Holyoke, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
37,813
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,605/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,057
0.0% year-over-year change

Holyoke population

How many people live in Holyoke

Holyoke is home to 37,813 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Holyoke locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
37,813
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
18,345
Female
51.5%
19,468
Value Percent YoY change
Male 18,345 48.5% -1.0%
Female 19,468 51.5% 0.2%
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 Holyoke is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,957 18.4% 1.1%
15 to 24 4,440 11.7% 2.4%
25 to 44 10,261 27.1% -4.2%
45 to 64 8,549 22.6% -4.5%
Over 65 7,606 20.1% 7.8%
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 Holyoke, 72.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 25% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.1% of locals are Caucasian, 3.4% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 26.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
25%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 27,335 72.3% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,444 25% -1.5%
Non-citizens 1,034 2.7% 14.5%
Racial breakdown
White
53.1%
Black or African American
3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
26.6%
Other
15%
Value Percent
White 20,090 53.1%
Black or African American 1,296 3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 202 0.5%
Asian 477 1.3%
Two or more races 10,064 26.6%
Other 5,684 15%

Households in Holyoke

A peek inside Holyoke households

Holyoke has 15,618 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,618
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,617
Family households
9,001
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,617 42.4% -2.2%
Family households 9,001 57.6% 2.7%
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 Holyoke

The housing landscape of Holyoke

Holyoke's housing consists of 17,057 units, with 33.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% 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
17,057
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,698 33.4%
1 unit, attached 1,331 7.8%
2 units 1,747 10.2%
3 or 4 units 1,859 10.9%
5 to 9 units 2,630 15.4%
10 to 19 units 1,648 9.7%
20 to 49 units 950 5.6%
50 or more units 1,184 6.9%
Mobile home 10 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
38
58.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Holyoke

In Holyoke, the median construction year is 1950. About 42.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% 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 7,253 42.5% -5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,219 7.2% 3.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,804 10.6% 4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,041 12% 4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,987 11.6% 15.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,352 7.9% -16.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 666 3.9% 20.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 426 2.5% -5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 271 1.6% 31.6%
Built in 2020 or later 38 0.2% 58.3%
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.

Holyoke occupancy rates

Out of the 15,618 occupied housing units in Holyoke, 41.3% are owner-occupied, while 58.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,618
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,172
Owner occupied
6,446
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,172 58.7% 1.1%
Owner occupied 6,446 41.3% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
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.

Holyoke housing costs

Housing costs in Holyoke come to a median of $1,143 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,021.

Median housing costs per month
$1,143/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 Holyoke
$1,021/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 Holyoke

Holyoke education at a glance

About 43.2% of the population in Holyoke went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,342 7.9% 6.8%
High school diploma 12,821 43.2% -3.5%
College diploma 5,064 17% -2.6%
Associate degree 2,281 7.7% -5.1%
Bachelor's degree 4,544 15.3% 3.6%
Graduate degree 2,658 9% 12.2%
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 Holyoke

How much people earn in Holyoke

The average annual household income in Holyoke was $73,703 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,605, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Holyoke
$73,703/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Holyoke
$53,605/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Holyoke income by age

In Holyoke, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,099. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,708 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,869 in earnings. Overall, 73% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,000 6.2%
25 - 44 $61,099 4.8%
45 - 64 $70,708 8.8%
Over 65 $42,869 3.4%
Above poverty level
26,636
Below poverty level
9,874
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,636 73% -4.5%
Below poverty level 9,874 27% 13.9%

Average renter income in Holyoke

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Holyoke, their median household income was $30,945 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,945
Rent-to-income ratio
39.6%
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 Holyoke

Workforce and job types in Holyoke

The job market in Holyoke is powered by 15,300 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,300
-4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
11,970
Blue collar
3,330
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,970 78.2% -3.8%
Blue collar 3,330 21.8% -6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 945 6.2% -14.7%
Private companies 9,551 62.4% -5.7%
Governmental workers 2,520 16.5% -3.3%
Not for profit companies 2,284 14.9% 6.5%
Unemployment rate
7.7%
8.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Holyoke 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 Holyoke

How people get around in Holyoke

Commuting methods vary: 80.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% 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 12,033 80.7% -8.9%
Taxicab 12 0.1% 50.0%
Bus or trolleybus 491 3.3% 30.9%
Subway or elevated 2 0% N/A
Railroad 13 0.1% -7.1%
Bicycle 80 0.5% 247.8%
Walk 427 2.9% 13.9%
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 Holyoke by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01040 37,813 15,618 $53,605 $73,703

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FAQs about Holyoke demographics 

What is the total population of Holyoke?

Holyoke has a total population of 37,813 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Holyoke?

The gender ratio in Holyoke is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (18,345 residents)
  • 51.5% females (19,468 residents)

What is the median age in Holyoke?

The median age in Holyoke is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Holyoke?

The age distribution in Holyoke is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (6,957 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (4,440 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (10,261 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (8,549 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (7,606 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Holyoke?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Holyoke is as follows:
  • White: 53.1% (20,090 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.4% (1,296 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (202 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (477 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.6% (10,064 residents)
  • Other: 15% (5,684 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.3% of the population in Holyoke.

How many housing units are there in Holyoke?

There are 17,057 housing units in Holyoke, 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 Holyoke and what is the average household size?

Holyoke has a total of 15,618 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Holyoke?

Holyoke has a median household income of $53,605, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.3% in Holyoke, with a workforce of 15,300 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.2% (11,970 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.8% (3,330 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (945 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (9,551 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (2,520 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.9% (2,284 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