Median Income
$109,988
46% higher than US avg
Home Value
$1,359,200
382% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
237/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
57.0%
69% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,484
114% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.8%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.3%
98% lower than US avg
How Nantucket Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,837
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,862/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$109,988
Per Capita$69,095
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty0.3%
County GDP$2,107M
Commute15 min
Housing
F
Home Value$1,359,200
Rent$2,484
Ownership81.5%
Zillow$3,029,234
Housing Units6,854
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
F
Violent237/100K
Property1,352/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault219/100K
Burglary149/100K
Health
Obesity26.8%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking9.0%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation25 ft (8 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+57.0%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+18.3%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 31% / D 68%
Commute15 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations19
Libraries1
Is Nantucket a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nantucket receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Nantucket has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nantucket is $109,988, which is significantly higher than the national average / 46% above $75,149. This places Nantucket among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nantucket is $1,359,200, making it a premium housing market at 382% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,484 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. With a home price-to-income ratio of 12.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Nantucket is below the national average at 237 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,352 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
Nantucket is a highly educated community / 57.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Nantucket experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Nantucket has a population of 10,837 with a density of 1,862 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (69%), with 7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nantucket vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.3%
22% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Nantucket vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nantucket is $109,988, which is 46% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $69,095 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,515. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,318 business establishments, including 116 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105.8, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Nantucket vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $109,988 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $69,095 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,515 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $134,986 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.3% |
| 98% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,318 |
| County GDP | $2,107M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 116 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,416 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Nantucket is $1,359,200, 382% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $3,029,234, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $2,484 (114% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $2,425 for a one-bedroom to $3,138 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 6,854 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $6,416 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 12.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $1,359,200 |
| 382% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $3,029,234 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,484 |
| 114% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $2,409 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,425 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,138 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,143 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,260 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.5% |
| Housing Units | 6,854 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,416 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.47% |
In Nantucket, 26.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 25.5% have high blood pressure. 9.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 16.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.7% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,415. The dentist ratio is 1:1,602. 94.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
11.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
15.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
16.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
134.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Nantucket vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.8% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.0% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.8% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,415 |
| Dentists | 1:1,602 |
| Mental Health | 1:229 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 75.1% |
| Premature Death | 4,855/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Nantucket has a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 219.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 17.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,352 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,167, burglary at 149, vehicle theft at 35 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nantucket receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nantucket vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.0/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 17.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 219.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,351.7/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Burglary | 149.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,167.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 35.1/100K |
| Arson | 8.8/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nantucket experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 69°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 40.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 25 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 25 ft (8 m) |
| Area | 6.7 sq mi (17.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,862/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2714°N, 70.0959°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Nantucket County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Bedford Regional (EWB)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 12, 2002.
| 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 |
75 km |
| Oct 11, 1990 |
5 km NNE of The Pinehills, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
3 km NE of North Westport, Massachusetts |
M2.6 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 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 |
222 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
247 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
124 km |
| 2009 |
Bill |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 2002 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
272 km |
| 1996 |
Edouard |
Category 1 |
156 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 2 |
287 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
110 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
236 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1970 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1997 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1972 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF0 |
76 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 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
Nantucket has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 33°F in February to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (4.5") and July the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Nantucket. 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 Nantucket
What is the population of Nantucket?
Nantucket has a population of 10,837 residents and is located in Massachusetts. The population density is 1,862 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Nantucket expensive to live in?
Nantucket 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 $109,988, 46% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $1,359,200 (382% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,484 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 12.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Nantucket safe?
Nantucket is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 237 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,352 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nantucket receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nantucket?
Nantucket has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Nantucket?
The unemployment rate in Nantucket is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,515. There are 1,318 business establishments in the area, including 116 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nantucket?
The median home value in Nantucket is $1,359,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $3,029,234. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,484. Fair market rent is $2,425 for a 1-bedroom and $3,138 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,416.
How are the schools in Nantucket?
Schools in Nantucket score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 57.0% of adults in Nantucket hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 18.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nantucket?
The obesity rate in Nantucket is 26.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.0% of adults are smokers. 16.8% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 94.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,415.
What is transportation like in Nantucket?
The average commute in Nantucket is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nantucket?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nantucket is 69% White, 7% Black or African American. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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