Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chatham, MA
Thinking of moving to Chatham, MA? With a cozy population of 6,594, Chatham offers a quintessential Cape Cod lifestyle with high safety—violent crime is just 43 per 100K—and top-tier schools boasting small class sizes. Expect a premium cost of living (median home price $1.05M, rent $2,100) and a relaxed coastal climate with 57% sunny days. Enjoy short commutes, excellent healthcare access, and an active, highly educated community perfect for those seeking seaside charm.
Demographics - Chatham, MA
Demographics - Chatham, MA
Chatham, MA is home to 6,594 residents, with a median age of 58.1, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The population is predominantly White, and about 7.8% of locals speak a language other than English at home. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a population density that offers both community and space.
Population:
6,594
Density:
570 per sq mi
Median Age:
58.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.3%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chatham, MA?
Living in Chatham comes with a premium, as the median home value stands at $1,050,000 and average rent is $2,100, making housing the largest expense. The overall cost of living index is 163.5, indicating prices are significantly above the national average, especially for housing and groceries. Residents also face moderate utility and transportation costs, alongside Massachusetts state tax rates ranging from 5% to 9%.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,500
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,065
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
163.5
Grocery:
126.2
Housing:
245.0
Utilities:
115.3
Transportation:
134.1
Health Care:
120.8
Miscellaneous:
117.7
Crime
Is Chatham, MA a safe place to live?
Chatham boasts an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 43 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. Property crimes occur at a rate of 390 per 100,000, well below many urban areas. Residents enjoy peace of mind with a 1 in 2,325 chance of experiencing violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
43
Property Crimes Per 100k:
390
Crime Index:
433
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,325
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 256
Weather
What is the weather like in Chatham, MA year-round?
Chatham experiences mild, coastal weather with cool winters averaging 25°F to 39°F and pleasant summers peaking near 79°F. The town receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year. This climate offers comfortable seasons ideal for outdoor and seaside activities.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Chatham residents benefit from a median household income of $93,650 and a family income of $118,500, supporting a comfortable lifestyle. The area is highly educated, with over 97% holding at least a high school diploma and 58% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and the poverty rate is a low 6.7%.
Median Income:
$50,700
Household Income:
$93,650
Family Income:
$118,500
Per Capita Income:
$64,200
Income Male:
$56,200
Income Female:
$44,900
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
58.3%
Education
How are the schools in Chatham, MA?
Chatham offers quality educational options, with public schools like Chatham Elementary and Monomoy Regional Middle School providing small class sizes for individualized attention. Local students benefit from both public and private educational programs, and higher education is accessible at Cape Cod Community College, just 23 miles away. The town’s strong educational attainment adds to its appeal for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Chatham Elementary School
Street:
147 Depot Rd
Phone:
508-945-5135
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Monomoy Regional Middle School
Street:
425 Crowell Rd
Phone:
508-945-5140
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Pleasant Bay Community Boating (educational programs)
Street:
2287 Route 28
Phone:
508-945-7245
Students:
N/A
Colleges
Name:
Cape Cod Community College
City:
West Barnstable
State:
MA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Chatham is excellent, with Cape Cod Hospital nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000. Nearly all residents have health insurance coverage, contributing to the community’s overall well-being. The healthcare index of 81.3 reflects quality medical services for locals.
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:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
81.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chatham, MA?
Chatham’s housing market features a high median home price of $1,050,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,100, reflecting strong demand and desirability. The homeownership rate is high at 82%, and property values have appreciated by nearly 7% in the past year. Rental vacancies are relatively high, offering some flexibility for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
16.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Chatham are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Boston. Residents can access services online or via phone, with the nearest branch providing comprehensive support for all DMV needs. The state ensures streamlined processes for new and existing motorists.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1010 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118
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.