Pittsfield, MA
Population 43,559 · Massachusetts
About Pittsfield, MA
Pittsfield is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 43,559 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,386 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Pittsfield features a median home value of $233,700, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pittsfield in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,094, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,589 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (12,068 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (7,498 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pittsfield shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pittsfield have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.2% of Pittsfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pittsfield Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Pittsfield, MA
Compared to national averages, Pittsfield has a median household income of $68,386 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $233,700, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,094 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Pittsfield's income is 35% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 58% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Pittsfield, MA?
Pittsfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $233,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,094/month, and a well-educated community where 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,386) that falls below the national average. However, Pittsfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pittsfield has a population of 43,559 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Pittsfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Pittsfield
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leominster | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Salem | 44,241 | $85,137 | $497,400 | Compare |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $103,739 | $621,900 | Compare |
| Fitchburg | 41,633 | $70,659 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Marlborough | 41,398 | $95,047 | $485,400 | Compare |
| Woburn | 41,205 | $107,754 | $641,800 | Compare |
| Arlington | 46,015 | $141,440 | $885,000 | Compare |
| Westfield | 40,673 | $82,847 | $295,500 | 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 Pittsfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pittsfield
What is the population of Pittsfield, MA?
The population of Pittsfield, MA is 43,559 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 Pittsfield?
The median household income in Pittsfield, MA is $68,386 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pittsfield?
The median home value in Pittsfield, MA is $233,700, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pittsfield?
The median monthly rent in Pittsfield, MA is $1,094, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pittsfield?
The unemployment rate in Pittsfield, MA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pittsfield, MA a good place to live?
Pittsfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 43,559 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pittsfield, MA?
34.2% of residents in Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pittsfield, MA: median home value is $233,700 (5% below national), median rent is $1,094/month, and median household income is $68,386. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pittsfield?
The poverty rate in Pittsfield, MA is 13.6%, 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 Pittsfield, MA?
Pittsfield's population is 0.7% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.