Rowley, MA
Population 1,576 · Massachusetts
About Rowley, MA
Rowley is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,576 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,250 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.8 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 Rowley features a median home value of $615,500, which is 151% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rowley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,100, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 655 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (525 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (130 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rowley 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 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rowley have an average one-way commute time of 26.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.5% of Rowley 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rowley Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Rowley, MA
Compared to national averages, Rowley has a median household income of $106,250 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $615,500, which is 151% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,100 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Rowley's income is 1% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 10% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Rowley, MA?
Rowley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,250, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,100/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 56.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $615,500. However, Rowley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rowley has a population of 1,576 with a median age of 52.8 years. Compare Rowley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Rowley
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groton | 1,571 | $0 | $736,800 | Compare |
| Onset | 1,561 | $0 | $415,500 | 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 |
| Lee | 1,522 | $70,306 | $265,900 | Compare |
| West Brookfield | 1,518 | $59,734 | $282,900 | 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 Rowley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rowley
What is the population of Rowley, MA?
The population of Rowley, MA is 1,576 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 Rowley?
The median household income in Rowley, MA is $106,250 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rowley?
The median home value in Rowley, MA is $615,500, which is 151% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rowley?
The median monthly rent in Rowley, MA is $1,100, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rowley?
The unemployment rate in Rowley, 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 Rowley, MA a good place to live?
Rowley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,576 and a median age of 52.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rowley, MA?
56.5% of residents in Rowley 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 Rowley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rowley, MA: median home value is $615,500 (151% above national), median rent is $1,100/month, and median household income is $106,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rowley?
The poverty rate in Rowley, MA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rowley, MA?
Rowley's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.