Northfield, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,070
17.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,333/yr
-8.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
626
9.8% year-over-year change

Northfield population

How many people live in Northfield

Northfield is home to 1,070 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.4% of Northfield locals are male, and 57.6% are female.

Total population
1,070
17.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.4%
454
Female
57.6%
616
Value Percent YoY change
Male 454 42.4% 33.5%
Female 616 57.6% 8.4%
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 Northfield is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.3% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.6% of the population, while another 29.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.3%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
27.6%
45 to 64
29.1%
Over 65
25%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 89 8.3% 41.3%
15 to 24 107 10% 84.5%
25 to 44 295 27.6% 15.2%
45 to 64 311 29.1% 18.2%
Over 65 268 25% 0.0%
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 Northfield, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.3%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,041 97.3% 19.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 25 2.3% -19.4%
Non-citizens 4 0.4% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
92.7%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 992 92.7%
Black or African American 13 1.2%
Two or more races 65 6.1%

Households in Northfield

A peek inside Northfield households

Northfield has 558 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.1% are families, while the remaining 33.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
558
16.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
189
Family households
369
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 189 33.9% 26.9%
Family households 369 66.1% 11.8%
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 Northfield

The housing landscape of Northfield

Northfield's housing consists of 626 units, with 80.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
626
9.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 502 80.2%
2 units 35 5.6%
3 or 4 units 39 6.2%
5 to 9 units 39 6.2%
10 to 19 units 11 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Northfield

In Northfield, the median construction year is 1940. About 50% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.3% 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 313 50% 5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 58 9.3% 28.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 58 9.3% -20.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 75 12% 19.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 24 3.8% 200.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 71 11.3% 9.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7 1.1% N/A
Built between 2000 and 2009 20 3.2% 0.0%
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.

Northfield occupancy rates

Out of the 558 occupied housing units in Northfield, 76.2% are owner-occupied, while 23.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
558
16.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
133
Owner occupied
425
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 133 23.8% 18.8%
Owner occupied 425 76.2% 15.8%
Unoccupied housing units
10.9%
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.

Northfield housing costs

Housing costs in Northfield come to a median of $1,529 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,089.

Median housing costs per month
$1,529/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 Northfield
$1,089/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 Northfield

Northfield education at a glance

About 31.3% of the population in Northfield went to high school, while 14.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 24.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 1% N/A
High school diploma 291 31.3% 11.5%
College diploma 136 14.6% 12.4%
Associate degree 91 9.8% 15.2%
Bachelor's degree 224 24.1% 67.2%
Graduate degree 178 19.2% -16.0%
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 Northfield

How much people earn in Northfield

The average annual household income in Northfield was $81,059 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,333, reflecting a -8.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Northfield
$81,059/year
-5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Northfield
$68,333/year
-8.7% year-over-year change

Northfield income by age

In Northfield, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,375. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,147 overall. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $92,375 -8.5%
45 - 64 $105,147 19.6%
Over 65 $45,769 -12.8%
Above poverty level
962
Below poverty level
108
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 962 89.9% 22.2%
Below poverty level 108 10.1% -10.7%

Average renter income in Northfield

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Northfield, their median household income was $13,594 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 96.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$13,594
Rent-to-income ratio
96.1%
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 Northfield

Workforce and job types in Northfield

The job market in Northfield is powered by 647 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 55.5% are employed by private companies, and 28.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
647
21.4% year-over-year change
White collar
565
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 565 87.3% 15.8%
Blue collar 82 12.7% 82.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
55.5%
Governmental workers
28.3%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 55 8.5% 103.7%
Private companies 359 55.5% 10.1%
Governmental workers 183 28.3% 46.4%
Not for profit companies 50 7.7% -9.1%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
337.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Northfield stands at 5.1%, 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 Northfield

How people get around in Northfield

Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 561 86.7% 43.9%
Walk 11 1.7% 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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Northfield demographics 

What is the total population of Northfield?

Northfield has a total population of 1,070 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 +17.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Northfield?

The gender ratio in Northfield is as follows:
  • 42.4% males (454 residents)
  • 57.6% females (616 residents)

What is the median age in Northfield?

The median age in Northfield is 46.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Northfield?

The age distribution in Northfield is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.3% (89 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (107 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.6% (295 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.1% (311 residents)
  • Over 65: 25% (268 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Northfield?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Northfield is as follows:
  • White: 92.7% (992 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (13 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: 6.1% (65 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Northfield.

How many housing units are there in Northfield?

There are 626 housing units in Northfield, reflecting a +9.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Northfield has a total of 558 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Northfield?

Northfield has a median household income of $68,333, representing a -8.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.9% in Northfield, with a workforce of 647 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.3% (565 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.7% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (55 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.5% (359 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.3% (183 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (50 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