CommunityIndicators
Northampton Community Indicator
Final Report
Prepared by:
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
March 2006
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
2
Northampton Community Indicator
Final Report
PURPOSE
In 2003, the city of Northampton hired the PVPC to prepare a summary of various community
health indicators as part of the city’s pre-planning for their E.O. 418 funded community
development plan. This document is an update of the original document based on more recent
data.
The original design of the community health indicators project was to replicate a study
completed by the planning office in Devens, MA, and published in the AICP Planner’s
Casebook—supplemented by a series of indicators proposed by Norm Krumholz in an editorial
response to the Devens article. Indicators help a community to understand its strengths and
weaknesses in order to create a better tomorrow.
For the purposes of this report, Northampton identified eight categories of indicators: economic,
education, environment, health, housing, poverty, social, and transportation. The following is a
summary of the results of the updated community indicator study. In general, Northampton rated
well in the areas of employment, retail trade, education, the environment, health, poverty, and
social indicators. Northampton received lower ratings in the areas of wages, housing, and
transportation.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
3
Community Profile
The City of Northampton is
situated between the
Connecticut River and the
foothills of the Berkshires
20 miles north of
Springfield. It is bordered
by Easthampton on the
south, Westhampton on the
west, Williamsburg and
Hatfield on the north, and
separated by the
Connecticut River from
Hadley on the east.
Northampton is 43 miles
east of Pittsfield; 93 miles
west of Boston; 30 miles
north of New Haven,
Connecticut; and 151 miles
from New York City.
Northampton offers a sophisticated rural lifestyle rich in cultural, artistic, academic, and business
resources. Northampton features one of the most vibrant downtown centers in New England and
was named “Number One Best Small Arts Town in America” by author John Villani and is
recognized as one of the top 25 Arts Destinations in the nation by AmericanStyle magazine.
Residents see Northampton as both traditional and innovative. Several village centers provide
focal points for outlying
residential areas while the
downtown is alive days and
evenings with a wide selection
of restaurants, coffee and ice-
cream shops, theaters
including the only municipally
owned theater in the state,
clubs featuring an array of
music, street musicians and a
Center for the Arts. All of this
provides a perfect atmosphere
for strolling. The city also
offers strong municipal
programs in education,
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
4
recreation, public safety and public works. It is known for its energy efficiency program and its
initiative to improve handicap access to downtown establishments.
The community has a strong and diverse economic base consisting of a mixture of traditional
operations (wire protrusion, plastic molding) and innovative ones (production of heat sensing
devices) and a large institutional base which includes county services and two hospitals.
Northampton is also home to Smith College and is strongly influenced by Amherst College,
Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and the University of Massachusetts as part of the
five-college system in the region. The superb quality of life in Northampton contributes to its
strong economic base with growing manufacturing, technology and service sectors. The local
labor force is diverse, well educated and highly skilled.
The vibrant small city atmosphere of the community is enhanced by rich natural resources,
which include the Connecticut River, agricultural and conservation lands and the Acadia
Wildlife Sanctuary. Residents believe Northampton has a rich history and are confident in its
future which will be built on its diverse population base, solid economic base and abundant
resources.
(Information from Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and the City of Northampton)
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
5
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Demographics
Northampton has a population of 28,930 people, which is a decrease from a population of 29,289
in 1990. Northampton's population decreased 2.31 percent from 1970 to 2000. Since 1990, the
population has decreased 1.06 percent. The population density is 850 people per square mile and
is denser than 230 out of 351 communities in Massachusetts. Northampton has a comparable,
yet slightly lower, population density than the Town of Greenfield. The community is 90%
white which is a slight decrease from the 1990 figure. On the other hand, all other race
categories saw a slight increase in population during this time. Lastly, Northampton has a total
of 19,966 registered voters of which there are 47.5% Democrats, 5.6% Republicans, and 46.9%
other parties (MA Department of Revenue, 2004).
Northampton
Current
Northampton
1990
Commonwealth
Current
Population 28,930 29,289 6,416,505
Total Households 11,880 11,164 2,443,580
Median Age 37 30 to 34 37
Median Household Income $41,808 $41,954 $50,502
Per Capita Income $24,022 $19,2443 $25,952
U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census and 2004 Population Estimates
General
Population 1990 2000
Total
population 29,289 28,978
% of state
total 0.49% 0.46%
Decrease in
last decade -311
% change in
last decade -1.06%
Total under
age 18 5,079 4,917
% under age
18 17.34% 16.97%
*All information compiled from
Commonwealth of Massachusetts sources
Racial characteristics 1990 2000
Total white 26,693 26,083
White % of population 91.14% 90.01%
Total black 490 602
Black % of population 1.67% 2.08%
Total Asian 827 * 906
Asian % of population 2.82% * 3.13%
Total Hawaiian/Pacific Islander -- 15
Hawaiian/PI % of population -- 0.05%
Total American Indian/Eskimo 49 86
Am. Indian/Eskimo % of
population 0.17% 0.30%
Total Other 29 697
Other % of population 0.10% 2.41%
Total multi-racial -- 589
Multi-racial % of population -- 2.03%
Hispanic/Latino (of
any race) 1990 2000
Total Hispanic/Latino 1,201 1,518
Hispanic/Latino % of population 4.10% 5.24%
* Includes Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
Residents were asked to identify whether they are Hispanic or Latino in a
question separate from that which asked their race.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
6
Employment
According to November 2005 figures, Northampton has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is
a lower rate than 255 of the 351 towns in Massachusetts and is lower than the unemployment
rate of the State of Massachusetts at 4.4%. However, the unemployment rate in Northampton
has increased since the first Community Indicator report in 2003 by 0.9%. The sector with the
highest number of employees is the service sector which includes health care and education
(63.5%). It also employs a higher percentage than the State. The next highest is retail/whole
trade at 14.6%, which is 8.7% less than the total employment in Northampton in this sector in
2000. Northampton continues to see a decline in the number of people employed in the
government, manufacturing, construction, information and management sectors between 2001
and 2004. Only the construction and government sectors are doing worse than the state average;
all other sectors fair better than the Commonwealth as a whole. The percentages of people who
are self-employed, work from home, and are part time continue to be greater than the State.
