Carlisle, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,239
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$250,001/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,805
1.0% year-over-year change

Carlisle population

How many people live in Carlisle

Carlisle is home to 5,239 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.9% of Carlisle locals are male, and 47.1% are female.

Total population
5,239
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.9%
2,771
Female
47.1%
2,468
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,771 52.9% -1.2%
Female 2,468 47.1% 2.6%
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 Carlisle is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.8% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.6% of the population, while another 29.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.8%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
16.6%
45 to 64
29.2%
Over 65
21.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,195 22.8% -0.5%
15 to 24 504 9.6% -2.1%
25 to 44 871 16.6% 1.8%
45 to 64 1,531 29.2% 0.4%
Over 65 1,138 21.7% 2.3%
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 Carlisle, 86% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.8% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 11.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.1%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,505 86% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 581 11.1% 3.6%
Non-citizens 153 2.9% 11.7%
Racial breakdown
White
80.8%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
11.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.5%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 4,233 80.8%
Black or African American 52 1%
Asian 587 11.2%
Two or more races 341 6.5%
Other 26 0.5%

Households in Carlisle

A peek inside Carlisle households

Carlisle has 1,776 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 84.5% are families, while the remaining 15.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,776
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
276
Family households
1,500
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 276 15.5% 7.4%
Family households 1,500 84.5% 2.1%
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 Carlisle

The housing landscape of Carlisle

Carlisle's housing consists of 1,805 units, with 93.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,805
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,682 93.2%
1 unit, attached 13 0.7%
2 units 15 0.8%
3 or 4 units 20 1.1%
5 to 9 units 41 2.3%
20 to 49 units 34 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carlisle

In Carlisle, the median construction year is 1976. About 13% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 235 13% 1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 9 0.5% -47.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 134 7.4% 8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 347 19.2% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 315 17.4% -5.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 440 24.4% -5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 155 8.6% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 76 4.2% 230.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 94 5.2% -15.3%
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.

Carlisle occupancy rates

Out of the 1,776 occupied housing units in Carlisle, 93.6% are owner-occupied, while 6.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,776
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
113
Owner occupied
1,663
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 113 6.4% 10.8%
Owner occupied 1,663 93.6% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
1.6%
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.

Carlisle housing costs

Housing costs in Carlisle come to a median of $3,491 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,313.

Median housing costs per month
$3,491/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 Carlisle
$1,313/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 Carlisle

Carlisle education at a glance

About 4.6% of the population in Carlisle went to high school, while 7.7% pursued college studies. Another 4.4% earned an associate degree and 34.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 48.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 0.5% 1,800.0%
High school diploma 177 4.6% -9.2%
College diploma 297 7.7% -27.2%
Associate degree 171 4.4% -20.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,329 34.5% 8.4%
Graduate degree 1,861 48.3% 4.6%
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 Carlisle

How much people earn in Carlisle

The average annual household income in Carlisle was $333,401 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Carlisle
$333,401/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carlisle
$250,001/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Carlisle income by age

In Carlisle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $250,001. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Overall, 98.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $250,001 0.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $150,278 4.2%
Above poverty level
5,108
Below poverty level
80
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,108 98.5% 1.6%
Below poverty level 80 1.5% -25.2%

Employment in Carlisle

Workforce and job types in Carlisle

93.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.7% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 6.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,208
Blue collar
154
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,208 93.5% -0.8%
Blue collar 154 6.5% -13.0%
Employer type
Self employees
12.7%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
6.6%
Not for profit companies
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 300 12.7% 5.6%
Private companies 1,588 67.2% 0.9%
Governmental workers 157 6.6% -12.8%
Not for profit companies 317 13.4% -12.9%

Transportation in Carlisle

How people get around in Carlisle

Commuting methods vary: 95.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 1,377 95.4% -6.7%
Taxicab 9 0.6% 0.0%
Railroad 30 2.1% -51.6%
Walk 27 1.9% 42.1%
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 Carlisle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01741 5,239 1,776 $250,001 $333,401

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FAQs about Carlisle demographics 

What is the total population of Carlisle?

Carlisle has a total population of 5,239 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carlisle?

The gender ratio in Carlisle is as follows:
  • 52.9% males (2,771 residents)
  • 47.1% females (2,468 residents)

What is the median age in Carlisle?

The median age in Carlisle is 45.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carlisle?

The age distribution in Carlisle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.8% (1,195 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (504 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.6% (871 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.2% (1,531 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.7% (1,138 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carlisle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carlisle is as follows:
  • White: 80.8% (4,233 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (52 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 11.2% (587 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.5% (341 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (26 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86% of the population in Carlisle.

How many housing units are there in Carlisle?

There are 1,805 housing units in Carlisle, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Carlisle has a total of 1,776 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carlisle?

Carlisle has a median household income of $250,001, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Carlisle?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.5% (2,208 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.5% (154 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.7% (300 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (1,588 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.6% (157 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.4% (317 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