Cost of Living in Hampden County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hampden County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hampden County ranks #2,971 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hampden County, Massachusetts
Hampden offers surprising affordability for region
Hampden County renters spend 18.8% of their income on housing, beating both the national average and Massachusetts' state median of 19.3%. With the lowest median household income ($70,535) among surveyed counties and rent at just $1,105 monthly, Hampden proves you don't need high income to achieve housing affordability.
Hampden punches above its weight on value
Hampden County ranks among the most affordable in Massachusetts despite having the state's lowest median household income at $70,535. Its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, and its $1,105 median rent ranks among the lowest statewide.
Springfield area undercuts all western counties
Hampden's $1,105 median rent edges out Berkshire ($1,042) as slightly pricier but beats Franklin ($1,169) and Hampshire ($1,332) by substantial margins. Home values ($276,300) are the state's lowest alongside Berkshire, making Hampden the ultimate affordability play.
Modest income stretched across reasonable costs
Renters allocate 18.8% of their $70,535 income to $1,105 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 25.9% to a $1,525 monthly payment on homes worth $276,300. Hampden achieves impressive affordability despite lower household incomes than most other surveyed counties.
Maximum affordability for budget-conscious relocators
Moving to Hampden County means accessing the state's lowest home values ($276,300) and some of the lowest rents ($1,105) while maintaining reasonable household economics. If affordability is paramount and you're willing to embrace Springfield's urban revitalization, Hampden delivers unmatched housing value in Massachusetts.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hampden County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Hampden County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,105/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hampden County is $1,105/month, while owner costs run $1,525/month. Renting saves approximately $420/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $65,357/year. With a median household income of $70,535, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Hampden County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Berkshire County where rent averages $1,042/month, Hampden County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hampden County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,646
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.9%
of gross income
The median home in Hampden County may be a stretch
Median home value is $276,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,206 vs. your max of $1,646.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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