Median Income
$135,199
80% higher than US avg
Home Value
$743,100
164% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
74.2%
120% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.7%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.2%
15% higher than US avg
How West Chatham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,337
Median Age62.5 yrs
Density458/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans13.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$135,199
Per Capita$67,646
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty14.2%
County GDP$19,298M
Commute21 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$743,100
Ownership89.8%
Zillow$1,262,760
Housing Units2,118
Rent Burden33.7%
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property1,951/100K
Health
Obesity25.7%
Uninsured3.2%
Smoking9.2%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain45.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation33 ft (10 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+74.2%
High School+99.2%
Graduate+34.9%
School Score6.80
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations6
Libraries33
Is West Chatham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Chatham 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. West Chatham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Chatham is $135,199, which is significantly higher than the national average / 80% above $75,149. This places West Chatham among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Chatham is $743,100, making it a premium housing market at 164% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.5x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
West Chatham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,951 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
West Chatham is a highly educated community / 74.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
West Chatham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 32°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 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
West Chatham has a population of 1,337 with a density of 458 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 62.5 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (75.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 13.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.5yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Chatham vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Chatham vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Chatham is $135,199, which is 80% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $67,646 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,244, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.2% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Chatham vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $135,199 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $67,646 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,244 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.2% |
| 15% above 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 | 0.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.0% |
| Public Transit | 10.3% |
| Work from Home | 19.6% |
The median home value in West Chatham is $743,100, 164% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,262,760, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,822 for a one-bedroom to $2,300 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $7,218 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.5x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $743,100 |
| 164% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,262,760 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 89.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,118 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.97% |
In West Chatham, 25.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 9.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 14.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 3.2% 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: West Chatham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.7% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 14.3% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 3.2% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,033 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.0% |
| Dental Visits | 77.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,272/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 792 |
West Chatham has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,951 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Chatham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Chatham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.3/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,951.2/100K |
| 0% 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 |
West Chatham 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. 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 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 33 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) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6810°N, 69.9926°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Barnstable County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Bedford Regional (EWB)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% 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 |
104 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
52 km E of Chatham, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
56 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 |
131 km |
| Oct 11, 1990 |
5 km NNE of The Pinehills, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
56 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
3 km NE of North Westport, Massachusetts |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Jun 7, 2002 |
3 km NNW of Hopedale, Massachusetts |
M2.5 |
140 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 |
274 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
167 km |
| 2009 |
Bill |
Category 1 |
287 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 1996 |
Edouard |
Category 1 |
189 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
110 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
234 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 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1986 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1964 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1997 |
EF0 |
92 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 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| 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 |
71°F (22°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 |
West Chatham has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 32°F in February to 71°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 West 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 West Chatham
What is the population of West Chatham?
West Chatham has a population of 1,337 residents and is located in Massachusetts. The population density is 458 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is West Chatham expensive to live in?
West 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 $135,199, 80% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $743,100 (164% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is West Chatham safe?
West Chatham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,951 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, West Chatham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Chatham?
West Chatham 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. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in West Chatham?
West Chatham has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 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 21 minutes, and 19.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Chatham?
The median home value in West Chatham is $743,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,262,760. The homeownership rate is 89.8%. The average annual property tax is $7,218.
How are the schools in West Chatham?
Schools in West Chatham score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 74.2% of adults in West Chatham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. 34.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Chatham?
The obesity rate in West Chatham is 25.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.2% of adults are smokers. 14.3% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 3.2% 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 West Chatham?
The average commute in West Chatham is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61% of workers drive alone to work, 10.3% use public transit, and 19.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Chatham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Chatham is 75.8% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 13.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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