Sector EMPLOYEES PERCENT
Services (Includes Health Care & Education) 11,233 63.5
Retail/Wholesale Trade 2,577 14.6
Manufacturing 1,099 6.2
Public Administration 923 5.2
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 546 3.1
Construction 519 2.9
Information 431 2.4
Management of Companies and Enterprises 208 1.2
Transportation, Communication, Public Utilities 157 0.9
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing 0 0
Average Annual Wage $35,071
Total Annual Payroll $620,587,458
Massachusetts Division of Career Services and Division of Unemployment Assistance, 2004 ES-202 Data
Year Community Labor
force
Employment Unemployment Unemployment
rate
Northampton 15,852 15,480 372 2.31999
Massachusetts 3,355,324 3,245,761 109,563 3.3
Northampton 17,119 16,777 342 22000
Massachusetts 3,366,582 3,276,737 89,845 2.7
Northampton 17,154 16,726 428 2.52001
Massachusetts 3,400,624 3,274,561 126,063 3.7
Northampton 17,298 16,742 556 3.22002
Massachusetts 3,427,900 3,247,094 180,806 5.3
Northampton 17,248 16,581 667 3.92003
Massachusetts 3,413,782 3,215,624 198,158 5.8
Northampton 17,259 16,623 636 3.72004
Massachusetts 3,393,122 3,219,487 173,635 5.1
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
7
NORTHAMPTON COMPARISON
Description Employment Percent of
Employment
Average
Weekly
Wages
Percent of MA
Employment
Northampton
Wages as a
Percent of MA
Total, All Industries 17,695 $674 0.6% 71.6%
Finance and Insurance 421 2.4% $946 0.2% 47.9%
Professional and
Technical Services 503 2.8% $797 0.2% 51.9%
Utilities 67 0.4% $1,428 0.5% 99.0%
Management of
Companies and
Enterprises 208 1.2% $613 0.3% 42.6%
Information 431 2.4% $748 0.5% 55.8%
Wholesale Trade 254 1.4% $841 0.2% 65.3%
Manufacturing 1,099 6.2% $1,021 0.4% 87.2%
Construction 519 2.9% $877 0.3% 88.6%
Public Administration 923 5.2% $1,018 0.7% 103.8%
Mining 0 0.0% $0 0.0% 0.0%
Real Estate and Rental
and Leasing 125 0.7% $501 0.3% 54.3%
Educational Services 2,673 15.1% $767 0.9% 89.3%
Transportation and
Warehousing 90 0.5% $734 0.1% 88.3%
Health Care and Social
Assistance 4,765 26.9% $736 1.1% 91.9%
Agriculture, Forestry,
Fishing & Hunting 0 0.0% $0 0.0% 0.0%
Administrative and
Waste Services 333 1.9% $492 0.2% 77.5%
Arts, Entertainment, and
Recreation 328 1.9% $300 0.6% 53.5%
Retail Trade 2,323 13.1% $458 0.7% 88.1%
Other Services, Ex.
Public Admin 730 4.1% $405 0.6% 81.2%
Accommodation and
Food Services 1,901 10.7% $290 0.8% 87.1%
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
8
Percent of Total Employment, 2004
0.3%4.8%10.0%3.7%15.7%3.0%6.9%2.1%49.5%4.1%0.0%2.9%6.2%0.9%14.6%2.4%3.1%1.2%63.5%5.2%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Agriculture,
Forestry,
Fishing &
Hunting,
mining
Construction Manufacturing Transport,
Utilities
Trade Information FIRE Management of
Companies and
Enterprises
Services
Employment
Government
Employment SectorPercent of TotalMassachusetts
Northampton
Percent Change in Employment, 2001-2004
10.9%-0.7%-19.5%-9.6%-1.7%-21.3%-4.9%-10.1%1.0%-7.6%0.0%-7.5%-4.7%21.7%4.9%-7.1%1.1%-1.4%1.7%-14.9%-25%
-20%
-15%
-10%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Agriculture,
Forestry,
Fishing &
Hunting,
mining
Construction Manufacturing Transport,
Utilities
Trade Information FIRE Management of
Companies and
Enterprises
Services
Employment
Government
Employment SectorPercent ChangeMassachusetts
Northampton
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
9
Employment Type Percentages
49.8%
10.5%8.8%
4.4%
32.2%
58.9%
8.9%6.3%
3.1%
24.2%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
% not professional or
managerial
% self-employed % self-employed and
unincorporated
% work from home Part-time
EmploymentPercentage Northampton
MA
Labor Force Data
Labor Force (2004) 17,259
Workforce Pull Within 45 mins. Travel Time 414,115
Northampton residents working in Northampton 61%
Unemployment Rate (2004) 3.7%
Massachusetts Division of Career Services and Division of Unemployment
Assistance; U.S. Census Bureau, Census Transportation Planning Package (2000)
The maps on the following pages show where Northampton residents work and where
Northampton workers reside. After Northampton itself, the highest concentration of residents
works in Amherst—home to the University of Massachusetts, the region’s largest employer.
Most Northampton workers live in the city or nearby—in Easthampton, Hatfield and Amherst.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
10
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
11
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
12
Wages
The average annual wage in Northampton is $35,071 whereas for the state it is $48,934. The percent
change from 2001 to 2004 in the average annual wage was 8.8% for the state and 15.8% for
Northampton.
Economic Indicators for Northampton
3.0%
17.40%
0.96%
4.4%
30.70%
0.95%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
Unemployement rate
(ten-year average
1995-2004)
Average annual wage,
% change 1996-2000
Jobs/member of labor
force
Northampton
MA
Average Hourly Earnings
2001 (in 2004$) 2004
Manufacturing $22.09 $25.52
Durable Goods $23.29 $30.40
Fabricated Metal Products $19.03 $20.28
Nondurable Goods $19.81 $14.85
Computer & Electronics $28.88 $42.10
Electronic Instrument N/A $43.80
Furniture Related $24.08 $21.00
Retail Trade $11.27 $11.45
Education & Health Services $16.86 $18.68
Leisure & Hospitality $7.33 $7.30
Massachusetts Division of Career Services and Division of Unemployment Assistance, 2004
ES-202 Data
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
13
Commercial/Industrial Base
Industrial: 2,212,942 square feet
Commercial: 4,120,267 square feet
Total C/I Building Space: 6,333,209 square feet
Retail Trade
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers employ the second highest number of employees and have the
highest total sales with $144 million. Food and Beverage employs the greatest number of
employees (654) and has the second highest total sales in Northampton. The largest number of
retail businesses in the City is in the category of Clothing & Accessories with 33 businesses.
Retail sales per capita were higher for Northampton with $15,072 compared to $11,511 for the
State.
2002 Economic Census
Retail Category
# of Businesses
Total Employees Total Sales
Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers 21 335 $144 million
Furniture & Home Furnishings 8 38 $6.3 million
Electronics, Appliance & Camera 14 65 $8.9 million
Building Materials & Garden
Supplies
10 75 $21.6 million
Food & Beverage 29 654 $98.9 million
Health & Personal Care 8 118 $22.9 million
Gasoline Stations 15 100 $25.6 million
Clothing & Accessories 33 203 $23.1 million
Sporting Goods, Book, Periodical
& Music
20 146 $13.5 million
General Merchandise 5 D D
Miscellaneous (office supplies,
stationery, gifts, used merchandise,
Art, etc.
