North Adams, MA
Population 12,660 · Massachusetts
About North Adams, MA
North Adams is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 12,660 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,521 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.4 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 North Adams features a median home value of $185,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions North Adams in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $777, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,833 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (3,066 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (2,697 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in North Adams shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in North Adams have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.0% of North Adams 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 1.1% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How North Adams Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in North Adams, MA
Compared to national averages, North Adams has a median household income of $48,521 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $777 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, North Adams's income is 54% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 67% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in North Adams, MA?
North Adams offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $777/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,521) that falls below the national average. However, North Adams’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
North Adams has a population of 12,660 with a median age of 44.4 years. Compare North Adams with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near North Adams
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmer Town | 12,372 | $78,789 | $255,000 | Compare |
| Lynnfield | 12,964 | $172,484 | $904,200 | Compare |
| Webster | 12,300 | $60,384 | $303,900 | Compare |
| South Yarmouth | 11,642 | $79,638 | $465,100 | Compare |
| Holbrook | 11,320 | $107,768 | $436,500 | Compare |
| Nantucket | 10,837 | $109,988 | $1,359,200 | Compare |
| Maynard | 10,663 | $119,549 | $494,200 | Compare |
| Swampscott | 15,209 | $128,964 | $690,800 | 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 North Adams With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about North Adams
What is the population of North Adams, MA?
The population of North Adams, MA is 12,660 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 North Adams?
The median household income in North Adams, MA is $48,521 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in North Adams?
The median home value in North Adams, MA is $185,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in North Adams?
The median monthly rent in North Adams, MA is $777, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in North Adams?
The unemployment rate in North Adams, MA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is North Adams, MA a good place to live?
North Adams offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,660 and a median age of 44.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is North Adams, MA?
27.0% of residents in North Adams 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 North Adams?
Key cost-of-living indicators for North Adams, MA: median home value is $185,300 (24% below national), median rent is $777/month, and median household income is $48,521. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in North Adams?
The poverty rate in North Adams, MA is 18.1%, 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 North Adams, MA?
North Adams's population is 1.1% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.