Demographics & Statistics

Population

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,800 people, 741 households, and 500 families residing in the town. By population, Ashfield ranked thirteenth of the twenty-six towns in Franklin County, and 296th out of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The population density was 44.7 people per square mile (17.2/square kilometer), which ranked seventeenth in the county and 314th in the Commonwealth. There were 821 housing units at an average density of 20.4/sq mi (7.9/square kilometer). The racial makeup of the town was 97.33% White, 0.61% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.06% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44% of the population.

Households

There were 741 households out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.90.

Age

In the town the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 33.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

Income

The median income for a household in the town was $52,875, and the median income for a family was $56,739. Males had a median income of $38,818 versus $31,146 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,483. About 5.2% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.


Studies & Reports About Ashfield


Ambient Sound Engineering Study

In 2010 a sound study was performed by the engineering firm Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Inc. The purpose was to establish ambient noise levels representative of a rural community in western Massachusetts. The Town of Ashfield was chosen and residences along Route 112, Main St, and remote town roads were selected as appropriate study sites. The study was funded by Green Berkshires, Inc. Residents Ron Coler and Andrew Wells were chosen as local liaisons to oversee project logistics.

  • Engineering Study (PDF) - Final Engineering Report as submitted by the engineering firm Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Inc.
  • Letter of Introduction (PDF) - Letter of introduction to local liaisons Ron Coler and Andrew Wells describing Ashfield as a town representative of a rural community suitable for study.

Leue's Wind Development Project  

Cape Street in Ashfield