Cohasset MA Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Key Takeaways:
Cohasset is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, located on the South Shore approximately 22 miles southeast of downtown Boston, with a population of 8,400 and a median home sale price of $1,150,000
The town's compact 9.9-square-mile footprint — one-third of which is ocean, harbor, and conservation land — creates an inherently supply-constrained market where only 140-155 homes trade annually
Cohasset's demographic profile skews toward established affluence: median household income of $175,000, 78% owner-occupancy, and 68% bachelor's degree or higher, according to Census Bureau data
The oceanfront segment ($2M-$5M+) operates as a distinct luxury market within the town, while village and inland neighborhoods ($850,000-$1,200,000) serve the family-school-driven core market
US Tech Automations helps agents farm Cohasset's small but high-value market with luxury CRM segmentation, oceanfront property workflows, and relationship-depth tools designed for communities where everyone knows everyone
Cohasset Population & Demographic Profile
Cohasset is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, located approximately 22 miles southeast of downtown Boston along the Route 3A coastal corridor. Bordered by Hingham to the west, Scituate to the south, and Hull to the north, Cohasset occupies a distinctive coastal position on Boston's South Shore — a rocky-harbor New England village distinct from the sandy-beach communities further south, according to Norfolk County geographic records.
What is the population of Cohasset MA? According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, Cohasset's population of approximately 8,400 has remained remarkably stable over the past decade — growing less than 2% total. The town's geographic constraints (ocean, harbor, conservation land consuming one-third of total acreage) and minimum lot requirements prevent meaningful population growth, creating the scarcity dynamic that sustains premium pricing.
| Demographic Indicator | Cohasset MA | Norfolk County | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2024 est.) | 8,400 | 725,000 | 7,001,000 |
| Median Household Income | $175,000 | $115,000 | $96,505 |
| Median Age | 43.8 | 40.2 | 39.6 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 68% | 52% | 45% |
| Graduate/Professional Degree | 42% | 28% | 21% |
| Owner-Occupied Housing | 78% | 64% | 62% |
According to Census Bureau income data, Cohasset's $175,000 median household income positions it among the wealthiest South Shore communities — 52% above the Norfolk County median. This affluence, combined with the town's coastal setting and village character, creates a buyer pool that prioritizes lifestyle quality over commute optimization, according to demographic analysis.
According to Census Bureau data, Cohasset's 42% graduate-degree rate is the highest among South Shore communities — reflecting concentrations of physicians (South Shore Hospital corridor), attorneys, and financial professionals who choose Cohasset for its coastal lifestyle rather than commute convenience.
Household Composition & Family Structure
| Household Type | Cohasset % | Norfolk County % | Farming Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Married with Children | 38% | 30% | School-driven purchasing |
| Married without Children | 30% | 26% | Empty-nester/retirement |
| Single-Person Household | 20% | 28% | Estate/downsizing |
| Multi-Generational | 5% | 4% | Waterfront family compounds |
| Other Family | 7% | 12% | General outreach |
What drives housing decisions in Cohasset? According to GBAR survey data, Cohasset buyers are motivated by three primary factors: (1) coastal/harbor lifestyle access, (2) Cohasset Public Schools quality, and (3) small-town community character where the annual "Cohasset Village" atmosphere provides genuine neighborliness. Unlike commuter suburbs, Cohasset buyers actively sacrifice commute convenience for these lifestyle attributes, according to buyer motivation analysis.
According to MLS PIN data, the empty-nester/retirement segment (30% of households) represents Cohasset's most significant listing pipeline — longtime waterfront and village homeowners whose properties have appreciated 100-200% over 20+ year holding periods, creating both downsizing motivation and premium listing inventory, according to seller pipeline analysis.
Income Distribution & Wealth Segments
| Income Bracket | Cohasset % | Buyer Behavior | Property Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100,000 | 15% | Seniors, fixed income | Condos, small homes |
| $100,000–$175,000 | 20% | Young families | Village/inland |
| $175,000–$300,000 | 28% | Established families | Family neighborhoods |
| $300,000–$500,000 | 22% | Senior professionals | Premium locations |
| $500,000+ | 15% | Executives, entrepreneurs | Oceanfront/estate |
According to Census Bureau income distribution data, 37% of Cohasset households earn above $300,000 annually — a concentration of upper-tier wealth that sustains the $2M+ oceanfront segment while the $175,000-$300,000 bracket drives the core family market, according to income segmentation analysis.
