Median Income
$58,800
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$250,000
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.6%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$632
46% lower than US avg
Unemployment
14.9%
314% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.4%
40% higher than US avg
How Amherst Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,728
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density20/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Economy
C
Median Income$58,800
Per Capita$43,240
Unemployment14.9%
Poverty17.4%
Commute32 min
Housing
A
Home Value$250,000
Rent$632
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units875
Rent Burden13.7%
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.6%
High School+28.1%
Graduate+2.3%
Is Amherst a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Amherst receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Amherst has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Amherst is $58,800, 22% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Amherst is $250,000, 11% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $632 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
6.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.1% have completed high school.
Amherst has a population of 1,728 with a density of 20 people per square mile. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (99.4%).
Population
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 4.9% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Spanish | 92.5% |
| 590% above US avg |
| Other Languages | 2.6% |
The median household income in Amherst is $58,800, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 14.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,800 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,240 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.9% |
| 314% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.4% |
| 40% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.9% |
The median home value in Amherst is $250,000, 11% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $632 (46% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $250,000 |
| 11% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $632 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.7% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 82.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.7% |
| Housing Units | 875 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Amherst vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Amherst vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Area | 88.0 sq mi (227.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 0.0000°N, 0.0000°W |