Cost of Living in Athol, MA
Population 8,711 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Athol sits on the smaller end of the Massachusetts city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 9.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Athol is about 30 miles northwest of Worcester, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Athol
The median home value in Athol is $227,000 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,018/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,742/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 59.3°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, Athol has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
Athol has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 37 | 45 | 59 | 70 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 14 | 15 | 24 | 34 | 46 | 55 | 60 | 59 | 51 | 39 | 30 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.71 | 2.34 | 3.38 | 3.44 | 3.24 | 4.14 | 3.76 | 3.87 | 4.29 | 4.22 | 3.37 | 3.40 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Athol, MA?
Athol has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Athol, MA?
The median gross rent in Athol is $1,018 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Athol?
The median home value in Athol is $227,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Athol?
The median household income in Athol is $61,742 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Athol, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Athol is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Athol, MA affordable?
Yes, Athol is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Athol?
Athol has average high temperatures of 59.3°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 42.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Athol at a Glance
- Population
- 8,711
- Median Income
- $61,742
- Home Value
- $227,000
- Median Rent
- $1,018/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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