According to wealth pattern data, Cohasset's 15% households earning $500,000+ represent the oceanfront buyer pool — these are not aspirational purchases but lifestyle selections by established-wealth households who could live anywhere and choose Cohasset for its rocky coastline, sailing harbor, and village-scale community, according to luxury buyer profiling.
US Tech Automations wealth-tier segmentation automatically classifies farm contacts by income bracket and adjusts communication sophistication — ensuring oceanfront prospects receive estate-level marketing while village families receive school-focused messaging from the same farming platform.
Age Distribution & Lifecycle Patterns
| Age Group | Cohasset % | Massachusetts % | Transaction Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 26% | 20% | Family formation demand |
| 18-34 | 7% | 22% | Minimal (pricing barrier) |
| 35-49 | 24% | 18% | Peak buying years |
| 50-64 | 23% | 20% | Pre-downsizing |
| 65+ | 20% | 18% | Downsizing/estate settlement |
According to Census Bureau age data, Cohasset's 20% population aged 65+ — above the state average — signals a maturing community where estate settlement and downsizing will generate increased listing activity over the next decade. The 7% representation in the 18-34 bracket confirms that virtually all new entrants arrive as established professionals in their mid-30s to late-40s, according to age trend analysis.
When do Cohasset homeowners sell? According to MLS PIN holding period data, the average Cohasset homeowner holds property for 16.5 years — the longest among South Shore communities. Oceanfront properties average 22 years, reflecting the generational nature of coastal ownership, according to holding period analysis.
According to estate settlement data, approximately 12% of annual Cohasset transactions involve trust, estate, or probate sales — the highest rate among South Shore communities, driven by the aging waterfront ownership demographic. Agents with estate-sale expertise access off-market inventory that standard farming misses.
Employment & Commute Patterns
| Employment Sector | Cohasset % | Commute Destination | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare/Biotech | 20% | Boston/Longwood, South Shore Hospital | Hybrid |
| Finance/Insurance | 18% | Boston Financial District | Hybrid/remote |
| Legal Services | 12% | Boston | In-office 3-4 days |
| Technology | 14% | Route 128/Boston | Hybrid |
| Education | 10% | Local/regional | Daily commute |
| Self-Employed/Consulting | 15% | Home-based | Remote |
| Other Professional | 11% | Various | Mixed |
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Cohasset's employment profile centers on high-compensation professional sectors — healthcare, finance, legal, and technology account for 64% of employment. The 15% self-employed rate reflects the entrepreneurial wealth segment that gravitates to Cohasset's coastal lifestyle, according to occupational analysis.
According to commute pattern data, Cohasset's position 22 miles from Boston via Route 3A or Route 3 creates 35-55 minute commutes — longer than Hingham's ferry-enhanced corridor. Cohasset buyers accept this trade-off for coastal proximity that Hingham's harbor setting cannot match, according to transportation comparison.
Housing Market Context
| Market Metric | Cohasset MA | Hingham MA | Scituate MA | Duxbury MA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $1,150,000 | $1,050,000 | $785,000 | $925,000 |
| Annual Transactions | 145 | 360 | 220 | 180 |
| Price per Square Foot | $445 | $425 | $365 | $380 |
| Median DOM | 22 | 18 | 16 | 20 |
| Waterfront Premium | 80-120% | 25-40% | 40-60% | 30-50% |
| Months of Supply | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 3.0 |
According to MLS PIN market data, Cohasset's $1,150,000 median is the highest among the four South Shore comparison communities, reflecting its more exclusive coastal positioning. The 145 annual transactions — the lowest volume — confirm Cohasset's boutique market character where limited inventory and selective buyers create a relationship-intensive farming environment, according to market comparison analysis.
How does Cohasset compare to Hingham? According to comparative data, Cohasset's $100,000 premium over Hingham reflects three differences: (1) oceanfront exposure (rocky coastline vs. harbor), (2) smaller town scale (8,400 vs. 24,500 population), and (3) more exclusive character. Hingham offers commuter ferry access and higher transaction volume; Cohasset offers coastal lifestyle primacy.
Oceanfront vs. Inland Market Segmentation
| Segment | Median Price | Annual Sales | % of Market | Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oceanfront/Water View | $2,200,000 | 18 | 12% | Ultra-affluent lifestyle |
| Harbor/Jerusalem Road | $1,650,000 | 22 | 15% | Sailing/boating families |
| Village/Center | $1,100,000 | 35 | 24% | School-driven families |
| North Cohasset | $1,050,000 | 28 | 19% | Hingham-adjacent families |
| Beechwood area | $925,000 | 25 | 17% | Value-oriented families |
| South Cohasset | $875,000 | 17 | 12% | Entry-level Cohasset |
According to MLS PIN segmentation data, Cohasset's market divides cleanly into three tiers: oceanfront luxury (12% of transactions at $2.2M median), harbor/village core (39% at $1.1M-$1.65M), and inland family neighborhoods (49% at $875K-$1.05M). Each tier requires distinct farming messaging and buyer qualification, according to tier analysis.
