Median Income
$108,157
44% higher than US avg
Home Value
$585,400
108% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
164/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.9%
21% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,213
90% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.0%
19% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How East Harwich Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,670
Median Age60.1 yrs
Density707/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$108,157
Per Capita$58,028
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$19,298M
Commute24 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$585,400
Rent$2,213
Ownership89.3%
Zillow$1,036,007
Housing Units3,671
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent164/100K
Property1,178/100K
Health
Obesity26.0%
Uninsured3.8%
Smoking10.8%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation80 ft (24 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.9%
High School+99.2%
Graduate+18.0%
School Score6.80
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute24 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries33
Is East Harwich a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Harwich receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. East Harwich offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in East Harwich is $108,157, which is significantly higher than the national average / 44% above $75,149. This places East Harwich among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in East Harwich is $585,400, making it a premium housing market at 108% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,213 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in East Harwich is below the national average at 164 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,178 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
East Harwich experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
East Harwich has a population of 5,670 with a density of 707 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age is 60.1 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.4% of residents, while 11.6% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.1yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Harwich vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.4%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.6%
13% below US avg
Social Characteristics
East Harwich vs U.S. Average
The median household income in East Harwich is $108,157, which is 44% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $58,028 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,244, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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 24 minutes. 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: East Harwich vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $108,157 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $58,028 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,244 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 1.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in East Harwich is $585,400, 108% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,036,007, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $2,213 (90% above 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. 89.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,671 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $7,218 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $585,400 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,036,007 |
| Median List Price | $4,499,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $4,499,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $426 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,213 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
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 | 89.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,671 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.23% |
In East Harwich, 26.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 15.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.8% 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: East Harwich vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.4% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 3.8% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,033 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.9% |
| Dental Visits | 74.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,272/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 792 |
East Harwich has a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,178 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, East Harwich receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: East Harwich vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 163.9/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,177.7/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
East Harwich experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°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 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 80 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Area | 8.0 sq mi (20.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 707/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7086°N, 70.0318°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Barnstable County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Bedford Regional (EWB)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
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
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 7, 2010.
| Mar 22, 1996 |
2 km NE of Bristol, Rhode Island |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jan 10, 1999 |
2 km ENE of Merrimac, Massachusetts |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
52 km E of Chatham, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Jan 10, 1999 |
1 km NNE of Merrimac, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Jul 22, 2003 |
72 km NNE of Provincetown, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
52 km ENE of Rockport, Massachusetts |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Jun 7, 2010 |
29 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Mar 9, 2008 |
25 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Oct 11, 1990 |
5 km NNE of The Pinehills, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
51 km |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
2 km E of Littleton Common, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
3 km NE of North Westport, Massachusetts |
M2.6 |
86 km |
| Jun 7, 2002 |
3 km NNW of Hopedale, Massachusetts |
M2.5 |
136 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 |
269 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
278 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
170 km |
| 2009 |
Bill |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 1996 |
Edouard |
Category 1 |
193 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
106 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
230 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
27 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1970 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1986 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1964 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
52 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 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
4.3 in |
|
East Harwich has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 31°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.3") and July the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in East Harwich. 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 East Harwich
What is the population of East Harwich?
East Harwich has a population of 5,670 residents and is located in Massachusetts. The population density is 707 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is East Harwich expensive to live in?
East Harwich 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 $108,157, 44% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $585,400 (108% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,213 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is East Harwich safe?
East Harwich is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,178 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, East Harwich receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in East Harwich?
East Harwich has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in East Harwich?
The job market in East Harwich is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / 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 24 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in East Harwich?
The median home value in East Harwich is $585,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,036,007. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,213. Fair market rent is $1,822 for a 1-bedroom and $2,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,218.
How are the schools in East Harwich?
Schools in East Harwich score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.9% of adults in East Harwich hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. 18.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is East Harwich?
The obesity rate in East Harwich is 26.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 15.4% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 3.8% 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 East Harwich?
The average commute in East Harwich is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of East Harwich?
The racial and ethnic makeup of East Harwich is 98.1% White. 88.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.6% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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