Townsend, MA
Population 1,082 · Massachusetts
About Townsend, MA
Townsend is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,082 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,726 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.2 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 Townsend features a median home value of $344,400, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Townsend in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $947, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 471 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (234 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (237 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 Townsend shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Townsend have an average one-way commute time of 37.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
29.9% of Townsend 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, 5.3% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Townsend Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Townsend, MA
Compared to national averages, Townsend has a median household income of $56,726 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $344,400, which is 41% above the national median. Monthly rent at $947 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Townsend's income is 46% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 39% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Townsend, MA?
Townsend offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $947/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,726) that falls below the national average. However, Townsend’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Townsend has a population of 1,082 with a median age of 49.2 years. Compare Townsend with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Townsend
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millers Falls | 1,081 | $63,646 | $222,600 | Compare |
| Mashpee Neck | 1,071 | $131,250 | $578,400 | Compare |
| Housatonic | 1,054 | $86,920 | $429,200 | Compare |
| Granby | 1,127 | $126,136 | $299,700 | Compare |
| Marion Center | 1,159 | $180,130 | $622,600 | Compare |
| Woods Hole | 999 | $72,386 | $876,700 | Compare |
| South Ashburnham | 1,174 | $82,006 | $323,400 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 940 | $66,774 | $325,700 | 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 Townsend With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Townsend
What is the population of Townsend, MA?
The population of Townsend, MA is 1,082 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 Townsend?
The median household income in Townsend, MA is $56,726 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Townsend?
The median home value in Townsend, MA is $344,400, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Townsend?
The median monthly rent in Townsend, MA is $947, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Townsend?
The unemployment rate in Townsend, MA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Townsend, MA a good place to live?
Townsend offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,082 and a median age of 49.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Townsend, MA?
29.9% of residents in Townsend 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 Townsend?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Townsend, MA: median home value is $344,400 (41% above national), median rent is $947/month, and median household income is $56,726. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Townsend?
The poverty rate in Townsend, MA is 15.2%, 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 Townsend, MA?
Townsend's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.