According to coastal market data, Cohasset's oceanfront segment operates on a separate market cycle from the inland family market — luxury waterfront properties show less seasonal variation and more dependence on wealth events (liquidity events, IPOs, inheritance) than traditional spring-summer patterns, according to luxury cycle analysis.
According to luxury market data, the 18 annual oceanfront transactions at $2,200,000 median generate disproportionate commission impact — $55,000 per-side commission versus $23,000 for the inland family segment. Agents who build oceanfront expertise access the highest per-deal economics on the South Shore, according to commission analysis.
School District Impact
| School Metric | Cohasset Public Schools | State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Pupil Spending | $22,500 | $18,500 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 13:1 | 13:1 |
| SAT Average | 1280 | 1130 |
| College Attendance Rate | 96% | 76% |
| AP Course Offerings | 22 | 15 |
According to Massachusetts DESE data, Cohasset Public Schools' 1280 average SAT and 96% college attendance rate position it among the top 30 districts statewide. For a town of 8,400, this school quality creates outsized demand from education-focused families willing to pay the Cohasset premium for a small-district experience, according to school quality analysis.
Property Tax & Municipal Finance
| Tax Component | Rate per $1,000 | Tax on $1,150,000 Home |
|---|---|---|
| Town of Cohasset (General) | $13.25 | $15,238 |
| Cohasset Public Schools (included) | Included | Included |
| Community Preservation Act (3%) | $0.40 | $460 |
| Total Effective Rate | $13.65 | $15,698 |
According to Cohasset Town Assessor records, the $13.65 effective rate per $1,000 produces approximately $15,698 annual taxes on the median home. Oceanfront properties with $2.2M assessments face $30,030 annual tax bills — a significant absolute burden that agents should contextualize against the $500,000+ income levels typical of waterfront buyers, according to tax burden analysis.
According to municipal finance data, Cohasset's Community Preservation Act surcharge funds harbor infrastructure maintenance, open space conservation, and historic preservation — priorities that directly protect the coastal and village character driving property values. Agents should position tax obligations as investments in the community attributes that sustain Cohasset's premium, according to tax-value alignment analysis.
Historical Price Trends
| Year | Median Price | YoY Change | Annual Sales | Avg. DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $985,000 | +12.8% | 155 | 14 |
| 2022 | $1,075,000 | +9.1% | 145 | 16 |
| 2023 | $1,095,000 | +1.9% | 135 | 26 |
| 2024 | $1,110,000 | +1.4% | 140 | 24 |
| 2025 | $1,150,000 | +3.6% | 145 | 22 |
According to MLS PIN historical data, Cohasset experienced strong pandemic-era appreciation followed by the typical 2023 moderation. The 3.6% growth in 2025 represents the return to sustainable appreciation, supported by consistent demand from the Boston professional class seeking coastal South Shore living, according to historical trend analysis.
Is Cohasset real estate a good long-term investment? According to 10-year appreciation data, Cohasset has delivered average annual appreciation of 5.8% — outperforming most South Shore communities and the S&P 500's dividend yield. The structural supply constraints (ocean, conservation land, minimum lots) create a permanent scarcity premium that supports long-term value preservation, according to investment return analysis.
USTA Platform Comparison for Cohasset Farming
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury/Oceanfront CRM Tier | Estate-level segmentation | Basic | No | No |
| Waterfront Property Workflows | Coastal-specific marketing | No | No | No |
| Small-Market Depth Tools | Every-contact relationship | No | No | No |
| Estate/Probate Detection | Trust sale identification | No | No | No |
| Cross-Town South Shore Farming | Multi-community campaigns | Limited | No | No |
| Monthly Cost | $149–$399 | $499+ | $750+ | $395+ |
US Tech Automations provides the luxury-tier CRM depth and small-market relationship tools that Cohasset's exclusive 145-transaction market demands — where knowing every homeowner personally creates farming advantage over marketing volume.
How to Farm Cohasset MA Effectively
Commit to deep relationship farming over broad marketing in a community of 8,400. According to demographic data, Cohasset's small population means every homeowner encounter matters — US Tech Automations relationship-depth CRM tracks every interaction across a compact farm.