23 D D
* U.S. Census Bureau
D = Withheld to avoid disclosing data about individual stores.
Compiled by Economic Development Coordinator, Mayor’s Office, March 2002
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
14
Economic Clusters of Northampton
NORTHAMPTON COMPARISON
Description Employment Percent of
Employment
Average
Weekly
Wages
Percent of
MA
Employment
Northampton
Wages as a
Percent of
MA
Total, All Industries 17,695 $674 0.6% 71.6%
Finance and Insurance 421 2.4% $946 0.2% 47.9%
Professional and
Technical Services 503 2.8% $797 0.2% 51.9%
Utilities 67 0.4% $1,428 0.5% 99.0%
Management of
Companies and
Enterprises 208 1.2% $613 0.3% 42.6%
Information 431 2.4% $748 0.5% 55.8%
Wholesale Trade 254 1.4% $841 0.2% 65.3%
Manufacturing 1,099 6.2% $1,021 0.4% 87.2%
Construction 519 2.9% $877 0.3% 88.6%
Public Administration 923 5.2% $1,018 0.7% 103.8%
Mining 0 0.0% $0 0.0% 0.0%
Real Estate and Rental
and Leasing 125 0.7% $501 0.3% 54.3%
Educational Services 2,673 15.1%$767 0.9% 89.3%
Transportation and
Warehousing 90 0.5% $734 0.1% 88.3%
Health Care and
Social Assistance 4,765 26.9%$736 1.1% 91.9%
Agriculture, Forestry,
Fishing & Hunting 0 0.0% $0 0.0% 0.0%
Administrative and
Waste Services 333 1.9% $492 0.2% 77.5%
Arts, Entertainment,
and Recreation 328 1.9% $300 0.6% 53.5%
Retail Trade 2,323 13.1%$458 0.7% 88.1%
Other Services, Ex.
Public Admin 730 4.1% $405 0.6% 81.2%
Accommodation and
Food Services 1,901 10.7%$290 0.8% 87.1%
Source: Massachusetts Division of Career Services and Division of Unemployment Assistance ES-202
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
15
Retail Sales Indicator
$2,222
$15,072
$2,869
$11,511
$0
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
Retail Sales per retail
establishment (2002)
Retail sales per capita
(2002)SalesNorthampton
MA
Property Tax Rate & Assessed Value
The City had a single tax rate of $12.85 in fiscal year 2005, with the rate falling to $11.73 in
fiscal year 2006. For Fiscal Year 2006, the average single-family property tax bill is $3,189, an
increase of 34.6% since Fiscal Year 1995 (after adjusted for inflation). Home values have
appreciated 58.8% percent since 1995, from $171,186 in FY 1995 to $271,890 in FY 2006
(based on average assessed values of single-family properties in Northampton). The total value
of all single-family property was assessed in 2006 at $1,489,685,050.
Average Single Family Tax Bill (2004$)
Average Single Family Tax Bill Percent Change
Fiscal Year Northampton Massachusetts Northampton Massachusetts
2000 $2,674 $3,096
2001 $2,911 $3,177 8.85% 2.63%
2002 $2,945 $3,321 1.20% 4.53%
2003 $2,976 $3,435 1.04% 3.42%
2004 $3,052 $3,533 2.53% 2.86%
2005 $3,079 $3,588 0.90% 1.56%
Source: Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
16
EDUCATION INDICATORS
In addition to an outstanding public educational system, Northampton has a wide variety of
libraries and museums available to its residents. They include the Botanic Garden of Smith
College, Lyman Plant House, Calvin Coolidge Memorial Room, Forbes Library, Historic
Northampton, and the Smith College Museum of Art.
School enrollment in the Northampton Public Schools fell by 2.2% between the 93-94 school
year and the 04-05 school year. The Northampton school district spends about $7,609 per
student (data from FY 2003) and in FY2004, Northampton spent $24,284,483 on education out
of all municipal expenditures totaling $57,568,432.
Northampton-Smith Vocational High School – Public School District (grades 9-12)
Dropout/Attendance/Exclusions Plans of High School Graduates - ’03-‘04
District State Plan % of District % of State
Dropout Rate (%) – ‘03-‘04 5.2 3.7 Four Year College 8 57
Attendance Rate (%) - ’03-
‘04 92.5 94.1 Two Year College 40 20
Student Exclusion Per 1000 –
’03-‘04 --- --- Work 48 12
Technology - ’03-‘04
District State
Students per Computer 3.7 4.8
Classrooms on the Internet (%) 100 95.5
Northampton – Public School District (grades PK-12) istrict
Dropout/Attendance/Exclusions Plans of High School Graduates – ’03-‘04
District State Plan % of District % of State
Dropout Rate (%) – ’03-‘04 3.0 3.7 Four Year College 66 57
Attendance Rate (%) – ’03-
‘04 95.3 94.1 Two Year College 15 20
Student Exclusion Rate per
1000 – ’03-‘04 --- --- Work 8 12
Technology – ’03-‘04
District State
Students per Computer 10.0 4.8
Classrooms on the Internet (%) 100.4 95.5
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
17
An analysis of Northampton residents aged 25 and older shows a high school completion rate in
Northampton of 88.7% with a high school drop out rate of 2.6%. The drop-out rate for students
in the school year 2003-2004 was 3% compared with a rate of 3.7% for the Commonwealth.
46.1% of the population 25 years and older have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Both
the college (BA) completion rate and Post-graduate completion rate are higher for Northampton
compared to the State. Northampton fairs better than the State of Massachusetts in all education
indicator categories.
Education Indicators
88.7%
2.6%
46.1%
25.0%
84.8%
3.3%
33.2%
13.7%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
High school
completion rate
High school
dropout rate
College (BA)
completion rate
Post-graduate
completion rate
Education Completion RatePercentage Northampton
MA
2000, 2003 U.S. Census for population 25 years and older
Northampton's School Age Population, 1980-2000
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
1980 1990 2000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
18
Northampton Public Schools' Enrollment and Percent Low-Income Students, 1993-2005
2,750
2,800
2,850
2,900
2,950
3,000
3,050
3,100
3,150
93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05Enrollment 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%Percent Low-IncomeEnrollment Percent Low-IncomeSource: Massachusetts Department of Education
Northampton School Enrollment by Type, All Grades
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Enrollment Choice
Charter Schools
Private Schools
Public Schools
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
19
Private Schools Charter Schools Public Choice
Year Elementary
K-6
J.F.K
7-8
N.H.S.
