Northampton, MA
Population 28,640 · Massachusetts
About Northampton, MA
Northampton is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 28,640 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,467 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Northampton features a median home value of $398,000, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. This places Northampton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,404, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,217 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (7,231 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (5,293 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Northampton shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Northampton have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
61.3% of Northampton 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 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Northampton, MA
Compared to national averages, Northampton has a median household income of $78,467 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $398,000, which is 63% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,404 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Northampton's income is 26% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 29% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Northampton, MA?
Northampton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,467, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $398,000. However, Northampton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Northampton has a population of 28,640 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Northampton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Northampton
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Springfield Town | 28,635 | $70,401 | $307,900 | Compare |
| Bridgewater Town | 28,669 | $112,482 | $500,600 | Compare |
| Saugus | 28,599 | $100,819 | $589,500 | Compare |
| Agawam Town | 28,510 | $82,359 | $290,000 | Compare |
| Milton | 28,481 | $178,053 | $896,500 | Compare |
| Danvers | 27,924 | $117,072 | $611,200 | Compare |
| Milford | 27,919 | $88,992 | $429,800 | Compare |
| Melrose | 29,488 | $126,854 | $796,100 | 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 Northampton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Northampton
What is the population of Northampton, MA?
The population of Northampton, MA is 28,640 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 Northampton?
The median household income in Northampton, MA is $78,467 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Northampton?
The median home value in Northampton, MA is $398,000, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Northampton?
The median monthly rent in Northampton, MA is $1,404, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Northampton?
The unemployment rate in Northampton, MA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Northampton, MA a good place to live?
Northampton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 28,640 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Northampton, MA?
61.3% of residents in Northampton 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 Northampton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Northampton, MA: median home value is $398,000 (63% above national), median rent is $1,404/month, and median household income is $78,467. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Northampton?
The poverty rate in Northampton, MA is 12.5%, 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 Northampton, MA?
Northampton's population is 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.