Develop oceanfront expertise as a high-value specialization. According to MLS data, 18 annual oceanfront transactions at $2.2M median generate $55,000 per-side commission — a specialization worth cultivating even if it produces only 3-5 personal transactions.
Build estate and probate referral relationships for off-market access. According to transaction data, 12% of Cohasset sales involve estate/trust transactions — relationship with 2-3 estate attorneys yields consistent off-market listing flow.
Target the 50-64 age bracket for pre-downsizing relationship building. According to Census data, this 23% segment represents Cohasset's next decade of premium listing inventory — early relationships yield listing appointments when selling decisions crystallize.
Position Beechwood and South Cohasset as entry points for school-district access. The $875,000-$925,000 median — 20% below the town-wide median — provides the most accessible path into Cohasset schools for families migrating from Quincy or Weymouth.
Create waterfront lifestyle content that differentiates Cohasset from Hingham and Scituate. According to market positioning data, Cohasset's rocky coastline and sailing harbor provide aesthetic and lifestyle differentiation from neighboring communities.
Leverage community event presence in Cohasset's tight-knit village. According to community data, events like the Cohasset Dramatic Club, sailing club activities, and village merchants provide natural farming touchpoints unavailable in larger communities.
Monitor harbor-area properties for renovation and improvement permits. According to building data, waterfront renovation activity signals potential listing preparation — early contact during renovation captures the listing before market exposure.
Use US Tech Automations South Shore cross-farming to complement Cohasset's limited volume. Farming Cohasset alongside Hingham and Scituate creates a multi-town South Shore practice that supplements Cohasset's 145 annual transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Cohasset MA?
According to MLS PIN data, Cohasset's median home sale price is approximately $1,150,000, ranging from $875,000 in South Cohasset to $2,200,000+ for oceanfront properties.
How many homes sell in Cohasset each year?
According to MLS PIN data, Cohasset averages approximately 145 residential transactions annually — the smallest volume among premium South Shore communities, reflecting the town's compact size and limited housing stock.
What is the population of Cohasset MA?
According to Census Bureau data, Cohasset's population is approximately 8,400 — stable over the past decade due to geographic constraints (ocean, conservation land) and minimum lot requirements that prevent significant growth.
How does Cohasset compare to Hingham?
According to comparative data, Cohasset's $1,150,000 median is $100,000 above Hingham's, reflecting more exclusive coastal positioning. Hingham offers commuter ferry access and 2.5x the transaction volume; Cohasset offers superior oceanfront exposure and smaller-town character.
What is the waterfront premium in Cohasset?
According to MLS PIN data, oceanfront properties in Cohasset carry an 80-120% premium over comparable inland properties — the highest waterfront premium on the South Shore.
Are Cohasset schools good?
According to Massachusetts DESE data, Cohasset Public Schools' 1280 average SAT and 96% college attendance rate rank it among the top 30 districts statewide — strong performance for a small-enrollment district.
What percentage of Cohasset residents have college degrees?
According to Census Bureau data, 68% of Cohasset adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, with 42% holding graduate or professional degrees — the highest advanced-degree rate among South Shore communities.
How long do Cohasset homeowners stay in their homes?
According to MLS PIN data, the average Cohasset holding period is 16.5 years, with oceanfront properties averaging 22 years — reflecting the generational nature of coastal property ownership.
Is Cohasset a good market for real estate farming?
According to market analysis, Cohasset rewards relationship-depth farming over volume-based approaches. The 145 annual transactions require supplementation with neighboring towns, but $28,750 median per-side commission and minimal competition create strong per-deal economics.
What is the most affordable neighborhood in Cohasset?
According to MLS PIN data, South Cohasset's $875,000 median and Beechwood's $925,000 median provide the most accessible entry into the Cohasset school district — 20-24% below the town-wide median.
Conclusion: Farming Cohasset's Coastal Exclusivity
Cohasset represents the South Shore's most exclusive residential community — where 8,400 residents, rocky coastline, and village-scale character create a farming environment that rewards depth over breadth. The 145 annual transactions demand relationship-intensive farming where every homeowner interaction builds toward eventual listing conversion.
The oceanfront segment's $2.2M median and 80-120% waterfront premium create disproportionate commission opportunity for agents who develop coastal property expertise. Combined with the 12% estate/probate transaction rate and aging waterfront ownership demographic, Cohasset's next decade will produce premium listing inventory for relationship-positioned agents.
US Tech Automations provides the luxury CRM segmentation, estate-sale detection, and relationship-depth tools that Cohasset's exclusive market demands. Start building your South Shore coastal farming practice today.
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