Somerset, MA
Population 18,246 · Massachusetts
About Somerset, MA
Somerset is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 18,246 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $111,720 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47 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 Somerset features a median home value of $389,400, which is 59% above the national median of $244,900. This places Somerset in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,313, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,587 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (6,208 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (1,144 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Somerset shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Somerset have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.0% of Somerset 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 0.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Somerset Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Somerset, MA
Compared to national averages, Somerset has a median household income of $111,720 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $389,400, which is 59% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,313 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Somerset's income is 6% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 31% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Somerset, MA?
Somerset offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $111,720, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 37.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $389,400. However, Somerset’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Somerset has a population of 18,246 with a median age of 47 years. Compare Somerset with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Somerset
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newburyport | 18,444 | $144,259 | $792,400 | Compare |
| Southbridge Town | 17,806 | $59,397 | $267,000 | Compare |
| Winthrop Town | 18,807 | $106,357 | $606,900 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 17,662 | $53,961 | $252,000 | Compare |
| Amesbury Town | 17,277 | $100,599 | $475,400 | Compare |
| Abington | 17,008 | $119,787 | $516,300 | Compare |
| Marblehead | 20,334 | $165,859 | $906,200 | Compare |
| Easthampton Town | 16,103 | $72,925 | $343,800 | 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 Somerset With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Somerset
What is the population of Somerset, MA?
The population of Somerset, MA is 18,246 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 Somerset?
The median household income in Somerset, MA is $111,720 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Somerset?
The median home value in Somerset, MA is $389,400, which is 59% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Somerset?
The median monthly rent in Somerset, MA is $1,313, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Somerset?
The unemployment rate in Somerset, MA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Somerset, MA a good place to live?
Somerset offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,246 and a median age of 47, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Somerset, MA?
37.0% of residents in Somerset 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 Somerset?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Somerset, MA: median home value is $389,400 (59% above national), median rent is $1,313/month, and median household income is $111,720. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Somerset?
The poverty rate in Somerset, MA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Somerset, MA?
Somerset's population is 0.2% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.