Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harwich, MA
Thinking about moving to Harwich, MA? This welcoming Cape Cod town of about 13,440 residents features a relaxed coastal lifestyle, with a median home price around $627,000 and average rents near $1,640. Harwich boasts low crime rates, short average commutes of 22 minutes, and highly rated schools, making it great for families and retirees alike. With a mild seaside climate, strong healthcare access, and high homeownership, Harwich is the perfect spot to enjoy the best of Cape Cod living.
Demographics - Harwich, MA
Demographics - Harwich, MA
Harwich is home to approximately 13,440 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 56, reflecting its appeal to retirees and older adults. The community has a moderate population density and a nearly balanced gender ratio, while about 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
13,440
Density:
570 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.3
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harwich, MA?
Living in Harwich comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $627,000 and a cost of living index of 132.1. Everyday expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries tend to be above the national average, reflecting its desirable Cape Cod location.
Median House Value:
$627,000
Gross Rent:
$1,640
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$195
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,760
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$880
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.1
Grocery:
119.0
Housing:
147.5
Utilities:
116.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
119.5
Miscellaneous:
113.0
Crime
Is Harwich, MA a safe place to live?
Harwich offers a safe environment, with low violent crime rates—about 132 incidents per 100,000 people—and a property crime rate that is lower than many comparable communities. Residents generally enjoy a strong sense of security, making the town attractive for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
132
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,242
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 757
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Harwich, MA year-round?
Harwich enjoys a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging around 78°F and winter lows near 24°F. The town receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and has over half its days filled with sunshine, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Harwich is around $74,500, with a poverty rate below 9% and an unemployment rate under 5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma and commute about 22 minutes to work, contributing to a well-educated and stable community.
Median Income:
$43,500
Household Income:
$74,500
Family Income:
$87,400
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$50,300
Income Female:
$43,100
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$1,640
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
41.8%
Education
How are the schools in Harwich, MA?
Harwich offers quality public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Harwich Elementary and Monomoy Regional Middle School, and access to higher education at Cape Cod Community College just 17 miles away. The area’s educational institutions support a strong foundation for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Harwich Elementary School
Street:
263 South St
Phone:
508-430-7216
Students:
595
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Name:
Monomoy Regional Middle School
Street:
425 Crowell Rd, Chatham, MA
Phone:
508-945-5140
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.7

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Trinity Regional School
Street:
245 Route 28, West Harwich, MA
Phone:
508-432-8216
Students:
190

Colleges
Name:
Cape Cod Community College
City:
West Barnstable
State:
MA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Harwich residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, including nearby Cape Cod Hospital and local primary care options, with about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 96% of residents have health insurance, ensuring broad coverage for medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cape Cod Hospital
Address:
27 Park St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone:
(508) 771-1800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cape Cod Healthcare – Fontaine Primary Care
Address:
525 Long Pond Dr, Harwich, MA 02645
Phone:
(508) 432-1400
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harwich, MA?
The housing market in Harwich is robust, with a median home price of $627,000 and a high owner-occupied rate near 84%. Home values are rising, with an 8.5% appreciation rate in the past year, reflecting steady demand and a desirable residential environment.
Median Home Price:
$627,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,640
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Harwich are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in nearby Hyannis, making it convenient to access driver and vehicle services. The local DMV provides essential resources for licensing, registration, and other transportation needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1019 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601
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.