Norton Center, MA
Population 2,526 · Massachusetts
About Norton Center, MA
Norton Center is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 2,526 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $114,051 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norton Center features a median home value of $418,400, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. This places Norton Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 367 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (318 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (49 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norton Center shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Norton Center have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.8% of Norton Center 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, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Norton Center, MA
Compared to national averages, Norton Center has a median household income of $114,051 (52% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $418,400, which is 71% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Norton Center's income is 8% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 25% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Norton Center, MA?
Norton Center offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,051, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 46.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $418,400. However, Norton Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norton Center has a population of 2,526 with a median age of 21.3 years. Compare Norton Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Norton Center
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Falmouth | 2,558 | $133,571 | $656,400 | Compare |
| Fiskdale | 2,564 | $92,273 | $359,200 | Compare |
| Mattapoisett Center | 2,573 | $99,864 | $649,200 | Compare |
| Topsfield | 2,573 | $169,468 | $793,300 | Compare |
| North Brookfield | 2,477 | $75,956 | $235,000 | Compare |
| West Dennis | 2,586 | $93,958 | $580,900 | Compare |
| Baldwinville | 2,454 | $56,957 | $284,900 | Compare |
| Dover | 2,386 | $250,001 | $1,230,600 | 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 Norton Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norton Center
What is the population of Norton Center, MA?
The population of Norton Center, MA is 2,526 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 Norton Center?
The median household income in Norton Center, MA is $114,051 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norton Center?
The median home value in Norton Center, MA is $418,400, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norton Center?
The median monthly rent in Norton Center, MA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norton Center?
The unemployment rate in Norton Center, MA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Norton Center, MA a good place to live?
Norton Center offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,526 and a median age of 21.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Norton Center, MA?
46.8% of residents in Norton 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 Norton Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norton Center, MA: median home value is $418,400 (71% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $114,051. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Norton Center?
The poverty rate in Norton Center, MA is 13.9%, 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 Norton Center, MA?
Norton Center's population is 0.8% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 11.5% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.