Onset, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,380
-11.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$137,997/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,074
-21.3% year-over-year change

Onset population

How many people live in Onset

Onset is home to 1,380 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 61.2% of Onset locals are male, and 38.8% are female.

Total population
1,380
-11.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
61.2%
845
Female
38.8%
535
Value Percent YoY change
Male 845 61.2% -9.7%
Female 535 38.8% -14.4%
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 Onset is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 24% are children under 15, then 2.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.2% of the population, while another 30% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
24%
15 to 24
2.5%
25 to 44
33.2%
45 to 64
30%
Over 65
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 331 24% -16.4%
15 to 24 34 2.5% 325.0%
25 to 44 458 33.2% 23.1%
45 to 64 414 30% -9.8%
Over 65 143 10.4% -56.1%
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 Onset, 85% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 30.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.9%
Non-citizens
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,173 85% -13.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 95 6.9% -13.6%
Non-citizens 112 8.1% 14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
69.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
30.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 953 69.1%
Two or more races 427 30.9%

Households in Onset

A peek inside Onset households

Onset has 607 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.3% are families, while the remaining 28.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
607
-15.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
174
Family households
433
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 174 28.7% -42.8%
Family households 433 71.3% 5.1%
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 Onset

The housing landscape of Onset

Onset's housing consists of 1,074 units, with 77.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,074
-21.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 829 77.2%
1 unit, attached 70 6.5%
3 or 4 units 115 10.7%
10 to 19 units 60 5.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Onset

In Onset, the median construction year is 1938. About 64.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.6% 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 692 64.4% -14.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 146 13.6% -28.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 66 6.2% 43.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 6.2% -13.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 54 5% -10.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 50 4.7% -52.4%
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.

Onset occupancy rates

Out of the 607 occupied housing units in Onset, 89.1% are owner-occupied, while 10.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 43.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
607
-15.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
66
Owner occupied
541
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 66 10.9% -13.2%
Owner occupied 541 89.1% -15.5%
Unoccupied housing units
43.5%
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.

Onset housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$2,314/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.

Education in Onset

Onset education at a glance

About 48.9% of the population in Onset went to high school, while 15.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 19.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 513 48.9% -4.7%
College diploma 158 15.1% -20.2%
Associate degree 88 8.4% -22.8%
Bachelor's degree 204 19.4% 38.8%
Graduate degree 86 8.2% -39.4%
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 Onset

How much people earn in Onset

The average annual household income in Onset was $123,235 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.2% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Onset
$123,235/year
9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Onset
$137,997/year
% year-over-year change

Onset income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $137,614 overall. Overall, 94.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $137,614 N/A
Above poverty level
1,219
Below poverty level
66
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,219 94.9% -12.4%
Below poverty level 66 5.1% -30.5%

Employment in Onset

Workforce and job types in Onset

The job market in Onset is powered by 627 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14% run their own businesses, 40.7% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
627
23.2% year-over-year change
White collar
491
Blue collar
136
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 491 78.3% 25.3%
Blue collar 136 21.7% 16.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14%
Private companies
40.7%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
34.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 88 14% -29.6%
Private companies 255 40.7% 28.1%
Governmental workers 70 11.2% N/A
Not for profit companies 214 34.1% 15.7%
Unemployment rate
12.2%
-23.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Onset stands at 12.2%, 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 Onset

How people get around in Onset

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 425 59.9% 18.4%
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.

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FAQs about Onset demographics 

What is the total population of Onset?

Onset has a total population of 1,380 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 -11.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Onset?

The gender ratio in Onset is as follows:
  • 61.2% males (845 residents)
  • 38.8% females (535 residents)

What is the median age in Onset?

The median age in Onset is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Onset?

The age distribution in Onset is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24% (331 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.5% (34 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.2% (458 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30% (414 residents)
  • Over 65: 10.4% (143 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Onset?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Onset is as follows:
  • White: 69.1% (953 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: 30.9% (427 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85% of the population in Onset.

How many housing units are there in Onset?

There are 1,074 housing units in Onset, reflecting a -21.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Onset has a total of 607 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Onset?

Onset has a median household income of $137,997, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.8% in Onset, with a workforce of 627 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.3% (491 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.7% (136 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14% (88 residents)
  • Private companies: 40.7% (255 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (70 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 34.1% (214 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