Shirley, MA
Population 1,256 · Massachusetts
About Shirley, MA
Shirley is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,256 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.2 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 Shirley features a median home value of $378,700, which is 55% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shirley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 583 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (387 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (196 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shirley shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shirley have an average one-way commute time of 35.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
41.5% of Shirley 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 9.8% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shirley, MA
Compared to national averages, Shirley has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $378,700, which is 55% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Shirley's income is 100% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 33% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Shirley, MA?
Shirley offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 41.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $378,700. However, Shirley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shirley has a population of 1,256 with a median age of 44.2 years. Compare Shirley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Shirley
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Harbor | 1,254 | $195,930 | $825,600 | Compare |
| Holland | 1,313 | $83,382 | $281,000 | Compare |
| West Chatham | 1,337 | $135,199 | $743,100 | Compare |
| South Ashburnham | 1,174 | $82,006 | $323,400 | Compare |
| East Brookfield | 1,349 | $70,625 | $337,500 | Compare |
| Marion Center | 1,159 | $180,130 | $622,600 | Compare |
| Oak Bluffs | 1,357 | $59,082 | $1,013,900 | Compare |
| Hatfield | 1,361 | $109,625 | $460,300 | 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 Shirley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirley
What is the population of Shirley, MA?
The population of Shirley, MA is 1,256 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 Shirley?
The median household income in Shirley, MA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley, MA is $378,700, which is 55% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shirley?
The median monthly rent in Shirley, MA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shirley?
The unemployment rate in Shirley, MA is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shirley, MA a good place to live?
Shirley offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,256 and a median age of 44.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shirley, MA?
41.5% of residents in Shirley 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 Shirley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shirley, MA: median home value is $378,700 (55% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Shirley?
The poverty rate in Shirley, MA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shirley, MA?
Shirley's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 9.8% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.