Amherst, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,078
7.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,818/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,586
4.0% year-over-year change

Amherst population

How many people live in Amherst

Amherst is home to 26,078 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Amherst locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
26,078
7.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
12,437
Female
52.3%
13,641
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,437 47.7% 8.5%
Female 13,641 52.3% 6.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Amherst is 23, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.1% are children under 15, then 70% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 9.6% of the population, while another 8.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8% are 65 or older.

Median age
23
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.1%
15 to 24
70%
25 to 44
9.6%
45 to 64
8.3%
Over 65
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,076 4.1% -10.6%
15 to 24 18,255 70% 8.7%
25 to 44 2,514 9.6% 19.4%
45 to 64 2,155 8.3% -4.0%
Over 65 2,078 8% 10.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Amherst, 82.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.8% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 15.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.6%
Non-citizens
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,612 82.9% 7.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,986 7.6% 10.1%
Non-citizens 2,481 9.5% 7.6%
Racial breakdown
White
65.8%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
15.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 17,161 65.8%
Black or African American 1,398 5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 70 0.3%
Asian 4,126 15.8%
Two or more races 2,867 11%
Other 455 1.7%

Households in Amherst

A peek inside Amherst households

Amherst has 4,962 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44% are families, while the remaining 56% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,962
6.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,779
Family households
2,184
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,779 56% 7.9%
Family households 2,184 44% 4.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Amherst

The housing landscape of Amherst

Amherst's housing consists of 5,586 units, with 44.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,586
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,465 44.1%
1 unit, attached 358 6.4%
2 units 238 4.3%
3 or 4 units 533 9.5%
5 to 9 units 528 9.4%
10 to 19 units 294 5.3%
20 to 49 units 597 10.7%
50 or more units 569 10.2%
Mobile home 4 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
82
134.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Amherst

In Amherst, the median construction year is 1976. About 23.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,312 23.5% -2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 140 2.5% 100.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 243 4.4% -6.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 527 9.4% -4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,193 21.4% 12.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 773 13.8% -2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 533 9.5% 11.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 358 6.4% 4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 426 7.6% -1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 82 1.5% 134.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Amherst occupancy rates

Out of the 4,962 occupied housing units in Amherst, 46.5% are owner-occupied, while 53.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,962
6.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,653
Owner occupied
2,309
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,653 53.5% 10.1%
Owner occupied 2,309 46.5% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Amherst housing costs

Housing costs in Amherst come to a median of $2,198 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,154.

Median housing costs per month
$2,198/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Amherst
$2,154/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Amherst

Amherst education at a glance

About 8.9% of the population in Amherst went to high school, while 65.4% pursued college studies. Another 2.1% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 148 0.6% 27.6%
High school diploma 2,181 8.9% 70.8%
College diploma 16,004 65.4% 2.7%
Associate degree 509 2.1% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,063 8.4% 16.2%
Graduate degree 3,579 14.6% 9.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Amherst

How much people earn in Amherst

The average annual household income in Amherst was $116,241 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,818, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Amherst
$116,241/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Amherst
$70,818/year
2.0% year-over-year change

Amherst income by age

In Amherst, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,600. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $116,204 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $19,328, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $98,775 in earnings. Overall, 77.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $19,328 -2.2%
25 - 44 $80,600 -9.6%
45 - 64 $116,204 3.5%
Over 65 $98,775 6.6%
Above poverty level
8,539
Below poverty level
2,516
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,539 77.2% 7.1%
Below poverty level 2,516 22.8% 5.6%

Employment in Amherst

Workforce and job types in Amherst

91.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 41.4% are employed by private companies, and 34.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,074
Blue collar
888
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,074 91.9% 10.7%
Blue collar 888 8.1% 13.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
41.4%
Governmental workers
34.1%
Not for profit companies
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 804 7.3% 15.8%
Private companies 4,539 41.4% 18.5%
Governmental workers 3,740 34.1% 10.1%
Not for profit companies 1,879 17.1% -4.1%

Transportation in Amherst

How people get around in Amherst

Commuting methods vary: 54.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 33.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,148 54.7% 10.4%
Bus or trolleybus 680 9% 10.0%
Bicycle 201 2.6% 21.1%
Walk 2,555 33.7% 4.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Amherst by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01002 26,370 10,320 $70,818 $115,290
01003 13,510 44 $0 $152,111

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FAQs about Amherst demographics 

What is the total population of Amherst?

Amherst has a total population of 26,078 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +7.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Amherst?

The gender ratio in Amherst is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (12,437 residents)
  • 52.3% females (13,641 residents)

What is the median age in Amherst?

The median age in Amherst is 23.

What is the age distribution of the population in Amherst?

The age distribution in Amherst is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.1% (1,076 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 70% (18,255 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 9.6% (2,514 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 8.3% (2,155 residents)
  • Over 65: 8% (2,078 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is as follows:
  • White: 65.8% (17,161 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (1,398 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (70 residents)
  • Asian: 15.8% (4,126 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11% (2,867 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (455 residents)

What percentage of the population in Amherst are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.9% of the population in Amherst.

How many housing units are there in Amherst?

There are 5,586 housing units in Amherst, reflecting a +4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Amherst and what is the average household size?

Amherst has a total of 4,962 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Amherst?

Amherst has a median household income of $70,818, representing a +2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Amherst?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.9% (10,074 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.1% (888 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (804 residents)
  • Private companies: 41.4% (4,539 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 34.1% (3,740 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.1% (1,879 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025