Gardner, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,148
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,518/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,488
0.0% year-over-year change

Gardner population

How many people live in Gardner

Gardner is home to 21,148 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.7% of Gardner locals are male, and 48.3% are female.

Total population
21,148
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.7%
10,932
Female
48.3%
10,216
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,932 51.7% 2.7%
Female 10,216 48.3% -2.0%
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 Gardner is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,183 15% 5.1%
15 to 24 2,002 9.5% -0.4%
25 to 44 5,852 27.7% -2.1%
45 to 64 5,976 28.3% -0.4%
Over 65 4,135 19.6% 1.9%
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 Gardner, 87.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.6% of locals are Caucasian, 4.1% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.5%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,421 87.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,011 9.5% 3.5%
Non-citizens 716 3.4% 16.1%
Racial breakdown
White
79.6%
Black or African American
4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.7%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 16,832 79.6%
Black or African American 876 4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 28 0.1%
Asian 514 2.4%
Two or more races 2,270 10.7%
Other 628 3%

Households in Gardner

A peek inside Gardner households

Gardner has 8,940 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,940
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,669
Family households
5,271
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,669 41% 4.9%
Family households 5,271 59% -2.5%
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 Gardner

The housing landscape of Gardner

Gardner's housing consists of 9,488 units, with 46.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,488
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,444 46.8%
1 unit, attached 348 3.7%
2 units 1,137 12%
3 or 4 units 1,216 12.8%
5 to 9 units 538 5.7%
10 to 19 units 334 3.5%
20 to 49 units 594 6.3%
50 or more units 769 8.1%
Mobile home 108 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
16
-5.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gardner

In Gardner, the median construction year is 1954. About 41% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,886 41% 1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 531 5.6% -14.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 767 8.1% -25.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 686 7.2% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 942 9.9% 12.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,252 13.2% 16.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 657 6.9% 14.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 375 4% -31.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 376 4% 32.9%
Built in 2020 or later 16 0.2% -5.9%
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.

Gardner occupancy rates

Out of the 8,940 occupied housing units in Gardner, 58.9% are owner-occupied, while 41.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,940
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,677
Owner occupied
5,263
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,677 41.1% -4.6%
Owner occupied 5,263 58.9% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
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.

Gardner housing costs

Housing costs in Gardner come to a median of $1,242 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,109.

Median housing costs per month
$1,242/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 Gardner
$1,109/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 Gardner

Gardner education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Gardner went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 15.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 576 3.3% -10.0%
High school diploma 7,771 45% 2.7%
College diploma 3,367 19.5% -2.4%
Associate degree 1,552 9% -11.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,731 15.8% 4.4%
Graduate degree 1,274 7.4% 11.7%
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 Gardner

How much people earn in Gardner

The average annual household income in Gardner was $86,994 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,518, reflecting a +7.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gardner
$86,994/year
8.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gardner
$67,518/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Gardner income by age

In Gardner, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,395. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,973 overall. Overall, 86.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $81,395 4.5%
45 - 64 $74,973 4.3%
Over 65 $45,743 17.0%
Above poverty level
17,172
Below poverty level
2,713
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,172 86.4% 1.2%
Below poverty level 2,713 13.6% -3.5%

Average renter income in Gardner

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gardner, their median household income was $36,880 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,880
Rent-to-income ratio
36.1%
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 Gardner

Workforce and job types in Gardner

The job market in Gardner is powered by 9,628 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 64.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,628
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
7,147
Blue collar
2,481
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,147 74.2% -2.5%
Blue collar 2,481 25.8% 13.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
64.9%
Governmental workers
16.1%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 593 6.2% -24.8%
Private companies 6,245 64.9% 7.5%
Governmental workers 1,553 16.1% -7.8%
Not for profit companies 1,237 12.8% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
27.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gardner stands at 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 Gardner

How people get around in Gardner

Commuting methods vary: 79.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 7,476 79.3% -0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 46 0.5% 27.8%
Subway or elevated 91 1% N/A
Railroad 26 0.3% N/A
Motorcycle 68 0.7% 4.6%
Bicycle 28 0.3% 0.0%
Walk 253 2.7% 19.3%
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 Gardner by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01440 21,276 9,007 $67,440 $87,021

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FAQs about Gardner demographics 

What is the total population of Gardner?

Gardner has a total population of 21,148 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gardner?

The gender ratio in Gardner is as follows:
  • 51.7% males (10,932 residents)
  • 48.3% females (10,216 residents)

What is the median age in Gardner?

The median age in Gardner is 43.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gardner?

The age distribution in Gardner is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (3,183 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (2,002 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (5,852 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (5,976 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (4,135 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gardner is as follows:
  • White: 79.6% (16,832 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.1% (876 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (28 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (514 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.7% (2,270 residents)
  • Other: 3% (628 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.1% of the population in Gardner.

How many housing units are there in Gardner?

There are 9,488 housing units in Gardner, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gardner has a total of 8,940 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gardner?

Gardner has a median household income of $67,518, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in Gardner, with a workforce of 9,628 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.2% (7,147 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.8% (2,481 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (593 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.9% (6,245 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.1% (1,553 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (1,237 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