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

Total population
987
-8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,571/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
435
-7.6% year-over-year change

Townsend population

How many people live in Townsend

Townsend is home to 987 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.3% of Townsend locals are male, and 54.7% are female.

Total population
987
-8.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.3%
447
Female
54.7%
540
Value Percent YoY change
Male 447 45.3% -11.5%
Female 540 54.7% -6.4%
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 Townsend is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 16.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.4% of the population, while another 31.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
16.9%
25 to 44
18.4%
45 to 64
31.5%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 165 16.7% -2.9%
15 to 24 167 16.9% 31.5%
25 to 44 182 18.4% 0.6%
45 to 64 311 31.5% -24.0%
Over 65 162 16.4% -16.9%
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 Townsend, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 80.2% of locals are Caucasian, 4.6% are African American and 3.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 925 93.7% -10.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 62 6.3% 17.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.2%
Black or African American
4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 792 80.2%
Black or African American 45 4.6%
Asian 34 3.4%
Two or more races 105 10.6%
Other 11 1.1%

Households in Townsend

A peek inside Townsend households

Townsend has 402 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53% are families, while the remaining 47% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
402
-14.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
189
Family households
213
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 189 47% -5.5%
Family households 213 53% -21.4%
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 Townsend

The housing landscape of Townsend

Townsend's housing consists of 435 units, with 54.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
435
-7.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 236 54.2%
1 unit, attached 11 2.5%
2 units 13 3%
10 to 19 units 69 15.9%
20 to 49 units 47 10.8%
50 or more units 59 13.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Townsend

In Townsend, the median construction year is 1956. About 32% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.3% 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 139 32% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 49 11.3% 8.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 47 10.8% 27.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 45 10.3% -13.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 77 17.7% -3.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 33 7.6% 43.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 21 4.8% -16.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 24 5.5% -67.1%
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.

Townsend occupancy rates

Out of the 402 occupied housing units in Townsend, 53% are owner-occupied, while 47% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
402
-14.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
189
Owner occupied
213
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 189 47% -20.2%
Owner occupied 213 53% -9.0%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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.

Townsend housing costs

Housing costs in Townsend come to a median of $1,062 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $918.

Median housing costs per month
$1,062/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 Townsend
$918/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 Townsend

Townsend education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Townsend went to high school, while 13.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 23.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 17 2.2% -39.3%
High school diploma 356 45% -1.9%
College diploma 108 13.6% -26.0%
Associate degree 85 10.8% -23.4%
Bachelor's degree 186 23.5% 28.3%
Graduate degree 39 4.9% -56.7%
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 Townsend

How much people earn in Townsend

The average annual household income in Townsend was $98,067 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,571, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Townsend
$98,067/year
-8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Townsend
$58,571/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Townsend income by age

In Townsend, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,909. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,250 overall. Overall, 84% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,909 N/A
45 - 64 $71,250 N/A
Over 65 $26,875 36.0%
Above poverty level
821
Below poverty level
156
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 821 84% -10.5%
Below poverty level 156 16% -5.5%

Average renter income in Townsend

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Townsend, their median household income was $18,375 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 60%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,375
Rent-to-income ratio
60%
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 Townsend

Workforce and job types in Townsend

The job market in Townsend is powered by 462 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 65.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
462
-12.2% year-over-year change
White collar
360
Blue collar
102
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 360 77.9% -11.1%
Blue collar 102 22.1% -15.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
65.4%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 43 9.3% -23.2%
Private companies 302 65.4% -8.8%
Governmental workers 71 15.4% 14.5%
Not for profit companies 46 10% -40.3%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
-25.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Townsend stands at 1.9%, 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 Townsend

How people get around in Townsend

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 282 65.4% -11.9%
Railroad 16 3.7% 6.7%
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 Townsend by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01469 6,820 2,583 $103,801 $124,199
01474 2,280 756 $136,371 $141,272

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FAQs about Townsend demographics 

What is the total population of Townsend?

Townsend has a total population of 987 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 Townsend?

The gender ratio in Townsend is as follows:
  • 45.3% males (447 residents)
  • 54.7% females (540 residents)

What is the median age in Townsend?

The median age in Townsend is 44.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Townsend?

The age distribution in Townsend is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (165 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.9% (167 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.4% (182 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.5% (311 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (162 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Townsend?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Townsend is as follows:
  • White: 80.2% (792 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (45 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3.4% (34 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (105 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (11 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Townsend.

How many housing units are there in Townsend?

There are 435 housing units in Townsend, reflecting a -7.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Townsend has a total of 402 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Townsend?

Townsend has a median household income of $58,571, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.1% in Townsend, with a workforce of 462 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.9% (360 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.1% (102 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (43 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.4% (302 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (71 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (46 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