9-12
Smith
Voc
9-12 K-6 7-8 9-12 K-6 7-8 9-12 K-6 7-8 9-12
1988 1,765 512 926 179 204 17 40
1989 1,788 473 877 141 220 20 54
1990 1,843 485 844 132 243 22 61
1991 1,837 491 822 145 262 22 73
1992 1,709 523 811 131 294 34 79
1993 1,707 540 746 141 259 34 68 2 0 2
1994 1,697 565 780 139 318 36 78 2 0 1
1995 1,664 547 792 165 295 37 98 14 1 0 0
1996 K-5 6-8 9-12 9-12 K-5 6-8 9-12 K-5 6-8 9-12 K-5 6-8 9-12
1996 1,421 749 814 180 295 97 116 24 5 1 0 2
*1997 1,413 706 +7 777 + 8 185 295 94 115 38 22 3 1 2
1998 1,381 718 + 21 766 + 21 175 299 95 114 53 31 3 0 5
1999 1,334 746 + 30 721 + 37 192 295 103 134 55 38 5 0 9
2000 1,249 778 + 21 723 + 48 163 300 98 135 54 14 38 10 5 8
**2001 1,218 + 32 765 + 19 770 + 63 137 277 95 120 56 24 36 6 6 14
2002 1,178 + 64 750 + 24 797 + 79 138 302 117 129 53 19 35 12 8 19
2003 1,177 + 98 687 + 40 862 + 68 115 310 109 128 53 23 54 12 10 22
2004 1,153 + 112 723 + 43 836 + 70 125 297 108 116 52 34 55 17 4 24
Enrollment numbers for the Northampton Public Schools are based on October 1 Enrollments
Enrollment numbers for Private, Charter, and Other Public Schools are based on January 1 Enrollments
*1997 was the first year the Northampton Public Schools began accepting non-resident students at the middle
school and high school
**2001 was the first year the Northampton Public Schools began accepting non-resident students at the
elementary schools
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
20
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
Northampton currently has an open space and recreation plan which was last updated in 2005.
Based on data from MassGIS, the city contains 2,960 acres of permanently protected land, or
approximately 13% of the total acres in the city. In addition, there are 426 acres of land under
limited protection, meaning lands that are owned by a municipality and therefore are not fully
protected. Finally, about 19.5% of the city is registered as land under Chapter 61, for a total of
almost 4,500 acres.
Level of Protection Northampton % of Total Land
Area
Commonwealth % of Total Land
Area
Permanently
Protected
2,960 acres 13% 1,117,028.74 acres 21.5%
Limited Protection
426 acres 1.86% 80,622.01acres 1.5%
Chapter 61
4,477.70 acres 19.5% 293,272.18 acres 5.6%
APR
360 acres 1.6% 61,368.84 acres 1.2%
The capacity of the city’s landfills is adequate and the percentage of solid waste that is recycled
is much higher for Northampton (48%) than for the State (34%).
The city of Northampton is a leader in the Commonwealth with respect to residents signing up
for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Choice program—an option available to Massachusetts
residents living in communities that do not have municipal utilities. Ratepayers pay extra to
assure purchase of renewable energy. The City of Northampton earned over $50,000 in matching
funds from the Massahcusetts Technology Collaborative thanks to the more than 3% of
Northampton residents who signed up for Clean Energy Choice. The city is using these matching
funds to install a 10kW solar photovoltaic array on the JFK middle school. The city has also
hired Ameresco to tap the energy potential of the municipal landfill and is building a Leeds
certified Senior Center with a geothermal heating system located within walking distance of
downtown. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating
System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance,
sustainable buildings.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
21
HEALTH INDICATORS
Northampton has several health care facilities in its vicinity. It has two hospitals, Cooley
Dickinson Hospital and the VA Medical Center. Northampton also has numerous long term care
facilities which are: Hampshire County Ltcf, Linda Manor Extended Care Facility, New Medico
Snc Pioneer Valley, Northampton Nursing Home Inc, and Pine Rest Nursing Home. Hampshire
County Hospice, Inc provides hospice service to Northampton residents. Four rest homes,
Florence Rest Home, Lathrop Home for Aged Women, River Valley Rest Home, and
Rockridge/Laurel Park, are located in Northampton.
Consequently, the percent of mothers with adequate prenatal care was greater in Northampton
than the State, with almost 86.3% of mothers receiving adequate care. Infant mortality (deaths
per 1,000) is 0 for Northampton versus 3.8 for the entire State. The total alcohol related hospital
discharges per 100,000 people were higher for Northampton, and the state was slightly higher for
chronic disease-related deaths.
HOUSING INDICATORS
Income Levels of Northampton Residents
The economy of Northampton has grown in the decades since 1970. Not surprisingly, during this
same time period the population of middle-aged residents (generally higher wage earners) has
increased, while the population of young and older residents has declined. Income levels are the
highest within the growing 35-54 age group, with a median household income of approximately
$55,000, compared to $38,036 for Northampton residents between the ages of 25-34.
Northampton's Median Household Income by Age of Household Head, 1999
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
Under 25 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75+
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
22
According to data from the 2000 Census, the resident population in the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age
groups decreased between the years 1980-2000, a decline of 24% for both of these age groups.
Other age groups that have decreased are the elder populations, with a 23% drop in population
for the 55 to 64 and the 65 to 74 age groups. The 35-44 and 45-54 age groups have increased
substantially over the same twenty year period. Between the years 1980 and 2000, Northampton
residents between the ages of 45-54 increased by 85%, while the 35-44 age bracket increased by
71%.
Northampton's Population by Age, 1980-2000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
0-4 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+
1980
1990
2000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Northampton's Population and Number of Households, 1950-2000
Year Population Households People per
Household*
1950 29,603
1960 30,058
1970 29,664
1980 29,286 10,235 2.86
1990 29,289 11,164 2.62
2000 28,978 11,863 2.44
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
* This should not be confused with average family or household
size as this is based on total population, some of which does not
live in households.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
23
According to the 2000 Census there are 12,405 total housing units within Northampton. Single-
family detached homes make up 5,726 units, or 46% of the total housing units, with duplex and
multi-family units accounting for 49% of the total units in the City. The majority of these units
(45.4%) were built in the year 1939 or earlier. Only 5.6% of the housing stock was built between
1990 and 2000.
According to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the generally
accepted definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more than 30 percent of its
annual income on housing. Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing
are considered cost burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food,
clothing, transportation and medical care. Table B looks at how various age groups who
currently live in Northampton define housing affordability based on 30% of average monthly
income.
Housing Affordability by Age Group
Age Group Population % of
Population
Gross Annual
Income
Monthly
Income
30% payment
Total 28,978 -- -- -- --
15 to 24 5,310 18% $21,009 $1,575 $525
25 to 34 4,098 14% $38,036 $3,170 $951
35 to 44 4,573 16% $54,355 $4,530 $1,358
45 to 54 4,731 16% $55,887 $4,657 $1,397
55 to 64 2,209 8% $46,321 $3,860 $1,158
65 to 74 1,716 6% $37,819 $3,152 $945
75+ 1,595 6% $18,173 $1,514 $454
Source: 2000 US Census
According to the 2000 US Census, the median household income in Northampton is $41,808.
