Median Income
$82,269
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$1,550,000
450% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
131/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
60.4%
79% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$924
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.7%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Chatham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,614
Median Age67.4 yrs
Density611/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$82,269
Per Capita$91,777
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$19,298M
Commute25 min
Housing
F
Home Value$1,550,000
Rent$924
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$1,262,760
Housing Units2,176
Rent Burden32.9%
Crime
F
Violent131/100K
Property965/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault82/100K
Burglary196/100K
Health
Obesity26.7%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking9.7%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation35 ft (11 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+60.4%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+34.1%
School Score6.80
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute25 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations6
Libraries33
Is Chatham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chatham receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Chatham has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chatham is $82,269, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chatham is $1,550,000, making it a premium housing market at 450% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $924 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 18.8x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Chatham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 131 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 965 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
Chatham is a highly educated community / 60.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Chatham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches, including 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Chatham has a population of 1,614 with a density of 611 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 67.4 years, 73% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (99.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
67.4yrs
Median Age
73% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Chatham is $82,269, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $91,777 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,244, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,789 business establishments, including 1,098 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105.8, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,269 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $91,777 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,244 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,789 |
| County GDP | $19,298M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,098 |
| Healthcare | 792 |
| Retail | 1,381 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 2.8% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Chatham is $1,550,000, 450% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,262,760, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $924 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,822 for a one-bedroom to $2,300 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,176 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $7,218 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 18.8x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $1,550,000 |
| 450% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,262,760 |
| Median List Price | $2,950,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $2,950,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $556 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.7% |
| Price Drops | 15.2% |
| Inventory | 33 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $924 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,727 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,822 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,232 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,176 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.47% |
In Chatham, 26.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 9.7% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 15.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,033. 90.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chatham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.7% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.7% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,033 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.5% |
| Dental Visits | 76.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,272/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 792 |
Chatham has a violent crime rate of 131 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 81.7 per 100,000, robbery at 16.4, rape at 32.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 965 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 768, burglary at 196, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chatham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chatham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.8/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 32.7/100K |
| Robbery | 16.4/100K |
| Assault | 81.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 964.5/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Burglary | 196.2/100K |
| Theft | 768.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chatham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 35 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 611/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6739°N, 69.9630°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Barnstable County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Bedford Regional (EWB)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.0 on Jul 22, 2003.
| Mar 22, 1996 |
2 km NE of Bristol, Rhode Island |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
52 km E of Chatham, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
53 km |
| Jul 22, 2003 |
72 km NNE of Provincetown, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
52 km ENE of Rockport, Massachusetts |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Oct 11, 1990 |
5 km NNE of The Pinehills, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
58 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
3 km NE of North Westport, Massachusetts |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| Jun 7, 2002 |
3 km NNW of Hopedale, Massachusetts |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Henri (2021, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Henri |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
165 km |
| 2009 |
Bill |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
251 km |
| 1996 |
Edouard |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
112 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
237 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1970 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1986 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1964 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1997 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NOMANS AERIAL RX (546 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
NOMANS AERIAL RX |
546 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
Chatham has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 32°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.5 inches, with December being the wettest month (4.3") and July the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Chatham. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$265 ($159–$423) |
| Specialist Visit |
$370 ($212–$582) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$212 ($106–$370) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,328 ($846–$5,290) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$138 ($79–$212) |
| Dental Filling |
$265 ($159–$423) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$127) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$317 ($159–$529) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$635 ($423–$1,058) |
| Battery Replacement |
$212 ($106–$370) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$106 ($63–$159) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$148) |
| HVAC Repair |
$423 ($159–$846) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,406 ($4,232–$12,696) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,058 ($423–$2,116) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,522 ($5,819–$15,870) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,587 ($529–$3,703) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,870 ($5,290–$31,740) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,290 ($2,116–$10,580) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,587 ($846–$3,174) |
| Will Preparation |
$529 ($212–$1,058) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,645 ($1,058–$5,290) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$106) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$159 ($79–$265) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$69) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$85 ($53–$138) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.34 ($3.17–$5.82) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.70 ($2.65–$5.29) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.02 ($2.65–$5.82) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.76 ($3.17–$6.88) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.82 ($4.23–$7.94) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.06 ($0.63–$1.90) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$148 ($85–$265) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$159) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$127) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$106) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$69 ($32–$106) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$90 ($53–$159) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$212 ($79–$529) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,116 ($1,270–$3,703) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$138) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.46–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$106 ($32–$265) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,270 ($635–$2,645) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,116) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$423 ($212–$741) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$106) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,058 ($423–$2,645) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,225 ($5,290–$31,740) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$106) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$106 ($53–$212) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$106) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$317 ($159–$529) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$212 ($106–$423) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,524 |
| Toddler | $1,386 |
| Preschool | $1,169 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,191 |
| Toddler | $1,082 |
| Preschool | $1,082 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chatham
What is the population of Chatham?
Chatham has a population of 1,614 residents and is located in Massachusetts. The population density is 611 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 67.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Chatham expensive to live in?
Chatham is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 105.8 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,269, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $1,550,000 (450% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $924 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 18.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Chatham safe?
Chatham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 131 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 965 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chatham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chatham?
Chatham has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches, with 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Chatham?
The job market in Chatham is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,244. There are 9,789 business establishments in the area, including 1,098 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham is $1,550,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,262,760. For renters, the median monthly rent is $924. Fair market rent is $1,822 for a 1-bedroom and $2,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,218.
How are the schools in Chatham?
Schools in Chatham score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 60.4% of adults in Chatham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 34.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chatham?
The obesity rate in Chatham is 26.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.7% of adults are smokers. 15.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112.
What is transportation like in Chatham?
The average commute in Chatham is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chatham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chatham is 99.1% White. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.2% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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