Hampden County, Massachusetts
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Hampden County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Hampden County
Income Verdict
Hampden County has a median household income of $70,535 and per capita income of $37,810 — a gap of $32,725, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,105/month and a median household income of $70,535, rent consumes approximately 18.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $70,535 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $37,810 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Hampden County earns approximately 26.9% below the Massachusetts state median household income of $96,546.
Data Story
About Household Income in Hampden County, Massachusetts
Hampden falls short of national income median
Hampden County's median household income of $70,535 lags the national median of $74,755 by 6%, placing it slightly below middle-class earnings nationally. The county's economy, centered on Springfield and smaller industrial cities, reflects the challenges of traditional manufacturing-dependent regions.
Lowest-income county in Massachusetts
Hampden's $70,535 median ranks last among all 14 Massachusetts counties, trailing the state average of $96,546 by 27%. The income gap reflects broader struggles in the region's traditional industrial base and limited high-wage employment opportunities.
Significantly trails surrounding counties
Hampden's $70,535 median trails Franklin County ($72,584) and Berkshire County ($72,565), with even larger gaps compared to Hampshire County ($86,391). The county faces the steepest income challenges across the entire region.
Affordable housing eases financial pressure
Hampden's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of just $276,300 provide genuine affordability relief, the lowest housing costs statewide. While incomes lag, residents benefit from manageable property costs that preserve resources for other essentials.
Maximize modest earnings through smart planning
Hampden County residents must prioritize every dollar to build wealth, starting with emergency funds and then taking full advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Low housing costs create the opportunity for savings; discipline and strategic planning can overcome the income disadvantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Hampden County
Your income is above the Hampden County median
County median: $70,535 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-27%
vs. National Median
-6%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,878) vs. median rent ($1,105/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.