West Brookfield, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,563
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$76,625/yr
28.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
747
0.4% year-over-year change

West Brookfield population

How many people live in West Brookfield

West Brookfield is home to 1,563 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of West Brookfield locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
1,563
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
724
Female
53.7%
839
Value Percent YoY change
Male 724 46.3% 10.0%
Female 839 53.7% -2.4%
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 West Brookfield is 60, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.6% are children under 15, then 4.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.5% of the population, while another 28.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 42.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.6%
15 to 24
4.4%
25 to 44
17.5%
45 to 64
28.3%
Over 65
42.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 119 7.6% -20.7%
15 to 24 68 4.4% 6.2%
25 to 44 273 17.5% 17.2%
45 to 64 442 28.3% 5.5%
Over 65 661 42.3% 1.4%
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 West Brookfield, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,552 99.3% 2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 0.7% 22.2%
Racial breakdown
White
99.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,553 99.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.6%

Households in West Brookfield

A peek inside West Brookfield households

West Brookfield has 627 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.4% are families, while the remaining 41.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
627
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
261
Family households
366
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 261 41.6% -7.5%
Family households 366 58.4% 7.7%
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 West Brookfield

The housing landscape of West Brookfield

West Brookfield's housing consists of 747 units, with 65.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
747
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 488 65.3%
1 unit, attached 41 5.5%
2 units 53 7.1%
3 or 4 units 86 11.5%
5 to 9 units 36 4.8%
20 to 49 units 43 5.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Brookfield

In West Brookfield, the median construction year is 1953. About 45.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% 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 339 45.4% -19.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 2.7% 185.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 48 6.4% -26.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 54 7.2% 14.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10 1.3% 11.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 129 17.3% 40.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 111 14.9% 73.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 36 4.8% -5.3%
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.

West Brookfield occupancy rates

Out of the 627 occupied housing units in West Brookfield, 61.1% are owner-occupied, while 38.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
627
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
244
Owner occupied
383
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 244 38.9% 0.0%
Owner occupied 383 61.1% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
16.1%
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.

West Brookfield housing costs

Housing costs in West Brookfield come to a median of $1,290 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,128.

Median housing costs per month
$1,290/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 West Brookfield
$1,128/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 West Brookfield

West Brookfield education at a glance

About 34% of the population in West Brookfield went to high school, while 25.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 24.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 45 3.2% -23.7%
High school diploma 475 34% -6.5%
College diploma 352 25.2% 33.3%
Associate degree 117 8.4% -19.9%
Bachelor's degree 344 24.6% 28.8%
Graduate degree 64 4.6% -7.2%
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 West Brookfield

How much people earn in West Brookfield

The average annual household income in West Brookfield was $98,105 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +30.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $76,625, reflecting a +28.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Brookfield
$98,105/year
30.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Brookfield
$76,625/year
28.3% year-over-year change

West Brookfield income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,125 overall. Overall, 86.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $108,125 33.1%
Over 65 $62,306 5.7%
Above poverty level
1,176
Below poverty level
186
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,176 86.3% 4.3%
Below poverty level 186 13.7% -4.6%

Average renter income in West Brookfield

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Brookfield, their median household income was $26,778 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 50.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,778
Rent-to-income ratio
50.5%
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 West Brookfield

Workforce and job types in West Brookfield

The job market in West Brookfield is powered by 614 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5% run their own businesses, 75.6% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
614
9.6% year-over-year change
White collar
531
Blue collar
83
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 531 86.5% 14.4%
Blue collar 83 13.5% -13.5%
Employer type
Self employees
5%
Private companies
75.6%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 31 5% -55.7%
Private companies 464 75.6% 13.7%
Governmental workers 92 15% 84.0%
Not for profit companies 27 4.4% -15.6%
Unemployment rate
7.8%
-7.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Brookfield stands at 7.8%, 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 West Brookfield

How people get around in West Brookfield

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 512 90% 11.3%
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 West Brookfield demographics 

What is the total population of West Brookfield?

West Brookfield has a total population of 1,563 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 +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Brookfield?

The gender ratio in West Brookfield is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (724 residents)
  • 53.7% females (839 residents)

What is the median age in West Brookfield?

The median age in West Brookfield is 59.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Brookfield?

The age distribution in West Brookfield is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.6% (119 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.4% (68 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.5% (273 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.3% (442 residents)
  • Over 65: 42.3% (661 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Brookfield?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Brookfield is as follows:
  • White: 99.4% (1,553 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (10 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 West Brookfield are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in West Brookfield.

How many housing units are there in West Brookfield?

There are 747 housing units in West Brookfield, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Brookfield has a total of 627 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Brookfield?

West Brookfield has a median household income of $76,625, representing a +28.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Brookfield?

The employment rate is 92.2% in West Brookfield, with a workforce of 614 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.5% (531 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.5% (83 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5% (31 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.6% (464 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (92 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (27 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