Falmouth’s Business & Living Economics
Top Employers & Industries in Falmouth
Falmouth has benefited from a rich and diverse business environment with some that have roots dating as far back as 1800’s. There were wool-carding mills in East Falmouth and Waquoit by the early 1800s, and sheep grazed the land in Falmouth Heights and Maravista. As well, Falmouth was a busy port serving packet ships in the import-export trade, and whalers hunting the sperm whale - a big-money business for that time. However, there were many other industries found in Falmouth. Salt was worked from the time of the War of Independence, and at their peak the salt works of Falmouth produced 35,500 bushels of salt from seawater annually. There was a glass factory at the foot of Shore Street, near today's Surf Drive Beach. Coastal schooners called regularly at Falmouth, taking lumber, salt, glass, whale oil, and onions to the trade centers of Boston and New York.
Healthcare, science and technology are now the leading industries. The smaller businesses are primarily comprised of retail, restaurants, accommodations, banks, real estate, construction and landscaping.
To view the full Labor Market Information Report from the Massachusetts Department of Economic Research.
Per the Massachusetts Department of Economic Research the largest Falmouth business employers are noted below.
View a complete list of employers.
Demographics
Falmouth is located in Southeastern Massachusetts on Cape Cod in Barnstable County with a year-round population estimated at 33,361 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau on July 1, 2021, the last census conducted. The seasonal population in the summertime can grow to 3 times the year-round population; to more than 100,000 people. View detailed census information.
Housing Profile
The Town of Falmouth has an estimated year-round population of just over 33,000 residents, the second largest town in the region in terms of year-round population. It is bordered by Bourne and Sandwich on the north, Vineyard Sound on the south, Buzzards Bay on the west, and Mashpee on the east. About 31% of homes in the town are seasonal, which is slightly lower than the region as a whole (36%). The Town of Falmouth includes two Community Activity Centers within its boundaries: Falmouth and Woods Hole. View detailed housing profile information.
Taxes
The Fiscal Year 2026 property tax rate is $5.73 per $1,000 of assessed value. The minimum combined sales tax rate (which includes the state, county, and city) is 6.25%. Learn more about Falmouth taxes.
Business Resources
We want you to bring your business to Falmouth. Wondering how to start, locate or fund your business venture? They are certainly factors to consider. Be sure to survey your options and speak to various business support organizations and create a plan so that your business can successfully weather the seasonality of the Falmouth economy. Below are a few links to sources you can you begin your inquiries with. The majority of these organization offer their services free of charge. Falmouth is a wonderful place to both live and work!
New or Relocating Businesses
Be sure to ask the right questions. Some of the answers may differ depending upon the location and the landlord you’re working with, but good questions help limit unknowns, manage risk and position your business for success.
We’ve compiled a list of key regulatory and commercial real estate questions to help get you started. These questions obviously don’t cover every possible situation you’ll encounter, but they’ll get you thinking about all the small details that can greatly impact the ultimate success (or failure) of your business.
Key Municipal Regulatory Questions:
Have you applied for a business license?
If you’re selling a product, have you applied for a State sales tax license with Mass DOR?
Have you confirmed that the use you’re interested in is allowed by zoning?
If you are doing interior or exterior renovations, did you get a building permit?
Will your use and/or renovation plans trigger any additional municipal tap fees?
Did you apply for a new sign permit?
If it is a food service business or Restaurant, have you contacted the Falmouth Board of Health?
If a Services provider or a Professional, have you applied for a State or Town business license?
And remember, when you get to the big decisions, consider hiring a good attorney, accountant or real estate professional to look out for your interests.
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