Table C shows that almost half (48%) of the households in Northampton have incomes below the
median household income, at $40,000 annual household income. According to the federal
definition of affordability, these households can only afford housing units where rent and utilities
cost less than $1,000 per month, or 30% of monthly income. Based on a survey of advertised
rental units in December 2005, out of a total of 13 two-bedroom apartments available in
Northampton, nine apartments (70%) were listed with monthly rents under $1000, with the
average listing price at $900. It is important to note that most of these apartments did not include
utilities in the cost of the rental price, which could increase the monthly rate above the $1000
threshold (especially with the rising price of heating and electricity).
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
24
Northampton Household Income, 1999
Total Household
income
Number of Households
(Year Round &
Occupied)
% of total households 30% monthly income
Total 11,863
Less than $10,000 1,246 11%
$10,000 to $14,999 816 7%
$15,000 to $19,999 559 5% $375 - $500
$20,000 to $24,999 728 6%
$25,000 to $29,999 697 6% $625 - $750
$30,000 to $34,999 829 7%
$35,000 to $39,999 708 (48%) 6% $875 - $1000
$40,000 to $44,999 813 7%
$45,000 to $49,999 479 4%
$50,000 to $59,999 1,166 (21%) 10% $1250 - $1500
$60,000 to $74,999 1,351 11%
$75,000 to $99,999 1,076 (20%) 9% $1875 - $2500
$100,000 to $124,999 568 5%
$125,000 to $149,999 342 3%
$150,000 to $199,999 223 2%
$200,000 or more 262 2%
Source: US Census, 2000
Affordable homes to purchase in Northampton are more difficult to find than affordable rental
units. Based on anecdotal evidence confirmed by first-time homebuyer counselors for the Valley
CDC and HAP, many young people want to live in Northampton but no longer even hope to find
an affordable home. Data obtained through advisory realtors from the Multiple Listing Service
shows that of the 191 houses sold from January 1 to December 8, 2005, the median sale price of
a single-family home is $289,900. This is 10% higher than the median price in the previous year
and 14% higher than 2003. At this price, currently no homes are affordable to a household in or
below the median household income, which according to Table C, is 48% of the city’s
population. The year 2000 was the last year a household that earned the median household
income could afford to purchase a home in Northampton.
Table D is structured to illustrate house prices that the median income household can afford
versus what the City-assessors records show is the average price of single-family homes in
Northampton. The third example is representative of the average cost of a home sold using
listings by the MLS.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
25
Household Affordability
House #1
House #2
The average assessed
value
House #3
The average market
price
Purchase Price $123,002 270,408 289,900
Downpayment @5% 5,850 13,550 14,500
Mortgage Amount 117,152 256,858 276,293
Principal & Interest 740 1,624 1,745
Taxes & Insurance 206 464 486
Total Monthly
Housing Costs
$1,028 2,255 2,426
HOUSEHOLD
INCOME
REQUIRED
TO PURCHASE *
$41,808
(MEDIAN
INCOME)
$82,000 $88,000
*Assumes monthly debt of $400 and interest rate of 6.5% for 30 years.
Another way to analyze housing affordability in Northampton is to compare the number of
households, sorted by their median income, with the number of units of housing available for
that cost. This information is summarized in the chart below. In all categories, except the top
earners—at 120% of median income, there are many more households than there are houses:
3,361 households earn 60% of the median income, but only 132 houses are available in the 60%
median income bracket. Similarly, 1,257 households earn 80% of the median income but there
are only 570 houses available in this price range. Even households that earn 100% of the median
income far outnumber the houses priced at that range: 4620 households versus 1,713 houses.
Income/Housing Affordability Gap
3,361
1,257
4,620
1,713
2,274
2,787
132 570
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
Household Income Units of Housing that are Affordable
120% of Median Income
100% of Median Income
80% of Median Income
60% of Median Income
Comparing the number of households by percent of median household income with the number of affordable housing units for that income, 2000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
26
In addition to having unaffordable houses to purchase and limited rental units, the city of
Northampton also has very low vacancy rates. The city has a consistent vacancy rate of less than
5% for rental apartments and houses for sale; however anecdotal evidence indicates that housing
and especially rental vacancy rates started to increase in 2005. Competition for rental housing
comes from the number of retired or elderly people on fixed incomes (12%), combined with the
number of people who live alone (37%), and full-time students or younger workers in lower-
wage retail, restaurant or service jobs who share rent with others.
As a result of low vacancy rates, there is tremendous competition for rental units, even though
the city has a high percentage of rental units, as compared to the Commonwealth as a whole.
Currently, 46.5% of the total housing stock in Northampton is renter-occupied housing units,
approximately 5,525 units. Statewide, only 38.3% of all housing in Massachusetts was renter
occupied units. However, despite having a high percent of rental units available, the city’s
vacancy rate of 3.4% is on par with the Commonwealth as a whole, which has a vacancy rate of
3.5%.
In addition, according to the 2000 census, 10.7% of the total households, or 1,276 households
including rental units, are headed by persons over 65 years of age. If we subtract the number of
renters over the age of 65 (796), from this total we might conclude that 480 homes could be
owned by persons over the age of 65. This is approximately 8.3% of the total single family
housing stock in Northampton.
The Warrren Group, a private real estate data company, reports sales of single-family homes and
condo units. Since 2002, both types of real estate show price increases at 63% in 2005. Based
on building permits reported by HUD and on file at the Northampton Building Department the
supply of new single family homes has increased by 25 units in 2002, 47 units in 2003 and 2004.
This is relatively low production when compared to similar-sized communities in the region.
Table E compares the number of building permits in 2002-2004 for Northampton and other
communities in the region.
Total Number of Residential Building Permits, New Housing Units
Community 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Northampton 26 18 40 47 63 N/A
Agawam 55 50 56 71 53 40
Amherst 44 37 37 36 31 N/A
Belchertown 87 99 96 123 114 93
Easthampton 31 55 54 17 55 95
Hadley 9 15 19 17 10 N/A
South Hadley 26 17 56 28 36 44
Southwick 55 54 72 57 67 47
Source: SOCDS Building Permits Database
The city is a leader in the region for dedication of restricted affordable housing units.
Northampton has reached the 10% threshold determined by the state Chapter 40B legislations,
and dedicates 11.84% of its units to restricted affordable housing units. These restricted units are
generally available to families whose income is 80% below the median family income,
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
27
depending on the state and federal funding source. As determined by HUD, the median family
income for the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, which Northampton is a part of, is
$61,5000. Table F presents the income eligibility for restricted affordable housing units for
Northampton residents, based on the number of family members in the household, and at 30%,
50%, and 80% of median family income.
