Chatham Town, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,600
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,750/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,053
-1.1% year-over-year change

Chatham population

How many people live in Chatham

Chatham is home to 1,600 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.9% of Chatham locals are male, and 56.1% are female.

Total population
1,600
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.9%
703
Female
56.1%
897
Value Percent YoY change
Male 703 43.9% -6.5%
Female 897 56.1% 4.1%
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 Chatham is 67, with the population distributed as follows: about 2.2% are children under 15, then 6.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.2% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 53.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
66.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
2.2%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 44
15.2%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
53.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 35 2.2% -2.8%
15 to 24 111 6.9% -0.9%
25 to 44 243 15.2% 21.5%
45 to 64 355 22.2% -4.0%
Over 65 856 53.5% -4.5%
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 Chatham, 95.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 0.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,531 95.7% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 69 4.3% 3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
99.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,593 99.6%
Two or more races 7 0.4%

Households in Chatham

A peek inside Chatham households

Chatham has 918 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.9% are families, while the remaining 47.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
918
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
432
Family households
486
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 432 47.1% 11.9%
Family households 486 52.9% -6.0%
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 Chatham

The housing landscape of Chatham

Chatham's housing consists of 2,053 units, with 80.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,053
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,644 80.1%
1 unit, attached 65 3.2%
2 units 109 5.3%
3 or 4 units 44 2.1%
5 to 9 units 87 4.2%
10 to 19 units 13 0.6%
20 to 49 units 62 3%
Mobile home 29 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
24
9.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chatham

In Chatham, the median construction year is 1970. About 23.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 476 23.2% -7.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 183 8.9% 21.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 111 5.4% -35.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 248 12.1% -7.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 185 9% -17.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 359 17.5% 15.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 96 4.7% -27.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 107 5.2% 23.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 264 12.9% 36.1%
Built in 2020 or later 24 1.2% 9.1%
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.

Chatham occupancy rates

Out of the 918 occupied housing units in Chatham, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 55.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
918
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
249
Owner occupied
669
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 249 27.1% 34.6%
Owner occupied 669 72.9% -6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
55.3%
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.

Chatham housing costs

Housing costs in Chatham come to a median of $1,521 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,311.

Median housing costs per month
$1,521/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 Chatham
$1,311/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 Chatham

Chatham education at a glance

About 18.7% of the population in Chatham went to high school, while 14.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 29.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 29.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 284 18.7% -2.1%
College diploma 220 14.5% 30.2%
Associate degree 123 8.1% -29.3%
Bachelor's degree 442 29.1% 0.7%
Graduate degree 451 29.7% -1.7%
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 Chatham

How much people earn in Chatham

The average annual household income in Chatham was $191,831 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +18.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,750, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chatham
$191,831/year
18.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chatham
$83,750/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Chatham income by age

In Chatham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $131,250. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $131,250 N/A
Over 65 $82,353 0.2%
Above poverty level
1,368
Below poverty level
226
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,368 85.8% -5.1%
Below poverty level 226 14.2% 40.4%

Average renter income in Chatham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chatham, their median household income was $58,516 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$58,516
Rent-to-income ratio
26.9%
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 Chatham

Workforce and job types in Chatham

The job market in Chatham is powered by 410 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.1% run their own businesses, 59.5% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
410
-9.7% year-over-year change
White collar
309
Blue collar
101
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 309 75.4% -6.9%
Blue collar 101 24.6% -17.2%
Employer type
Self employees
16.1%
Private companies
59.5%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 66 16.1% -34.6%
Private companies 244 59.5% -7.9%
Governmental workers 51 12.4% -25.0%
Not for profit companies 49 12% 145.0%
Unemployment rate
7.7%
-19.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chatham stands at 7.7%, 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 Chatham

How people get around in Chatham

Commuting methods vary: 78.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% 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 326 78.4% -5.8%
Walk 18 4.3% 0.0%
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 Chatham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02633 4,512 2,259 $85,483 $193,799
02650 1,032 494 $66,548 $208,540
02659 1,137 587 $109,453 $123,387

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FAQs about Chatham demographics 

What is the total population of Chatham?

Chatham has a total population of 1,600 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chatham?

The gender ratio in Chatham is as follows:
  • 43.9% males (703 residents)
  • 56.1% females (897 residents)

What is the median age in Chatham?

The median age in Chatham is 66.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chatham?

The age distribution in Chatham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2.2% (35 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.9% (111 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.2% (243 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (355 residents)
  • Over 65: 53.5% (856 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chatham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chatham is as follows:
  • White: 99.6% (1,593 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.4% (7 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.7% of the population in Chatham.

How many housing units are there in Chatham?

There are 2,053 housing units in Chatham, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chatham has a total of 918 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chatham?

Chatham has a median household income of $83,750, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.3% in Chatham, with a workforce of 410 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.4% (309 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.6% (101 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.1% (66 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.5% (244 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (51 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (49 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