Orleans Town, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,480
-8.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,359/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,431
0.8% year-over-year change

Orleans population

How many people live in Orleans

Orleans is home to 1,480 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 33.8% of Orleans locals are male, and 66.2% are female.

Total population
1,480
-8.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
33.8%
501
Female
66.2%
979
Value Percent YoY change
Male 501 33.8% -9.4%
Female 979 66.2% -8.1%
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 Orleans is 64, with the population distributed as follows: about 3.6% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13.7% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 45.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
64
Age breakdown
Under 15
3.6%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
13.7%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
45.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 54 3.6% -11.5%
15 to 24 138 9.3% 3.0%
25 to 44 203 13.7% -10.2%
45 to 64 418 28.2% -7.7%
Over 65 667 45.1% -10.3%
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 Orleans, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,442 97.4% -5.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 38 2.6% -35.6%
Racial breakdown
White
98.2%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,454 98.2%
Black or African American 11 0.7%
Two or more races 15 1%

Households in Orleans

A peek inside Orleans households

Orleans has 822 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.5% are families, while the remaining 57.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
822
-5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
473
Family households
349
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 473 57.5% -0.4%
Family households 349 42.5% -10.7%
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 Orleans

The housing landscape of Orleans

Orleans's housing consists of 1,431 units, with 46.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,431
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 668 46.7%
1 unit, attached 190 13.3%
2 units 21 1.5%
3 or 4 units 210 14.7%
5 to 9 units 108 7.6%
10 to 19 units 67 4.7%
20 to 49 units 128 8.9%
50 or more units 39 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
10
-9.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Orleans

In Orleans, the median construction year is 1981. About 6.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 96 6.7% -32.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 85 5.9% 34.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 70 4.9% -33.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 87 6.1% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 330 23.1% -3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 393 27.5% 15.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 206 14.4% 21.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 91 6.4% -9.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 63 4.4% 3.3%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.7% -9.1%
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.

Orleans occupancy rates

Out of the 822 occupied housing units in Orleans, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 42.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
822
-5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
271
Owner occupied
551
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 271 33% -7.5%
Owner occupied 551 67% -3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
42.6%
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.

Orleans housing costs

Housing costs in Orleans come to a median of $1,211 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,040.

Median housing costs per month
$1,211/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 Orleans
$1,040/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 Orleans

Orleans education at a glance

About 30.5% of the population in Orleans went to high school, while 11.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 28.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 416 30.5% -6.1%
College diploma 158 11.6% -26.5%
Associate degree 134 9.8% -19.3%
Bachelor's degree 384 28.1% 10.3%
Graduate degree 273 20% -15.5%
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 Orleans

How much people earn in Orleans

The average annual household income in Orleans was $87,538 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,359, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Orleans
$87,538/year
-6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Orleans
$78,359/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Orleans income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,250 overall. Overall, 85.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $76,250 -1.2%
Over 65 $75,972 3.8%
Above poverty level
1,271
Below poverty level
209
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,271 85.9% -7.8%
Below poverty level 209 14.1% -12.6%

Average renter income in Orleans

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Orleans, their median household income was $27,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,250
Rent-to-income ratio
45.8%
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 Orleans

Workforce and job types in Orleans

The job market in Orleans is powered by 640 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.6% run their own businesses, 44.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
640
-13.4% year-over-year change
White collar
568
Blue collar
72
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 568 88.8% -13.7%
Blue collar 72 11.2% -11.1%
Employer type
Self employees
20.6%
Private companies
44.8%
Governmental workers
12.2%
Not for profit companies
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 132 20.6% 5.6%
Private companies 287 44.8% -21.4%
Governmental workers 78 12.2% -14.3%
Not for profit companies 143 22.3% -9.5%

Transportation in Orleans

How people get around in Orleans

Commuting methods vary: 69.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 434 69.9% -23.2%
Bus or trolleybus 22 3.5% N/A
Walk 4 0.6% -75.0%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Orleans by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02653 6,443 3,158 $102,813 $156,356

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FAQs about Orleans demographics 

What is the total population of Orleans?

Orleans has a total population of 1,480 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 -8.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Orleans?

The gender ratio in Orleans is as follows:
  • 33.8% males (501 residents)
  • 66.2% females (979 residents)

What is the median age in Orleans?

The median age in Orleans is 64.

What is the age distribution of the population in Orleans?

The age distribution in Orleans is as follows:
  • Under 15: 3.6% (54 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (138 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13.7% (203 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (418 residents)
  • Over 65: 45.1% (667 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans is as follows:
  • White: 98.2% (1,454 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (11 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: 1% (15 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Orleans.

How many housing units are there in Orleans?

There are 1,431 housing units in Orleans, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Orleans has a total of 822 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Orleans?

Orleans has a median household income of $78,359, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Orleans?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.8% (568 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.2% (72 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.6% (132 residents)
  • Private companies: 44.8% (287 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.2% (78 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.3% (143 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