Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Northampton, MA
Considering a move to Northampton, MA? With a vibrant population of 29,571, Northampton offers a blend of historic charm, strong educational opportunities—including Smith College—and a lively downtown. Median home prices hover around $410,000, and rents average $1,600, with cost of living slightly above national averages. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 163 per 100K, quick 20-minute commutes, and excellent access to healthcare. The city is known for its progressive culture, highly educated residents (55% hold a bachelor’s or higher), and four-season New England climate.
Demographics - Northampton, MA
Demographics - Northampton, MA
Northampton is home to about 29,500 residents, characterized by a diverse community that is predominantly White but includes notable Asian and Black populations. The median age is nearly 40, and the city features a slightly higher female population and a vibrant mix of backgrounds, with over 10% speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
29,571
Density:
910 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
5.0%
Others:
10.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Northampton, MA?
The cost of living in Northampton is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 120.8. Median home values are around $410,000, and renters can expect to pay about $1,600 per month, making housing a significant part of the local budget.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,275
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.8
Grocery:
114.5
Housing:
130.2
Utilities:
109.0
Transportation:
115.3
Health Care:
112.7
Miscellaneous:
107.9
Crime
Is Northampton, MA a safe place to live?
Northampton enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 163 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of safety for its community. Property crime is more common, but the city remains generally secure with a 1 in 613 chance of experiencing violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
163
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,297
Crime Index:
1,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 613
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Northampton, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 17°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making it appealing to those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Northampton is about $66,000, and the poverty rate stands at 14%. Most residents are highly educated, with over 55% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and commute times are short, averaging just under 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$66,000
Family Income:
$92,500
Per Capita Income:
$40,900
Income Male:
$48,500
Income Female:
$44,300
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
10.6%
Rent:
$1,600
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.6%
Bachelors or More:
55.2%
Education
How are the schools in Northampton, MA?
Northampton boasts strong educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Northampton High and JFK Middle, as well as private and higher education institutions such as Smith College. Families benefit from low student-teacher ratios and proximity to major universities.
Public Schools
Name:
Northampton High School
Street:
380 Elm St
Phone:
413-587-1346
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Name:
JFK Middle School
Street:
100 Bridge Rd
Phone:
413-587-1481
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Private Schools
Name:
The Hartsbrook School
Street:
193 Bay Road, Hadley
Phone:
413-586-1908
Students:
240
Colleges
Name:
Smith College
City:
Northampton
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,900
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
31,600
Healthcare
Northampton offers excellent healthcare access, anchored by Cooley Dickinson Hospital and a high ratio of physicians at 3.1 per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is robust, with 97% of the population insured, ensuring most medical needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Address:
30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone:
(413) 582-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.3%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Northampton, MA?
The median home price in Northampton is $410,000, with over half of residents owning their homes. Rental vacancy rates are low at 3.8%, and home values have appreciated by more than 7% in the past year, signaling a stable and competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access motor vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Amherst. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and registration services, with details available on the state website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1164 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002
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.