Shelburne Falls, MA
Population 1,755 · Massachusetts
About Shelburne Falls, MA
Shelburne Falls is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,755 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,604 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.6 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 Shelburne Falls features a median home value of $296,000, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Shelburne Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,069, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 947 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (418 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (399 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelburne Falls shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shelburne Falls have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.4% of Shelburne Falls 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 0.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shelburne Falls Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Shelburne Falls, MA
Compared to national averages, Shelburne Falls has a median household income of $52,604 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $296,000, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,069 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Shelburne Falls's income is 50% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 47% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Shelburne Falls, MA?
Shelburne Falls offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,069/month, and a well-educated community where 45.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,604) that falls below the national average. However, Shelburne Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelburne Falls has a population of 1,755 with a median age of 49.6 years. Compare Shelburne Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Shelburne Falls
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourne | 1,765 | $125,366 | $521,100 | Compare |
| Hanscom AFB | 1,745 | $101,194 | $0 | Compare |
| Essex | 1,775 | $156,094 | $774,400 | Compare |
| Teaticket | 1,728 | $85,669 | $488,700 | Compare |
| Monson Center | 1,794 | $58,603 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Rutland | 1,796 | $102,885 | $357,700 | Compare |
| Brewster | 1,711 | $75,481 | $702,000 | Compare |
| Lenox | 1,809 | $58,920 | $411,700 | 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 Shelburne Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelburne Falls
What is the population of Shelburne Falls, MA?
The population of Shelburne Falls, MA is 1,755 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 Shelburne Falls?
The median household income in Shelburne Falls, MA is $52,604 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelburne Falls?
The median home value in Shelburne Falls, MA is $296,000, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelburne Falls?
The median monthly rent in Shelburne Falls, MA is $1,069, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelburne Falls?
The unemployment rate in Shelburne Falls, MA is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shelburne Falls, MA a good place to live?
Shelburne Falls offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,755 and a median age of 49.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Shelburne Falls, MA?
45.4% of residents in Shelburne Falls 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 Shelburne Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelburne Falls, MA: median home value is $296,000 (21% above national), median rent is $1,069/month, and median household income is $52,604. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shelburne Falls?
The poverty rate in Shelburne Falls, MA is 18.4%, 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 Shelburne Falls, MA?
Shelburne Falls's population is 0.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.