Athol, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,801
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,394/yr
9.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,686
-2.6% year-over-year change

Athol population

How many people live in Athol

Athol is home to 8,801 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Athol locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
8,801
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
4,377
Female
50.3%
4,424
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,377 49.7% 1.4%
Female 4,424 50.3% 0.7%
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 Athol is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.9% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.9%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,930 21.9% 6.2%
15 to 24 1,033 11.7% 2.1%
25 to 44 2,492 28.3% -0.3%
45 to 64 2,029 23% -3.2%
Over 65 1,317 15% 2.4%
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 Athol, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.8% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,403 95.5% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 266 3% -11.0%
Non-citizens 132 1.5% -9.6%
Racial breakdown
White
85.8%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 7,554 85.8%
Black or African American 353 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.1%
Asian 35 0.4%
Two or more races 524 6%
Other 326 3.7%

Households in Athol

A peek inside Athol households

Athol has 3,368 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,368
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,302
Family households
2,066
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,302 38.7% -4.8%
Family households 2,066 61.3% 2.0%
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 Athol

The housing landscape of Athol

Athol's housing consists of 3,686 units, with 61.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,686
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,254 61.2%
1 unit, attached 72 2%
2 units 341 9.2%
3 or 4 units 668 18.1%
5 to 9 units 122 3.3%
10 to 19 units 93 2.5%
20 to 49 units 84 2.3%
50 or more units 52 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
58
13.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Athol

In Athol, the median construction year is 1940. About 49.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,832 49.7% 4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 314 8.5% -16.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 480 13% -15.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 225 6.1% 10.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 270 7.3% -6.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 158 4.3% -10.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 150 4.1% -22.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 128 3.5% -7.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71 1.9% 77.5%
Built in 2020 or later 58 1.6% 13.7%
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.

Athol occupancy rates

Out of the 3,368 occupied housing units in Athol, 63.7% are owner-occupied, while 36.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,368
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,223
Owner occupied
2,145
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,223 36.3% -0.3%
Owner occupied 2,145 63.7% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
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.

Athol housing costs

Housing costs in Athol come to a median of $1,383 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,120.

Median housing costs per month
$1,383/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 Athol
$1,120/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 Athol

Athol education at a glance

About 51% of the population in Athol went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 163 2.5% 10.1%
High school diploma 3,356 51% 2.1%
College diploma 1,186 18% 1.0%
Associate degree 555 8.4% -11.3%
Bachelor's degree 942 14.3% 0.4%
Graduate degree 383 5.8% 0.3%
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 Athol

How much people earn in Athol

The average annual household income in Athol was $75,946 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,394, reflecting a +9.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Athol
$75,946/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Athol
$67,394/year
9.2% year-over-year change

Athol income by age

In Athol, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,055. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,328 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,868, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,194 in earnings. Overall, 78.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,868 -0.6%
25 - 44 $69,055 15.1%
45 - 64 $83,328 1.9%
Over 65 $38,194 5.7%
Above poverty level
6,830
Below poverty level
1,830
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,830 78.9% -2.2%
Below poverty level 1,830 21.1% 17.2%

Average renter income in Athol

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Athol, their median household income was $30,163 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,163
Rent-to-income ratio
44.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Athol

Workforce and job types in Athol

The job market in Athol is powered by 3,929 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 68.6% are employed by private companies, and 19.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,929
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
2,881
Blue collar
1,048
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,881 73.3% 6.8%
Blue collar 1,048 26.7% -6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
68.6%
Governmental workers
19.3%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 211 5.4% 12.2%
Private companies 2,696 68.6% 4.6%
Governmental workers 757 19.3% 7.8%
Not for profit companies 265 6.7% -23.4%
Unemployment rate
8.6%
-1.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Athol stands at 8.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Athol

How people get around in Athol

In Athol, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,110 80.8% -0.2%
Bus or trolleybus 62 1.6% 47.6%
Bicycle 1 0% N/A
Walk 262 6.8% 14.4%
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.

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FAQs about Athol demographics 

What is the total population of Athol?

Athol has a total population of 8,801 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Athol?

The gender ratio in Athol is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (4,377 residents)
  • 50.3% females (4,424 residents)

What is the median age in Athol?

The median age in Athol is 36.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Athol?

The age distribution in Athol is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.9% (1,930 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (1,033 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (2,492 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (2,029 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (1,317 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Athol?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Athol is as follows:
  • White: 85.8% (7,554 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (353 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (35 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (524 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (326 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Athol.

How many housing units are there in Athol?

There are 3,686 housing units in Athol, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Athol has a total of 3,368 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Athol?

Athol has a median household income of $67,394, representing a +9.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Athol?

The employment rate is 91.4% in Athol, with a workforce of 3,929 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.3% (2,881 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.7% (1,048 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (211 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.6% (2,696 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.3% (757 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (265 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