 Amherst is located in Hardiness Zone 6a/6b.A recent trend since the Hardiness rezoning is the discovery that certain tropical plants like the Needle Palm, Chinese Windmill Palm and Fiber Banana trees can grow in Amherst with some protection.As of the census of 2010, there were 12,021 people, 4,772 households, and 3,463 families residing in the city.