Median Income
$76,944
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$546,600
94% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.8%
30% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,355
17% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.3%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Harwich Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,620
Median Age57.2 yrs
Density720/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,944
Per Capita$50,780
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$19,298M
Commute27 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$546,600
Rent$1,355
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$1,036,007
Housing Units1,062
Rent Burden26.6%
Health
Obesity26.3%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking10.9%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain45.2 in/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.8%
High School+99.4%
Graduate+32.3%
School Score6.80
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute27 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries33
Is Harwich Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harwich Center receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Harwich Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harwich Center is $76,944, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harwich Center is $546,600, making it a premium housing market at 94% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,355 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Harwich Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches, including 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Harwich Center has a population of 1,620 with a density of 720 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 57.2 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,620
Total Population
2023 Census
57.2yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harwich Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harwich Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harwich Center is $76,944, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,780 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,244, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% 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 27 minutes. 16.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Harwich Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,944 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,780 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,244 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% 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 | 1.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.7% |
The median home value in Harwich Center is $546,600, 94% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,036,007, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $591,000 with homes selling in an average of 16 days. Homes sell for 110.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,355 (17% 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. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,062 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $7,218 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $546,600 |
| 94% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,036,007 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $591,000 |
| Median List Price | $499,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $591,000 |
| Median List Price | $499,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $331 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 16 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 110.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,355 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
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 | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,062 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.32% |
In Harwich Center, 26.3% 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. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 10.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 15.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% 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: Harwich Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.3% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,033 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.2% |
| Dental Visits | 72.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,272/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 792 |
Harwich Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches. The area receives 24.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. 94% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 720/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6921°N, 70.0663°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Barnstable County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Bedford Regional (EWB) 46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 94.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
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 |
98 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 |
62 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 |
106 km |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
52 km ENE of Rockport, Massachusetts |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Jun 7, 2010 |
29 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Mar 9, 2008 |
25 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Oct 11, 1990 |
5 km NNE of The Pinehills, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
50 km |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
2 km E of Littleton Common, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
3 km NE of North Westport, Massachusetts |
M2.6 |
83 km |
| Jun 7, 2002 |
3 km NNW of Hopedale, Massachusetts |
M2.5 |
134 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 |
267 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
169 km |
| 2009 |
Bill |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 1996 |
Edouard |
Category 1 |
193 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
107 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
228 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1970 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2018 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1986 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1964 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2019 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
53 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 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
Harwich Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 32°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.0") and July the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Harwich Center. 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 Harwich Center
What is the population of Harwich Center?
Harwich Center has a population of 1,620 residents and is located in Massachusetts. The population density is 720 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Harwich Center expensive to live in?
Harwich Center 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 $76,944, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $546,600 (94% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,355 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Harwich Center?
Harwich Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches, with 24.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Harwich Center?
Harwich Center has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average 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 27 minutes, and 16.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harwich Center?
The median home value in Harwich Center is $546,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,036,007. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $591,000, with homes typically selling within 16 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,355. Fair market rent is $1,822 for a 1-bedroom and $2,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,218.
How are the schools in Harwich Center?
Schools in Harwich Center score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.8% of adults in Harwich Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. 32.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harwich Center?
The obesity rate in Harwich Center is 26.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.9% of adults are smokers. 15.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 4.1% 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 Harwich Center?
The average commute in Harwich Center is 27 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harwich Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harwich Center is 97.8% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.