Income Eligibility for Subsidized and Restricted Affordable Housing Units
% of
Median
1
person
2
person
3
person
4
person
5
person
6
person
7
person
8
person
30% $13,300 $15,200 $17,100 $19,000 $20,500 $22,050 $23,500 $25,050
50% $22,150 $25,300 $28,450 $31,650 $34,150 $36,700 $39,200 $41,750
80% $35,450 $40,500 $45,600 $50,650 $54,700 $58,750 $62,800 $66,850
Source: Department of Housing and Urban Development
According to the Northampton Housing Partnership, the City has a total of 1,454 affordable
housing units at 32 different project areas. All of these projects were “friendly” 40B projects, and
built without a Comprehensive Permit. Of the 32 project areas, 29 are rental properties (1,417
units), one is ownership (21 units) and, two are a mix of rental and ownership (16 units). In
addition, a total of 69 units will have the restricted affordability status expire before the year
2010. More recently, two affordable housing projects have been built with comprehensive
permits, and another two projects are under design and construction. All of these recent projects
were “friendly” comprehensive permits working with the city and neighborhood.
Income levels of Northampton Workers
Despite limited population growth in Northampton since 1990, the city had a 6.5% increase in
the number of new firms who have located here between 2001 and 2004, according to the MA
Division of Employment and Training. Labor force data shows 17,259 total jobs were located in
Northampton as of the year 2002. The Journey to Work data shows the number of Northampton
residents who work is 14,435, with 8,270 of these workers, or 57% of the working Northampton
population remaining in the city to work. These Northampton residents account for 48% of the
workers in the city. This means that 8,989 (52%) of the total jobs available in Northampton are
filled by workers who do not live in the city.
One of the major employers in the city is non-profit organizations. Data from the Urban Institute
and National Center for Charitable Statistics in the year 2002 show that 219 nonprofit
organizations were headquartered in Northampton, the largest number of non-profits located in
any city in the Pioneer Valley region except Springfield. According to Massachusetts
Department of Employment and Training, other major employment sectors in Northampton
include Health Care and Social Assistance (26.9%), Educational Services (15.1%), Retail Trade
(13.1%) and Accommodation and Food Services (10.7%) all which have average annual wages
below $40,000 a year. In addition, the percent of employment on these economic clusters are
higher than the state percentages; however, the weekly wages are at about 90% of the state
weekly wage for these same clusters.
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
28
These trends might explain why the average annual wage in Northampton is $35,071, compared
to the Massachusetts state average wage of $48,934. Lower wages and higher concentrations of
low wage industries may explain lower wages for those working in Northampton; however, the
lower median income is a regional dynamic. Cost of living in western Massachusetts is lower
than the rest of the state, therefore wages in this region will also be lower. Also, the high
percentage (32.2%) of part-time employment, defined as jobs that are less than 35 hours per
week, may also explain the lower annual wage.
As a result, the average annual wage in Northampton in 2004 is less than what is needed for two
full-time workers to access homeownership in the city. As shown in Table D, the annual median
household income needed to purchase a house at the average selling price in Northampton is
$88,000. Based on the data, a two-person household both employed in Northampton and making
the average annual wage of $35,071 could not afford a median priced home in Northampton.
However, this same two-person household may be able to rent if they both contribute 30% of
their monthly income to housing. A worker in Northampton who is making $35,071 would be
able to contribute a maximum of $876 a month, or 30% of their income to housing. Considering
the average rental price for a two-bedroom apartment in Northampton is around $1000, a two-
person household each working at this level could well afford to rent, including utilities.
Housing Gap Analysis
The data show that the population of younger residents, primarily between the ages of 15-34, has
dropped significantly over the past 20 years, possibly as a result of increased housing prices.
Currently, the 15-34 age group on average can pay less than $1000 a month toward housing
costs, based on their Gross Annual Income. This statement is also true for elderly populations in
Northampton, 65 to 74 year olds, who can also pay less than $1000 a month towards housing.
Rental properties are available for these populations; however a low vacancy rate in the city
prevents these residents from “upgrading” to a new location. If renters need to move from their
existing apartment, there are few options available.
Housing stock is also limited in Northampton, and expensive, compared to the median household
income of $41,808. Currently, in order to purchase a home at the current market rate of
$289,900, a household income of $88,000 is required at an interest rate of 6.5% over 30 years.
Currently, only 21% of the total households in Northampton have a household income over
$88,000 and would be able to afford to move. In addition, most people who work in
Northampton live outside the city, probably due in part to the cost of housing. With the average
annual wage of $35,071, many workers cannot afford to buy a home in Northampton, but most
likely can afford to rent at least a one or two bedroom apartment.
Currently, only a small percentage of the working population can afford to live here.
Competition for rental housing from the elderly, students and single people is surely an issue. If
these trends continue, the demographics of the city may change, with the younger and elder
populations continuing to decrease, and the wealthier 45-64 age group increasing. As stated
earlier in the report, the 45-54 age group has increased by 85% over the past 20 years – this may
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
29
be a result of an aging baby boomer population; however, currently, this is the population that
can most afford to live in Northampton.
Our analysis shows that the City’s total available housing stock is inadequate for Northampton to
keep its population growth in balance with its jobs growth. The City is unable to produce the
number of new housing units needed to meet the needs of the service-based, lower-wage labor
force compared to other towns. On a positive note, however, when compared to towns of similar
size in the region, Northampton demonstrates a commitment to accommodate people of all
income levels, and there is greater diversity of housing as evidenced by the fact that the number
of attached housing units nearly equal the number of single-family detached units and rental
opportunities are nearly equal to ownership in number of units.
POVERTY INDICATORS
Northampton’s poverty rate is 8.7%, which is lower than that of the State. The child poverty rate
is also lower but the elderly poverty rate is slightly higher than the State’s. The percent of school
children eligible for free or reduced price lunch and the number of participants in the WIC
Programs were lower for Northampton. In general, Northampton’s poverty rates are very similar
to State levels.
Poverty Indicators
8.7%8.4%9.1%24.4%9.3%11.6%8.9%27.7%0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Poverty
Rate
Child
Poverty
Rate
Elderly
Poverty
Rate
% children
considered
low income PercentageNorthampton
MA
SOCIAL INDICATORS
The percentage of individuals over 16 who are not employed is 33.9% versus 36.8% in the State.
