Orleans, MA
Population 1,618 · Massachusetts
About Orleans, MA
Orleans is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,618 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 64.4 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 Orleans features a median home value of $542,500, which is 122% above the national median of $244,900. This places Orleans in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $960, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,420 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (573 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (293 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Orleans shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Orleans have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.2% of Orleans 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 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Orleans Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Orleans, MA
Compared to national averages, Orleans has a median household income of $76,768 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $542,500, which is 122% above the national median. Monthly rent at $960 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Orleans's income is 27% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 3% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Orleans, MA?
Orleans offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,768, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $960/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 47.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $542,500. However, Orleans’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Orleans has a population of 1,618 with a median age of 64.4 years. Compare Orleans with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Orleans
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duxbury | 1,620 | $126,750 | $1,386,200 | Compare |
| Harwich Center | 1,620 | $76,944 | $546,600 | Compare |
| Chatham | 1,614 | $82,269 | $1,550,000 | Compare |
| West Falmouth | 1,655 | $115,735 | $734,000 | Compare |
| Rowley | 1,576 | $106,250 | $615,500 | Compare |
| Groton | 1,571 | $0 | $736,800 | Compare |
| Onset | 1,561 | $0 | $415,500 | Compare |
| Brewster | 1,711 | $75,481 | $702,000 | 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 Orleans With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Orleans
What is the population of Orleans, MA?
The population of Orleans, MA is 1,618 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 Orleans?
The median household income in Orleans, MA is $76,768 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Orleans?
The median home value in Orleans, MA is $542,500, which is 122% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Orleans?
The median monthly rent in Orleans, MA is $960, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Orleans?
The unemployment rate in Orleans, MA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Orleans, MA a good place to live?
Orleans offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,618 and a median age of 64.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Orleans, MA?
47.2% of residents in Orleans 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 Orleans?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Orleans, MA: median home value is $542,500 (122% above national), median rent is $960/month, and median household income is $76,768. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Orleans?
The poverty rate in Orleans, MA is 14.8%, 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 Orleans, MA?
Orleans's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.