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Amherst Town, MA

Photo: Evan McNamara via Unsplash

Amherst Town, MA

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Demographics

Majority WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 54
Population35,472
Foreign Born9.3%
Population Density1,284people per mi²
Median Age21.3 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2010, this city has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Historical data isn't available for Amherst Town, Massachusetts. Trends shown are for Massachusetts, Massachusetts.

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

145/100

45% above national average

B

The Real Cost of Living in Amherst Town, Massachusetts

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $25k$47k
Comfortable $88k$130k
Luxury $119k+$185k+
Elite (Top 5%) $197k+$305k+
Affordability Ratio

51%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean83%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
26
Poor
8
Negative
12

Groceries

3 within 10 miles

2mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

7.5mi

Airport

Northampton Airport

5.9mi

Post Office

USPS — Springfield, MA

15.5mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

1 private club within 10 miles.

Golf1Nearest 3.1 mi
Camping20Nearest 29.2 mi
Marina7Nearest 5.5 mi
Winery0 
Ice Rink1Nearest 1.2 mi
Gun Range3Nearest 4.5 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
D+
Soft

A below-average socioeconomic profile. Incomes, home values, and educational attainment trail the U.S., with higher poverty and unemployment.

Median HHI
$66k-3.6%
12% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$875k
33% above US avg
College Educated
73.8%
111% above US avg
WFH
19.3%
35% above US avg
Homeownership
45.9%
30% below US avg
Median Home
$454k
61% above US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
B+
Safe

Generally safer than 71% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
10.5
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−20.4%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−21.7%
Homicide
0.01 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Robbery
0.28 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Aggravated Assault
1.86 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg

Property Crime

5yr−19.1%
Burglary
0.88 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Larceny-Theft
6.53 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
0.68 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+13Leans Liberal

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Amherst Town, Massachusetts
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B-
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
D
Poor11.5% of income
Property Rights
D+
WeakIJ Grade D+
Firearm Rights
F
PoorFPC Grade F
Homeschooling
C+
WeakModerate regulation

Energy independence: Importer (5% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season189 days234 frost-free
Annual Rainfall52.0"
Elevation328 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D+
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
F
Poor138 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak1,284/sq mi
Fallout Danger
B-
Fair10 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
D
PoorInland Flooding
Border / Coast
B
Fairborder 181 mi · coast 70 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$37.3M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CityBoston676k people are 75 mi away
Nearest Major AirportNo hub airport within 50 mi
Distance to State Capital75 miBoston, MA
Nearest Prison24 mi4 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T07:41:37.000Z

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