Spencer, MA
Population 5,520 · Massachusetts
About Spencer, MA
Spencer is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 5,520 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,618 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.8 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 Spencer features a median home value of $297,700, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Spencer in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,052, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,153 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (1,096 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (1,585 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spencer shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Spencer have an average one-way commute time of 35.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Spencer residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Spencer Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Spencer, MA
Compared to national averages, Spencer has a median household income of $59,618 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $297,700, which is 22% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,052 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Spencer's income is 44% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 47% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Spencer, MA?
Spencer offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,052/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,618) that falls below the national average. However, Spencer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spencer has a population of 5,520 with a median age of 50.8 years. Compare Spencer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Spencer
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford | 5,572 | $91,742 | $327,300 | Compare |
| Adams | 5,584 | $48,750 | $189,100 | Compare |
| Scituate | 5,602 | $126,379 | $699,200 | Compare |
| Bliss Corner | 5,666 | $73,919 | $430,700 | Compare |
| East Harwich | 5,670 | $108,157 | $585,400 | Compare |
| Hingham | 5,343 | $222,696 | $1,216,800 | Compare |
| Ware | 5,723 | $52,039 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 5,735 | $93,052 | $441,500 | 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 Spencer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spencer
What is the population of Spencer, MA?
The population of Spencer, MA is 5,520 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 Spencer?
The median household income in Spencer, MA is $59,618 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spencer?
The median home value in Spencer, MA is $297,700, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Spencer?
The median monthly rent in Spencer, MA is $1,052, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spencer?
The unemployment rate in Spencer, MA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Spencer, MA a good place to live?
Spencer offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,520 and a median age of 50.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Spencer, MA?
15.7% of residents in Spencer aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Spencer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spencer, MA: median home value is $297,700 (22% above national), median rent is $1,052/month, and median household income is $59,618. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Spencer?
The poverty rate in Spencer, MA is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Spencer, MA?
Spencer's population is 1.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.