The homicide rate per 100,000 persons (average of 2000 through 2004) was less for
Northampton. The suicide rate per 100,000 persons (average of 2000 through 2004) was 5.2,
which is lower than the State’s rate of 6.5. However, the suicide rate of elders (over 64) per
100,000 elders was substantially higher than the state. The number of child abuse cases (both
alleged and verified) is less than State levels. Northampton crime rate, between 1992 and 2002,
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
30
fell by 10.6% (43.2 crimes per 1,000 people to 38.6 crimes per 1,000 people). The violent crime
rate fell from 6.2 crimes per 1,000 people to 5.9 crimes per 1,000 people, a drop of 4.8%.
Social Indicators
0.0
5.2
25.0
0.02.2
6.5 7.0
2.6
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
Homicide
Rate
Suicide Rate Elderly
Suicide Rate
Teen Suicide
Rate
Average rate for the years 2000-2004100,000 populationNorthampton
MA
CRIME STATISTICS
Rates per 1,000 people
1992 2002
Murders: 0.0 0.0
Rapes: 0.685 0.632
Robberies: 0.685 0.632
Aggravated
assaults: 4.80 4.76
Burglaries: 7.26 5.24
Larcenies: 24.62 24.69
Motor vehicle
thefts: 5.10 2.83
Source: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
31
TRANSPORTATION INDICATORS
Northampton is located in the Pioneer Valley, known as the crossroads of New England because
of its strategic position along the Connecticut River and its excellent transportation facilities.
The Massachusetts Turnpike connects the region to Boston and to Albany, New York. Interstate
91 provides direct access to Hartford, Connecticut, and to Brattleboro and points north in
Vermont.
The principal highways are U.S. Route 5 and Interstate Route 91, which runs N-S across the
state, the State Route 9 running E-W. Amtrak offers daily bus service between Burlington,
Vermont, and Springfield, Massachusetts, that connects up to its Springfield-Washington rail
service. Freight rail service is available from the Springfield Terminal Railway.
Northampton is a member of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), which provides fixed
route service, and offers para-transit service to Springfield, Worcester, Boston, and Hartford. The
Franklin Transit Authority also has a bus service that runs from Greenfield to Northampton.
Vermont Transit Lines connects to Greenfield, Brattleboro, VT and points north, and to Holyoke,
Springfield and Hartford, CT. Peter Pan Bus Lines also offers direct service to 56 destinations,
including Boston, New York City, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. In addition,
Peter Pan offers service to Logan Airport from Northampton 7 days a week, and connects from
Springfield to Hartford and Bradley Airport, and to Kennedy and Laguardia Airports in New
York City.
Northampton Airport, previously known as LaFleur Airport, is a General Aviation (GA) facility
located 1 mile northeast of Northampton, has a 3,506-foot by 50-foot asphalt runway. This
airport has been in continuous operation since its inception in 1929.
Transportation Indicators
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
14.0%
16.0%
% of occupied
dwelling units with
no car available
% of workers using
public transporation
% of workers
walking to work
% of workers using
means other than
vehicles, transit, or
walkingPercentageNorthampton
MA
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
32
The percent of workers walking to work for Northampton was 13.7%, which is significantly
greater than the percentage for the State of Massachusetts. On the other hand, less people use
public transportation to get to work and the percent of occupied dwelling units with no car
available is less than the State percentage.
Northampton Registered Cars and Trucks 1990-2005
Year Autos Trailers
Light
Trucks
Heavy
Trucks
Motor
Cycles Other Total
Average
Age
1990 14,556 744 2,733 363 69 743 19,208
1991 14,259 736 2,820 317 61 609 18,802
1992 14,110 751 3,016 294 132 492 18,795
1993 14,295 716 3,139 286 146 413 18,995 7.39
1994 14,660 716 3,495 297 180 362 19,710 7.60
1995 14,653 719 3,578 300 175 331 19,756 7.66
1996 15,373 810 4,141 311 235 271 21,141 8.25
1997 15,438 825 4,463 351 365 266 21,708 8.57
1998 15,650 839 4,767 329 304 250 22,139 8.85
1999 15,680 856 5,101 366 420 262 22,685 9.00
2000 15,629 882 5,282 340 335 261 22,729 9.11
2001 15,649 901 5,617 323 336 249 23,075 9.20
2002 15,710 916 5,896 349 463 246 23,580 9.40
2003 15,405 969 6,210 379 384 241 23,588 9.46
2004 15,366 1,152 6,492 386 580 244 24,220 9.46
2005 15,286 1,251 6,571 402 611 246 24,367 9.21
Number of Registered Automobiles and Light Trucks in Northampton, 1990-2005
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Light Trucks
Autos
Note: Light trucks is inclusive of sports utility vehicles.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services
Northampton Community Indicators
March 2006
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.
33
CONCLUSIONS
It is useful to examine a set of agreed upon indicators to assess Northampton’s status with
respect to the rest of the Commonwealth and to the city itself over time. As noted, the city is
doing well in most areas, but especially in the areas of wages for workers, affordable housing
and mixed transportation options, there is room for improvement.
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 34 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Indicator North- ampton MA +/- As of Source Frequency Economic Indicators Percentage of workers not employed in professional or managerial jobs 49.8% 58.9% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau http://censtats.census.gov/data/MA/1602546330.pdf Every ten years Unemployment rate (ten-year average 1995-2004) 3.0% 4.4% + 1995-2004 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) http://www.bls.gov/lau/home.htm Monthly Average annual wage $35,071 $48,934 - 2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Average annual wages in the private sector $33,184 $49,229 - 2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Retail sales per retail establishment ($000) $2,222 $2,869 - 2002 U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census www.census.gov Every five years Retail payroll as a percent of retail sales 10.9% 10.7% + 2002 U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census www.census.gov Every five years Retail sales per capita $15,072 $11,511 + 2002 U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census www.census.gov Every five years Commercial percent of the total tax base 15.1% 18.4% - 2005 MA Department of Revenue Annual Industrial percent of the total tax base 3.2% 5.5% - 2005 MA Department of Revenue Annual Average annual wage, percent change 2001-2004 +15.8% +8.8% - 2001 to 2004 MA Division of Employment and Training www.detma.org/lmi/local Annual Part-time employment as a percent of total employment (less than 35 hours per week) 32.2% 24.2% ? 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Percent of workers self-employed 10.5% 8.9% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 35 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Indicator North- ampton MA +/- As of Source Frequency Percent of workers self-employed and unincorporated 8.8% 6.3% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Percent of persons working from home 4.4% 3.1% ? 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Jobs per member of the labor force 0.96 0.95 + 2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Percent change in number of firms, 2001-2004 +6.5% +9.9% - 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Mining employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) 0.0% 0.0% +10.9% 0.3% - 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Construction employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) -7.5% 2.9% -0.7% 4.8% - 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Finance, insurance, and real estate employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) +1.1% 3.1% -4.9% 6.9% + 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Government employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) -14.9% 5.2% -7.6% 4.1% - 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Manufacturing employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) -4.7% 6.21% -19.5% 9.98% + 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Services employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) +1.7% 63.5% +1.0% 49.5% + 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Trade employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total employment in 2004) +4.9% 14.6% -1.7% 15.7% + 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual Transportation, communications, and utilities employment (% change 2001-2004 / % of total +21.7% 0.9% -9.6% 3.7% + 2001-2004 MA Division of Employment and Training, ES-202 Annual
