Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barnstable, MA
Thinking of moving to Barnstable, MA? With a population of around 49,000 and a median home price of $545,000, Barnstable offers coastal living, moderate commute times, and a strong sense of community. The city boasts excellent healthcare, a high rate of bachelor's degrees, and beautiful weather with 55% sunny days. With low violent crime, great schools, and a vibrant Cape Cod lifestyle, Barnstable is a welcoming spot for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Barnstable, MA
Demographics - Barnstable, MA
Barnstable is home to nearly 49,000 residents, with a median age of just over 50 and a population density of 1,300 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a small but notable presence of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and just over 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
48,916
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
50.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.8%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barnstable, MA?
Living in Barnstable comes with a cost of living index of 132, making it higher than the national average, largely due to a median home value of $545,000 and average rent around $1,700. Utilities and everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are also above average, reflecting the area's desirability and coastal location.
Median House Value:
$545,000
Gross Rent:
$1,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.0
Grocery:
115.5
Housing:
145.0
Utilities:
120.3
Transportation:
125.6
Health Care:
121.0
Miscellaneous:
113.8
Crime
Is Barnstable, MA a safe place to live?
Barnstable enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of 220 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,550 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 455 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a generally safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,550
Crime Index:
1,770
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Barnstable, MA year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs around 79°F and cool winters with lows near 23°F. Barnstable receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 55% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate temperate coastal weather.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Barnstable households have a median income of $82,300, and about 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a low poverty rate of 7.6%, a modest unemployment rate, and an average commute time of just under 23 minutes, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$43,200
Household Income:
$82,300
Family Income:
$104,100
Per Capita Income:
$47,800
Income Male:
$55,200
Income Female:
$46,100
Poverty Rate:
7.6%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,700
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.8%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
42.8%
Education
How are the schools in Barnstable, MA?
Barnstable offers strong educational opportunities through its public and private schools, such as Barnstable High School and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory, supported by favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Cape Cod Community College, providing local access to higher education and workforce development.

Public Schools
Name:
Barnstable High School
Street:
744 West Main St
Phone:
508-790-6445
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Barnstable Intermediate School
Street:
895 Falmouth Rd
Phone:
508-862-4953
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School
Street:
33 Cross St
Phone:
508-862-6336
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
Cape Cod Community College
City:
Barnstable
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Residents benefit from high-quality healthcare, including Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis and a strong physician presence at 3.2 doctors per 1,000 people. With over 96% health insurance coverage and a robust healthcare index, access to medical care is a highlight in Barnstable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cape Cod Hospital
Address:
27 Park St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone:
(508) 771-1800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.5%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barnstable, MA?
Barnstable's housing market is characterized by a median home price of $545,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The area has a healthy 6.3% annual home appreciation rate and low foreclosure and vacancy rates, reflecting steady demand and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$545,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents can access the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles at 75 Perseverance Way in Hyannis for licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services. The DMV offers comprehensive resources both in-person and online to serve the Barnstable community.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
75 Perseverance Way, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone:
(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.