West Chatham, Massachusetts Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Chatham, Massachusetts had a total population of 1,258, the 218th largest community in Massachusetts. The poverty rate is 22.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- 73.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Massachusetts.
West Chatham Quick Facts
How West Chatham Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,337 | 1,258 | -5.9% |
| Median home value | $743,100 | $739,600 | -0.5% |
How West Chatham Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 53 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Chatham Rankings in Massachusetts
Explore Massachusetts Rankings
Other Cities in Barnstable County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | 49,568 | $91,982 | 7.4% | $602,500 |
| South Yarmouth | 11,552 | $82,188 | 11.6% | $541,700 |
| East Falmouth | 6,245 | $81,464 | 8.6% | $593,000 |
| West Yarmouth | 6,194 | $65,841 | 9.1% | $494,600 |
| Yarmouth Port | 5,961 | $110,304 | 7.7% | $604,900 |
| East Harwich | 5,654 | $111,508 | 1.7% | $638,900 |
| Sagamore | 4,072 | $108,315 | 2.5% | $575,700 |
| Falmouth | 3,954 | $68,227 | 21.8% | $837,900 |
| Northwest Harwich | 3,932 | $107,730 | 7.5% | $665,100 |
| East Sandwich | 3,864 | $115,000 | 11.5% | $689,000 |
Cities Similar to West Chatham
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groton | 1,232 | $135,714 | $758,500 | 59.9% | 10.1% |
| Holland | 1,301 | $86,615 | $325,200 | 30.6% | 5.7% |
| Green Harbor | 1,314 | $203,159 | $816,900 | 32.8% | 7.8% |
| West Falmouth | 1,325 | $77,292 | $823,200 | 54.9% | 13.7% |
| Marion Center | 1,335 | $150,700 | $708,600 | 50.3% | 13.5% |
Population Overview
West Chatham is a small community located in Massachusetts, within Barnstable County. The total population is 1,258. It ranks as the 218th most populous out of 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Chatham is 59.7 years. This is 49% higher than the state median of 40.0 years. Only 14.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 23.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 22.0%. This is 119% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $739,600. Housing costs are 32% higher than the state median of $562,100. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% higher than the state average of 62.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Chatham is White (non-Hispanic), making up 75.8% of the population. Asian residents account for 9.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 13.3%.
Education
73.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places West Chatham in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 56% higher than the state rate of 47.3%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.9%. Notably, 35.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Chatham, Massachusetts is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Massachusetts state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 248 Census-designated places in Massachusetts. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Chatham, Massachusetts?
West Chatham, Massachusetts has a population of 1,258 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Chatham, MA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for West Chatham — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Chatham, MA?
The poverty rate in West Chatham is 22.0%. This means approximately 277 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Chatham, Massachusetts?
West Chatham's population is 75.8% White, 0.0% Black, 1.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 9.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Chatham, MA?
The median home value in West Chatham is $739,600.
How educated is West Chatham, Massachusetts?
73.8% of adults (25+) in West Chatham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 35.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.