Nantucket Island, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,049
% year-over-year change
Median household income
$140,938/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,811
% year-over-year change

Nantucket Island population

How many people live in Nantucket Island

Nantucket Island is home to 11,049 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Nantucket Island locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
11,049
% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
5,759
Female
47.9%
5,290
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,759 52.1% N/A
Female 5,290 47.9% N/A
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 Nantucket Island is 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 29.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
52
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
29.4%
Over 65
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,798 16.3% N/A
15 to 24 1,210 11% N/A
25 to 44 3,005 27.2% N/A
45 to 64 3,249 29.4% N/A
Over 65 1,787 16.2% N/A
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 Nantucket Island, 81.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.8% of locals are Caucasian, 9.5% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.5%
Non-citizens
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,967 81.2% N/A
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,268 11.5% N/A
Non-citizens 814 7.4% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
69.8%
Black or African American
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.4%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 7,708 69.8%
Black or African American 1,045 9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Asian 191 1.7%
Two or more races 1,368 12.4%
Other 732 6.6%

Households in Nantucket Island

A peek inside Nantucket Island households

Nantucket Island has 4,012 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.7% are families, while the remaining 26.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,012
% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,055
Family households
2,957
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,055 26.3% N/A
Family households 2,957 73.7% N/A
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 Nantucket Island

The housing landscape of Nantucket Island

Nantucket Island's housing consists of 9,811 units, with 79.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.4% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,811
% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,758 79.1%
1 unit, attached 822 8.4%
2 units 500 5.1%
3 or 4 units 466 4.8%
5 to 9 units 76 0.8%
10 to 19 units 8 0.1%
20 to 49 units 112 1.1%
50 or more units 23 0.2%
Mobile home 28 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 19 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
276
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nantucket Island

In Nantucket Island, the median construction year is 1984. About 21.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,087 21.3% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 187 1.9% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 343 3.5% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 528 5.4% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,091 11.1% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,610 16.4% N/A
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,616 16.5% N/A
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,443 14.7% N/A
Built between 2010 and 2019 629 6.4% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 276 2.8% N/A
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.

Nantucket Island occupancy rates

Out of the 4,012 occupied housing units in Nantucket Island, 71.9% are owner-occupied, while 28.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 59.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,012
% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,127
Owner occupied
2,884
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,127 28.1% N/A
Owner occupied 2,884 71.9% N/A
Unoccupied housing units
59.1%
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.

Nantucket Island housing costs

Housing costs in Nantucket Island come to a median of $2,707 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,224.

Median housing costs per month
$2,707/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 Nantucket Island
$2,224/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 Nantucket Island

Nantucket Island education at a glance

About 21.6% of the population in Nantucket Island went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 4.2% earned an associate degree and 32.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 416 4.7% N/A
High school diploma 1,898 21.6% N/A
College diploma 1,492 17% N/A
Associate degree 368 4.2% N/A
Bachelor's degree 2,849 32.4% N/A
Graduate degree 1,764 20.1% N/A
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 Nantucket Island

How much people earn in Nantucket Island

The average annual household income in Nantucket Island was $196,391 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Average household income in Nantucket Island
$196,391/year
% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nantucket Island
$140,938/year
% year-over-year change

Nantucket Island income by age

In Nantucket Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $111,141. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $180,481 overall. Overall, 96.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $111,141 N/A
45 - 64 $180,481 N/A
Over 65 $117,155 N/A
Above poverty level
10,452
Below poverty level
356
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,452 96.7% N/A
Below poverty level 356 3.3% N/A

Employment in Nantucket Island

Workforce and job types in Nantucket Island

77.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.2% run their own businesses, 51.9% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,851
Blue collar
1,402
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,851 77.6% N/A
Blue collar 1,402 22.4% N/A
Employer type
Self employees
24.2%
Private companies
51.9%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,512 24.2% N/A
Private companies 3,245 51.9% N/A
Governmental workers 875 14% N/A
Not for profit companies 621 9.9% N/A

Transportation in Nantucket Island

How people get around in Nantucket Island

Commuting methods vary: 86.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.6% 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 4,549 86.6% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 283 5.4% N/A
Walk 401 7.6% N/A
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 Nantucket Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02554 14,212 5,127 $140,938 $207,738
02564 255 109 $0 $123,398
02584 16 16 $0 $0

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nantucket Island demographics 

What is the total population of Nantucket Island?

Nantucket Island has a total population of 11,049 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 % compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nantucket Island?

The gender ratio in Nantucket Island is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (5,759 residents)
  • 47.9% females (5,290 residents)

What is the median age in Nantucket Island?

The median age in Nantucket Island is 52.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nantucket Island?

The age distribution in Nantucket Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (1,798 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (1,210 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (3,005 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.4% (3,249 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.2% (1,787 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nantucket Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nantucket Island is as follows:
  • White: 69.8% (7,708 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.5% (1,045 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (191 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.4% (1,368 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (732 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.2% of the population in Nantucket Island.

How many housing units are there in Nantucket Island?

There are 9,811 housing units in Nantucket Island, reflecting a % change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Nantucket Island has a total of 4,012 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nantucket Island?

Nantucket Island has a median household income of $140,938, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Nantucket Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.6% (4,851 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.4% (1,402 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.2% (1,512 residents)
  • Private companies: 51.9% (3,245 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (875 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (621 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