Massachusetts
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Massachusetts vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Massachusetts
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worcester | A+ | 79.1 | 206,518 | $92,801 | 385 | 142 |
| 2 | Springfield | A | 77.2 | 155,929 | $121,514 | 378 | 135 |
| 3 | Boston | B+ | 76.3 | 675,647 | $100,381 | 331 | 152 |
| 4 | Lexington | B | 73.9 | 34,454 | $108,099 | 291 | 145 |
| 5 | Newton | B | 72.3 | 88,923 | $107,248 | 408 | 132 |
| 6 | Somerville | C+ | 72.2 | 81,360 | $86,818 | 395 | 144 |
| 7 | Quincy | C | 69.7 | 101,636 | $95,408 | 411 | 124 |
| 8 | Amherst | C | 68.9 | 39,263 | $92,612 | 309 | 143 |
| 9 | Cambridge | D | 68.8 | 118,403 | $103,670 | 408 | 153 |
| 10 | Brookline | F | 67.0 | 63,870 | $96,925 | 268 | 117 |
More Northeast States
Massachusetts Rankings Overview
Massachusetts earns an overall grade of A+ with a composite score of 73 out of 100, ranking #4 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (100/100) while its biggest challenge is Affordability (38/100).
Economy & Employment in Massachusetts
With an unemployment rate of 4.9% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Massachusetts performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $101,370, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks #2 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #1 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Massachusetts's overall ranking?
Massachusetts ranks #4 out of 50 states with a composite score of 73/100 and a grade of A+.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live?
Massachusetts ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 73/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Massachusetts?
The violent crime rate in Massachusetts is 345 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Massachusetts's economy compare?
Massachusetts's median household income is $101,370 with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Massachusetts?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Massachusetts are Worcester, Springfield, and Boston.