Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Athol, MA
Considering a move to Athol, MA? This friendly town of about 11,500 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $259,000 and average rents near $1,050—much lower than statewide averages. Athol enjoys a strong sense of community, low population density, and ready access to parks and outdoor recreation. Commute times are moderate at 28 minutes, violent crime remains below the national average, and local schools provide favorable student-teacher ratios. For those seeking small-town charm with practical amenities and four-season New England weather, Athol is a great choice to call home.
Demographics - Athol, MA
Athol, Massachusetts is a predominantly White community of just over 11,500 residents, with a median age of 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The town has a low population density, and about 6.5% of its residents speak a language other than English at home. This close-knit population offers a small-town atmosphere with a stable demographic profile.
Population:
11,518
Density:
440 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.9
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Athol, MA?
Living in Athol is affordable, with a median home value of $259,000 and average rent around $1,050, both below many Massachusetts averages. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, mainly due to higher utility and grocery costs, but housing remains attractively priced. State tax rates range from 5% to 9%, making it an economical option for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$259,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,545
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.5
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
87.5
Utilities:
114.0
Transportation:
108.0
Health Care:
100.5
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Athol, MA a safe place to live?
Athol offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 residents and property crime chances of 1 in 70. Both violent and property crime rates are below national averages, giving residents greater peace of mind. This makes the town appealing for those seeking a secure place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
259
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,435
Crime Index:
1,694
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 386
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Athol, MA year-round?
Athol experiences classic New England weather, featuring cold winters with lows around 13°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The area receives about 48 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. Residents benefit from distinct seasons, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Athol's residents have a median household income of $59,050, with about 13.6% living below the poverty line. Most adults have finished high school, and commuting times average just over 28 minutes, reflecting a working-class, community-oriented lifestyle. Public transportation usage is minimal, emphasizing the town's suburban character.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$59,050
Family Income:
$67,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,150
Income Male:
$38,800
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
13.6%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
28.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Athol, MA?
Athol provides quality education through its public schools, including Athol High School and Athol-Royalston Middle School, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. The town also offers private school options and is within short driving distance to colleges like Mount Wachusett Community College. This makes educational opportunities accessible from primary through higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Athol High School
Street:
2363 Main St
Phone:
978-249-2435
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.9
Name:
Athol-Royalston Middle School
Street:
1062 Pleasant St
Phone:
978-249-2430
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Martin's School
Street:
248 State Rd
Phone:
978-939-6227
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
4,500
Name:
Greenfield Community College
City:
Greenfield
State:
MA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Athol is served by local medical facilities such as Athol Hospital and nearby Heywood Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and 96.4% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is reliable and convenient. The town’s healthcare index suggests overall good medical support for its population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Athol Hospital
Address:
2033 Main St, Athol, MA 01331
Phone:
(978) 249-3511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Heywood Hospital
Address:
242 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Phone:
(978) 632-3420
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Athol, MA?
The housing market in Athol is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $259,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050. About 67% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen home values appreciate by 7.4% over the past year. The low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy and accessible housing market.
Median Home Price:
$259,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Athol residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, which offers services such as licensing and vehicle registration. The nearest major office is located in Quincy, with helpful online resources available for convenience. This ensures easy access to essential transportation services for locals.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.