Shirley ZIP Codes — Middlesex County, MA

There is one unique ZIP code in Shirley, Massachusetts and it is 01464. Area code: 978.

ZIP codes

15.13

sq mi land

0.08

sq mi water

978

area code

Shirley, MA ZIP code map

About Shirley, MA

Shirley, Massachusetts, is a charming town located in Middlesex County. Known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm, it offers residents a peaceful living environment. With a strong sense of community, Shirley balances the conveniences of modern life with a rich history and natural beauty.

Location & geography

Shirley is situated in north-central Massachusetts, approximately 10 miles from Fitchburg and 12 miles from Leominster. The town covers a land area of 15.13 square miles, with a small water area of 0.08 square miles. Its terrain features scenic woodlands and rolling hills, providing residents and visitors with beautiful views and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Community & economy

The character of Shirley is marked by its close-knit community and a blend of residential neighborhoods and rural landscapes. Industries in the area have historically included agriculture and manufacturing, contributing to a diverse local economy. Daily life in Shirley often revolves around community events, local parks, and outdoor activities, fostering a strong sense of belonging among its residents.

Transportation

Shirley is easily accessible via several major highways, including Route 2, which connects it to surrounding towns and cities. The nearest airport is Fitchburg Municipal Airport, about 9 miles away, providing essential air services. Public transportation options are limited, but the area is served by regional bus services that connect to nearby urban centers.

History

Shirley was first settled in the late 17th century and officially incorporated in 1775, playing a role in the early agricultural development of the region. The town has a historical significance linked to its industrial growth, particularly through its paper mills and manufacturing plants in the 19th century. Notable events in Shirley's history include its role in the American Revolutionary War and the establishment of various community organizations that continue to thrive today.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Shirley is that it is home to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution, which plays a significant role in the local economy. Additionally, the town hosts a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and parks, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.

ZIP codes for Shirley, MA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
01464	Shirley	Middlesex	View map

Demographics & statistics

7,092

Population

46.3

Median age

$114,118

Median household income

$46,749

Per capita income

$384,200

Median home value

$989

Median monthly rent

78.5%

Home ownership

2.1%

Poverty rate

5.3%

Unemployment

2,036

Housing units

32.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

135

Under 5

189

5–9

117

230

10–14

142

112

15–19

168

20–24

104

475

25–34

294

786

35–44

487

587

45–54

363

387

55–59

239

419

60–64

260

425

65–74

263

202

75–84

125

266

85+

164

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,060	14.9%
18 and over	6,032	85.1%
65 and over	1,445	20.4%
Median age	46.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 81%

Black or African American 7.1%

Hispanic or Latino 4.4%

Other race 3.4%

Asian 2%

Two or more races 1.9%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	6,009	81%
Black or African American	526	7.1%
Hispanic or Latino	326	4.4%
Other race	255	3.4%
Asian	145	2%
Two or more races	139	1.9%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	15	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 1.4%

$10k–$15k 1.1%

$15k–$25k 9.8%

$25k–$35k 1.6%

$35k–$50k 10.9%

$50k–$75k 8.3%

$75k–$100k 9.4%

$100k–$150k 25.5%

$150k–$200k 15.1%

$200k+ 16.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.4%
$10k–$15k	1.1%
$15k–$25k	9.8%
$25k–$35k	1.6%
$35k–$50k	10.9%
$50k–$75k	8.3%
$75k–$100k	9.4%
$100k–$150k	25.5%
$150k–$200k	15.1%
$200k+	16.8%
Median income	$114,118

Housing

Home values

$50k–$100k 0.8%

$100k–$150k 2.9%

$150k–$200k 4.9%

$200k–$300k 22.9%

$300k–$500k 52.9%

$500k–$1M 14.5%

$1M+ 1.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$384,200
Median rent / month	$989
Owner occupied	78.5%
Renter occupied	21.5%
Vacant	3.7%
Single-family detached	73.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	1.2%
Median rooms	6.3
Avg household size (owned)	2.65

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.1%
2000–2009	13.3%
1990–1999	11.7%
1980–1989	17.8%
1970–1979	12.2%
1960–1969	3.3%
1950–1959	7.9%
1940–1949	0.6%
1939 or earlier	29.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	4.0%
1 bedroom	10.6%
2 bedrooms	26.4%
3 bedrooms	34.6%
4 bedrooms	19.8%
5+ bedrooms	4.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.4%
1 vehicle	36.4%
2 vehicles	41.3%
3 or more	18.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	18.9%
Electricity	16.9%
Propane / LP gas	4.0%
Fuel oil	56.6%
Wood	2.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,542	62.4%
Cohabiting couple	96	3.9%
Male householder, no spouse	425	17.2%
Female householder, no spouse	407	16.5%
Households with children under 18	649	26.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	956	38.7%
Average household size	2.41

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	39.1%	15.6%
Married	48.7%	66.0%
Separated	1.3%	2.1%
Widowed	0.9%	8.7%
Divorced	10.1%	7.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.5%

Some HS, no diploma 7.2%

HS graduate 33.1%

Some college, no degree 17.2%

Associate's degree 8.3%

Bachelor's degree 20.7%

Graduate / professional 11.9%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.3%
Bachelor's or higher	32.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	81	7.0%
Kindergarten	26	2.2%
Elementary school	524	45.1%
High school	267	23.0%
College / grad school	265	22.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 27.1%

Manufacturing 20.3%

Professional & management 16.2%

Transportation & utilities 8.4%

Retail trade 7.4%

Finance & real estate 4.6%

Construction 4.4%

Information 3.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.5%

Other services 3.2%

Public administration 0.9%

Wholesale trade 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	53.7%
Service	12.3%
Sales & office	18.3%
Natural resources & construction	6.5%
Production & transportation	9.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	80.8%
Government	15.2%
Self-employed	3.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	79.9%
Carpool	2.8%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	35.0

Poverty

All people 2.1%

Under 18 years 0.0%

18 and over 2.6%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	36.2%
Retirement income	25.1%
Supplemental Security	2.5%
Cash public assistance	0.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	26.5%
High cholesterol	27.9%
Heart disease	4.6%
Stroke	2.2%
Asthma	9.8%
Arthritis	19.4%
Kidney disease	2.2%
Pulmonary disease	4.8%
Cancer	5.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.4%
No physical activity	18.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	31.7%
Fair or poor health	10.0%
Poor mental health	13.6%
Poor physical health	7.9%
No health insurance	7.9%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.6%
Visited dentist	70.2%
Cholesterol screening	90.0%
Teeth loss	12.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	521	8.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.9%
Under 18	5.9%
18–64 years	7.3%
65 and over	41.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	80.9%
Public insurance	29.8%
Uninsured under 19	2.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	6,873	96.9%
Spanish	156	2.3%
Other Indo-European	83	1.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	47	0.7%
Other languages	26	0.4%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	6,497	91.6%
Born in same state	6,361	89.7%
Born in different state	4,987	70.3%
Foreign born	136	1.9%
Naturalized citizen	595	8.4%
Not a US citizen	357	60.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	1,587	22.4%
French	938	13.2%
Arab	409	5.8%
German	267	3.8%
English	114	1.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	71	1%
Norwegian	58	0.8%
Irish	48	0.7%
Dutch	43	0.6%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	34.8%
Internet access	92.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Shirley, MA have?

Shirley, MA has one ZIP code: 01464. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.