center, MA?
The population of Monson Center, MA is 1,794 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 Monson Center?
The median household income in Monson Center, MA is $58,603 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Monson Center?
The median home value in Monson Center, MA is $279,500, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Monson Center?
The median monthly rent in Monson Center, MA is $770, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Monson Center?
The unemployment rate in Monson Center, MA is 16.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Monson Center, MA a good place to live?
Monson Center offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,794 and a median age of 47.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Monson Center, MA?
24.8% of residents in Monson Center 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 Monson Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Monson Center, MA: median home value is $279,500 (14% above national), median rent is $770/month, and median household income is $58,603. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Monson Center?
The poverty rate in Monson Center, MA is 26.7%, 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 Monson Center, MA?
Monson Center's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.