Onset, MA
Population 1,561 · Massachusetts
About Onset, MA
Onset is a small community in Massachusetts with a population of 1,561 residents. The median household income is $0 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Onset is 45.2 years.
Housing in Onset has a median home value of $415,500 and median monthly rent of $0. Of the 1,364 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 640 owner-occupied and 76 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Onset is 18.2% and the poverty rate is 6.1%. 25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.8 minutes.
Cost of Living in Onset, MA
Compared to national averages, Onset has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $415,500, which is 70% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Onset's income is 100% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 26% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Onset, MA?
Onset offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $415,500. However, Onset’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Onset has a population of 1,561 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Onset with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Onset
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groton | 1,571 | $0 | $736,800 | Compare |
| Rowley | 1,576 | $106,250 | $615,500 | Compare |
| Lee | 1,522 | $70,306 | $265,900 | Compare |
| West Brookfield | 1,518 | $59,734 | $282,900 | Compare |
| Chatham | 1,614 | $82,269 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
| Orleans | 1,618 | $76,768 | $542,500 | Compare |
| Duxbury | 1,620 | $126,750 | $1,386,200 | Compare |
| Harwich Center | 1,620 | $76,944 | $546,600 | 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 Onset With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Onset
What is the population of Onset, MA?
The population of Onset, MA is 1,561 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Onset?
The median household income in Onset, MA is $0 per year.
What is the median home value in Onset?
The median home value in Onset, MA is $415,500.
What is the average rent in Onset?
The median monthly rent in Onset, MA is $0.
What is the unemployment rate in Onset?
The unemployment rate in Onset, MA is 18.2%.