Hampden, MA

Hampden, Massachusetts

Introduction to Hampden, Massachusetts

Hampden, Massachusetts, in Hampden county, is 9 miles E of Springfield, Massachusetts (center to center) and 72 miles W of Boston, Massachusetts. The town is considered part of the Springfield metropolitan area and has a population of 5,171.

Hampden History

The first European settlers came to Hampden in 1741. The town, which was built on the banks of the Scantic River, had grist and saw mills powered by the river waters. Consequently, the majority of the buildings stand adjacent to the river. Initially part of the mother town of South Wilbraham, Hampden was officially incorporated in 1878. Though initially an industrial town, it developed an agricultural focus later on. Lack of efficient transportation systems and fires led to the industrial decline and Hampden is now a residential town.

Hampden and Nearby Attractions

• Zoo in Forest Park
• Six Flags New England Amusement Park
• Somers Historical Museum
• Wilbraham Children’s Museum
• Lupa Zoo
• Blunt Park

Things To Do In Hampden

Hampden has many parks, museums, and other recreational nearby. Six Flags New England Amusement Park is an exciting place for kids. The Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary showcases the natural beauty and varied wildlife of the area. Museums such as the Somers Historical Museum and the Old Academic Hall give visitors a glimpse into the city’s past heritage. The nearby zoos such as the Zoo in Forest Park and the Lupa Zoo are ideal attractions for family outings.

Hampden Transportation

Bradley International Airport is the nearest major airport.

Hampden Higher Education

Colleges closest to Hampden include Western New England College, Springfield College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Connecticut.

High Points

Hampden strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Low Rate of Poverty (vs. Peers)	Top 5%
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
Affordability of Rents (vs. State)	Top 13%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. Peers)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of Hampden, MA

Comparing Hampden to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
People Living Alone

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Hampden Almanac

Hampden Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Hampden Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Hampden, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Hampden Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Hampden Colleges

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

NEW: Community Comments below!