About Amherst

About the Town

The Town of Amherst, located in the lovely Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, is a diverse, inclusive community offering numerous educational and cultural opportunities.

Host to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the Town enjoys a tradition of open, professional, and high level of government services, quality education, support for open space and agriculture, and respect for its history.

General Information About Amherst
County Hampshire
Government Town Council, 13 Member Council w/ President and Vice President
Town Manager
Location Bordered by: Hadley to the west; Sunderland and Leverett to the north; Shutesbury, Pelham, and Belchertown to the east; and Granby and South Hadley to the south.

23 miles from Springfield, 18 miles from Greenfield, 50 miles from Pittsfield, 87 miles from Boston, and 157 miles from New York City
Land Area 27.7 square miles
Population 1950 - 10,856
1960 - 13,718
1970 - 26,331
1980 - 33,229
1990 - 35,228
2000 - 34,874
2010 - 37,819
2020 - 39,263
Density
(persons per square mile)
1950 - 392
1960 - 495
1970 - 951
1980 - 1,199
1990 - 1,272
2000 - 1,259
2010 - 1,370
2020 - 1,417
Elevation at Town Hall 312 feet above sea level
Topographical characteristics Valley plateau within a circle of hills
USGS Topo Plates Belchertown, Mount Holyoke, Williamsburg, Shutesbury
Longitude / Latitude 42 22' 25" N, 72 31' 15" W

Explore the Census Bureau profile for Amherst below, or you may visit their page in a new window by clicking here. 

Explore Town of Amherst Local Government Profile below, or click here to view in a new screen.