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

Total population
1,146
-8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,494/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
503
-13.7% year-over-year change

Shirley population

How many people live in Shirley

Shirley is home to 1,146 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Shirley locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
1,146
-8.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
523
Female
54.4%
623
Value Percent YoY change
Male 523 45.6% -15.9%
Female 623 54.4% -1.7%
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 Shirley is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 30.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
30.4%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 165 14.4% -7.8%
15 to 24 114 10% 9.6%
25 to 44 337 29.4% -14.0%
45 to 64 349 30.4% -12.3%
Over 65 181 15.8% -1.1%
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

At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,103 96.2% -7.5%
Non-citizens 43 3.8% -32.8%
Racial breakdown
White
93.2%
Black or African American
6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,068 93.2%
Black or African American 78 6.8%

Households in Shirley

A peek inside Shirley households

Shirley has 503 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.7% are families, while the remaining 43.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
503
-13.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
218
Family households
285
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 218 43.3% -22.7%
Family households 285 56.7% -5.3%
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 Shirley

The housing landscape of Shirley

Shirley's housing consists of 503 units, with 60% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
503
-13.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 302 60%
1 unit, attached 23 4.6%
5 to 9 units 113 22.5%
10 to 19 units 65 12.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shirley

In Shirley, the median construction year is 1938. 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 274 54.5% -18.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 50 9.9% -12.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 18 3.6% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 44 8.8% -10.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 43 8.6% -28.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 23 4.6% 109.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 51 10.1% -5.6%
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.

Shirley occupancy rates

Out of the 503 occupied housing units in Shirley, 63.2% are owner-occupied, while 36.8% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
503
-13.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
185
Owner occupied
318
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 185 36.8% -5.6%
Owner occupied 318 63.2% -17.8%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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.

Shirley housing costs

Housing costs in Shirley come to a median of $1,840 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $982.

Median housing costs per month
$1,840/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 Shirley
$982/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 Shirley

Shirley education at a glance

About 15.6% of the population in Shirley went to high school, while 30.5% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 35.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 146 15.6% -46.9%
College diploma 285 30.5% 51.6%
Associate degree 44 4.7% -63.9%
Bachelor's degree 330 35.3% 5.8%
Graduate degree 130 13.9% -5.1%
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 Shirley

How much people earn in Shirley

The average annual household income in Shirley was $113,594 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.2% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Shirley
$113,594/year
12.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shirley
$108,494/year
% year-over-year change

Shirley income by age

In Shirley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,835. Overall, 94.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $108,835 1.8%
Above poverty level
1,078
Below poverty level
68
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,078 94.1% -10.4%
Below poverty level 68 5.9% 28.3%

Average renter income in Shirley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shirley, their median household income was $29,438 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,438
Rent-to-income ratio
40%
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 Shirley

Workforce and job types in Shirley

The job market in Shirley is powered by 669 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 58.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
669
-7.7% year-over-year change
White collar
606
Blue collar
63
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 606 90.6% -1.8%
Blue collar 63 9.4% -41.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
58.9%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 44 6.6% -32.3%
Private companies 394 58.9% 5.9%
Governmental workers 99 14.8% -3.9%
Not for profit companies 132 19.7% -28.6%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-32.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shirley stands at 6%, 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 Shirley

How people get around in Shirley

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 496 76.1% -4.2%
Railroad 17 2.6% 30.8%
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 Shirley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01464 6,976 2,277 $122,365 $149,622

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FAQs about Shirley demographics 

What is the total population of Shirley?

Shirley has a total population of 1,146 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 -8.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shirley?

The gender ratio in Shirley is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (523 residents)
  • 54.4% females (623 residents)

What is the median age in Shirley?

The median age in Shirley is 44.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shirley?

The age distribution in Shirley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (165 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (114 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (337 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.4% (349 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (181 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shirley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shirley is as follows:
  • White: 93.2% (1,068 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.8% (78 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: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Shirley.

How many housing units are there in Shirley?

There are 503 housing units in Shirley, reflecting a -13.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shirley has a total of 503 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shirley?

Shirley has a median household income of $108,494, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Shirley, with a workforce of 669 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.6% (606 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.4% (63 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (44 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.9% (394 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (99 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19.7% (132 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