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 36 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Indicator North- ampton MA +/- As of Source Frequency employment in 2004) Information -7.1% 2.4% -21.3% 3.0% + Management of Companies and Enterprises -1.4% 1.2% -10.1% 2.1% + Education Indicators High school completion rate 88.7% 84.8% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years High school dropout rate 2.6% 3.3% + 2003 MA Department of Education Annual College (BA) completion rate 46.1% 33.2 + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Post-graduate completion rate 25.0% 13.7% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Environmental Indicators Size of wildlife habitat areas (acres per capita) 2243 acres ? 2000 OSRP ? Open Space and Recreation Plan in place? Yes varies = 2000 Northampton Planning Dept Every 5 years Percentage capacity of landfills Adequate to 2007 Need 2 million tons capacity by 2005 + 2000 Board of Health 413/587-1214 note: have applied for permit to expand 50,000 acres to make it last for +15 years. Karen Bouquillon, Solid Waste Coordinator 587-1284 and www.mass.gov Unknown Percentage of solid waste recycled- Residential 54% ? ? CY2004 MA DEP, Municipal Recycling database, db.state.ma.us/dep/asppage1.asp Unknown
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 37 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Indicator North- ampton MA +/- As of Source Frequency Board of Health Water quality in ground waters DPW-Paulette Kuzdeba 587-1570 ext 307 Watershed water quality index DPW-Paulette Kuzdeba 587-1570 ext 307 Kilowatts of electricity consumed per 1,000 square feet of developed space Mass Electric Pamela Fournier 582-7575 Not readily available Therms of natural gas consumed per 1,000 square feet of developed space Baystate Gas Brian Errante 413/781-9200 x2212 not readily available Water consumption vs. supply DPW-Paulette Kuzdeba 587-1570 ext 307 Health Indicators Percent of mothers with adequate prenatal care 86.3% 79.9% + 2004 MA Dept. of Public Health, MassCHIP database, Vital Records Download software at http://masschip.state.ma.us/ Annual Total chronic disease-related deaths per 100,000 population 800.8 807.6 + 2004 MA Dept. of Public Health, MassCHIP Instant topics, found at: www.masschip.state.ma.us/instanttopics Annual Alcohol related hospital discharges per 100,000 people 705.8 369.8 - 2003 MassCHIP Database Annual Infant mortality, deaths per 1,000 births (four-year average of 2000-2003) 0 3.8 + 2000-2003 MassCHIP Annual Housing Indicators Percentage of renter occupied dwellings 46.5% 38.3% - 2000 U.S. Census Bureau http://censtats.census.gov/data/MA/1602546330.pdf Every ten years Housing cost burden (median household 28.9% 27.2% - 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Every ten
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 38 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Indicator North- ampton MA +/- As of Source Frequency income as a percent of median home value) years Affordable housing (Chapter 40B) as a percent of housing units 11.8 % 9.3% + 2005 MA Department of Housing and Community Development www.state.ma.us/dhcd/default.htm Annual Homeowner vacancy rate 0.4% 0.7% - 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Rental vacancy rate 3.4% 3.5% - 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Poverty Indicators Poverty rate 8.7% 9.3% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau; or, U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates Http://censtats.census.gov/data/MA/1602546330.pdf or http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/saipe/stcty/estimate.html Every ten years or every three to four years Child poverty rate 8.4% 11.6% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Every ten years Elder poverty rate 9.1% 8.9% - 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Every ten years WIC Program Participation per 1,000 population 9.5 19.5 + 2003 MassCHIP Database Bi-annual Percent of school children considered low income 24.4% 27.7% + 2004-2005 MA Department of Education Profiles.doe.mass.edu/home.asp Annual Social Indicators Percentage of households that are headed by a woman 10.1% 11.9% ? 2000 U.S. Census Bureau http://censtats.census.gov/data/MA/1602546330.pdf Every ten years Percentage of individuals over 16 who are not employed 33.9% 36.8% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau http://censtats.census.gov/data/MA/1602546330.pdf Every ten years
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 39 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Indicator North- ampton MA +/- As of Source Frequency Homicide rate per 100,000 persons (average of 2000 through 2004) 0.0 2.2 + 2000-2004 MassCHIP Database Annual Elderly (over 64) suicide rate per 100,000 elders (average of 2000 through 2004) 25.0 7.0 - 2000-2004 MassCHIP Database Annual Teen suicide rate (10-19) per 100,000 teens (average of 2000 through 2004) 0.0 2.6 + 2000-2004 MassCHIP Database Annual Suicide rate per 100,000 persons (average of 2000 through 2004) 5.2 6.5 - 2000-2004 MassCHIP Database Annual Alleged cases of child abuse per 1,000 children 61.2 63.5 + 1997 *not currently available by municipality MassCHIP Database Annual Verified cases of child abuse per 1,000 children 14.4 18.3 + 1997 *not currently available by municipality MassCHIP Database Annual Dependant children per family 1.68 1.85 ? 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Number of arts or cultural events/performances at public sites 500/yr ? ? 2004 Arts Council estimates at least one/day—open to the public—suggest avg. of 500/year. 413/587-1269 Peter Lowitt suggests going with this number as Northampton clearly is unusual in this regard. Devens, by comparison had 3! Annual Number of public recreational events 200 progs/ yr ? ? 2004 City Rec Dept. 413/587-1040 Anne-Marie Moggio, Asst Dir. 200 programs/annually: swimming, camp, for adults and children etc. Outdoor beach—in use all summer long. 12 ball fields—all used when available by children and adults—Spring to Fall. Annual
Northampton Community Indicators December 21, 2005 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Page 40 + Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse. Transportation Indicators Percentage of occupied dwelling units with no car available 11.3% 12.7% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau http://censtats.census.gov/data/MA/1602546330.pdf Every ten years Road conditions-level of service (average of pavement conditions index) 73 ? ? Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Northampton Transportation Plan Annual Percent of workers using public transportation 3.2% 8.7% - 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Northampton average daily ridership = 3,658 (2001) Every ten years Percent of workers walking to work 13.7% 4.3% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years Percent of workers using means other than vehicles, transit, or walking 1.6% 1.0% + 2000 U.S. Census Bureau www.census.gov Every ten years
Northampton Community Indicators
October 2002
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
+ Northampton is doing better than the State average; - Northampton is doing worse than the State average; = Northampton is equaling the State
average; ? For this indicator, it is unclear what is better or worse.