Woods Hole, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
988
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,724/yr
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,253
3.3% year-over-year change

Woods Hole population

How many people live in Woods Hole

Woods Hole is home to 988 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.9% of Woods Hole locals are male, and 44.1% are female.

Total population
988
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.9%
552
Female
44.1%
436
Value Percent YoY change
Male 552 55.9% 14.8%
Female 436 44.1% -15.8%
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 Woods Hole is 66, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.4% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.7% of the population, while another 10.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 51.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
66
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.4%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
17.7%
45 to 64
10.5%
Over 65
51.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 63 6.4% 85.3%
15 to 24 138 14% 22.1%
25 to 44 175 17.7% -8.4%
45 to 64 104 10.5% -17.5%
Over 65 508 51.4% -5.0%
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 Woods Hole, 86.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.5%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 858 86.8% -1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 84 8.5% -17.6%
Non-citizens 46 4.7% 84.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 889 90%
Two or more races 99 10%

Households in Woods Hole

A peek inside Woods Hole households

Woods Hole has 534 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
534
-1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
247
Family households
287
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 247 46.2% -3.1%
Family households 287 53.8% 0.7%
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 Woods Hole

The housing landscape of Woods Hole

Woods Hole's housing consists of 1,253 units, with 76.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,253
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 964 76.9%
1 unit, attached 147 11.7%
2 units 4 0.3%
3 or 4 units 66 5.3%
5 to 9 units 72 5.8%
Homes built since 2020
42
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Woods Hole

In Woods Hole, the median construction year is 1957. About 24.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.7% 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 312 24.9% -8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 134 10.7% -19.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 273 21.8% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 108 8.6% 2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 139 11.1% 135.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 48 3.8% 166.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 142 11.3% -9.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 55 4.4% 139.1%
Built in 2020 or later 42 3.4% N/A
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.

Woods Hole occupancy rates

Out of the 534 occupied housing units in Woods Hole, 73% are owner-occupied, while 27% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 57.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
534
-1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
144
Owner occupied
390
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 144 27% 17.1%
Owner occupied 390 73% -6.5%
Unoccupied housing units
57.4%
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.

Woods Hole housing costs

Housing costs in Woods Hole come to a median of $1,224 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,311.

Median housing costs per month
$1,224/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 Woods Hole
$1,311/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 Woods Hole

Woods Hole education at a glance

About 11.9% of the population in Woods Hole went to high school, while 11.6% pursued college studies. Another 3% earned an associate degree and 19% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 54.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 109 11.9% -5.2%
College diploma 106 11.6% 27.7%
Associate degree 27 3% -20.6%
Bachelor's degree 174 19% -3.3%
Graduate degree 500 54.6% -7.9%
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 Woods Hole

How much people earn in Woods Hole

The average annual household income in Woods Hole was $123,580 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -11.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,724, reflecting a -0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Woods Hole
$123,580/year
-11.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Woods Hole
$71,724/year
-0.9% year-over-year change

Woods Hole income by age

In Woods Hole, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $50,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,839 overall. Overall, 94.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $50,750 -11.6%
45 - 64 $128,839 N/A
Over 65 $73,430 1.3%
Above poverty level
898
Below poverty level
51
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 898 94.6% -4.6%
Below poverty level 51 5.4% -12.1%

Average renter income in Woods Hole

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Woods Hole, their median household income was $60,045 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,045
Rent-to-income ratio
26.2%
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 Woods Hole

Workforce and job types in Woods Hole

The job market in Woods Hole is powered by 382 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 55.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
382
-5.2% year-over-year change
White collar
340
Blue collar
42
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 340 89% -1.7%
Blue collar 42 11% -26.3%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
55.8%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23 6% 0.0%
Private companies 213 55.8% -1.8%
Governmental workers 62 16.2% 34.8%
Not for profit companies 84 22% -28.2%
Unemployment rate
10.8%
-19.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Woods Hole stands at 10.8%, 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 Woods Hole

How people get around in Woods Hole

Commuting methods vary: 46.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 22.4% 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 174 46.4% -28.1%
Railroad 25 6.7% 25.0%
Motorcycle 8 2.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 25 6.7% -3.9%
Walk 84 22.4% 147.1%
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 Woods Hole demographics 

What is the total population of Woods Hole?

Woods Hole has a total population of 988 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 -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Woods Hole?

The gender ratio in Woods Hole is as follows:
  • 55.9% males (552 residents)
  • 44.1% females (436 residents)

What is the median age in Woods Hole?

The median age in Woods Hole is 66.

What is the age distribution of the population in Woods Hole?

The age distribution in Woods Hole is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.4% (63 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (138 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.7% (175 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 10.5% (104 residents)
  • Over 65: 51.4% (508 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Woods Hole?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Woods Hole is as follows:
  • White: 90% (889 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: 10% (99 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.8% of the population in Woods Hole.

How many housing units are there in Woods Hole?

There are 1,253 housing units in Woods Hole, reflecting a +3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Woods Hole has a total of 534 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Woods Hole?

Woods Hole has a median household income of $71,724, representing a -0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Woods Hole?

The employment rate is 89.2% in Woods Hole, with a workforce of 382 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89% (340 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11% (42 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (23 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.8% (213 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (62 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22% (84 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