City Town Info

Hampden, MA


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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):

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

Comparative Profile of Hampden, MA

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

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Age of the Population99
Well-Paid Single Women74
Well-Paid Single Men74
Male Share of the Population64
Female Share of the Population57
Senior Citizens56
Children Under 5 Years Old23
Racial Diversity11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married1010
Average Household Size99

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Above Poverty1010
Median Family Income98
People in Middle Class or Better97
College Educated Adults86

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Public Transportation Use43
Working at Home42
Short Commute Times47
Walking and Biking to Work23

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents69
Housing Recently Built56
Affordability of Property Taxes34
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals23
Seasonal and Vacation Housing21
People Living Alone22

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime107
Low Violent Crime76
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