West Chatham, MA
Population 1,337 · Massachusetts
About West Chatham, MA
West Chatham is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 1,337 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $135,199 per year, which is 80% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.5 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 West Chatham features a median home value of $743,100, which is 203% above the national median of $244,900. This places West Chatham 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 2,044 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (538 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (61 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Chatham shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Chatham have an average one-way commute time of 21 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.2% of West Chatham 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 0.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Chatham Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in West Chatham, MA
Compared to national averages, West Chatham has a median household income of $135,199 (80% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $743,100, which is 203% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, West Chatham's income is 28% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 32% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in West Chatham, MA?
West Chatham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $135,199, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 74.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $743,100. However, West Chatham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Chatham has a population of 1,337 with a median age of 62.5 years. Compare West Chatham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near West Chatham
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Brookfield | 1,349 | $70,625 | $337,500 | Compare |
| Oak Bluffs | 1,357 | $59,082 | $1,013,900 | Compare |
| Hatfield | 1,361 | $109,625 | $460,300 | Compare |
| Holland | 1,313 | $83,382 | $281,000 | Compare |
| Weweantic | 1,384 | $0 | $418,700 | Compare |
| Shirley | 1,256 | $0 | $378,700 | Compare |
| Green Harbor | 1,254 | $195,930 | $825,600 | Compare |
| South Ashburnham | 1,174 | $82,006 | $323,400 | 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 West Chatham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Chatham
What is the population of West Chatham, MA?
The population of West Chatham, MA is 1,337 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 West Chatham?
The median household income in West Chatham, MA is $135,199 per year, which is 80% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Chatham?
The median home value in West Chatham, MA is $743,100, which is 203% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Chatham?
The median monthly rent in West Chatham, MA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Chatham?
The unemployment rate in West Chatham, MA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Chatham, MA a good place to live?
West Chatham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,337 and a median age of 62.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is West Chatham, MA?
74.2% of residents in West Chatham 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 West Chatham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Chatham, MA: median home value is $743,100 (203% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $135,199. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Chatham?
The poverty rate in West Chatham, MA is 18.2%, 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 West Chatham, MA?
West Chatham's population is 0.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.