Petersham, MA
Population 252 · Massachusetts
About Petersham, MA
Petersham is a small community located in Massachusetts with a population of 252 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,938 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.8 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 Petersham features a median home value of $372,400, which is 52% above the national median of $244,900. This places Petersham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,550, 33% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 137 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (9 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Petersham shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Petersham have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.1% of Petersham 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, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Petersham Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Petersham, MA
Compared to national averages, Petersham has a median household income of $105,938 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $372,400, which is 52% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,550 is 33% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Petersham's income is 0% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 34% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Petersham, MA?
Petersham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,938, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and a well-educated community where 49.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $372,400. However, Petersham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Petersham has a population of 252 with a median age of 57.8 years. Compare Petersham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Petersham
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siasconset | 191 | $0 | $1,546,900 | Compare |
| Lenox Dale | 165 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Seconsett Island | 138 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Madaket | 378 | $106,615 | $1,226,600 | Compare |
| Monomoscoy Island | 112 | $0 | $1,022,700 | Compare |
| Popponesset Island | 72 | $0 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Blandford | 437 | $93,500 | $224,600 | Compare |
| Deerfield | 441 | $0 | $0 | 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 Petersham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Petersham
What is the population of Petersham, MA?
The population of Petersham, MA is 252 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Petersham?
The median household income in Petersham, MA is $105,938 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Petersham?
The median home value in Petersham, MA is $372,400, which is 52% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Petersham?
The median monthly rent in Petersham, MA is $1,550, which is 33% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Petersham?
The unemployment rate in Petersham, MA is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Petersham, MA a good place to live?
Petersham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 252 and a median age of 57.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Petersham, MA?
49.1% of residents in Petersham 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 Petersham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Petersham, MA: median home value is $372,400 (52% above national), median rent is $1,550/month, and median household income is $105,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Petersham?
The poverty rate in Petersham, MA is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Petersham, MA?
Petersham's population is 0.0% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.