MassachusettsPop. 105,386Mid-size cities
Is Brockton a Good Place to Live? Brockton, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Brockton ranks #859 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #154 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.5 min, #224 of 256) and high unemployment (5.6%, #210 of 241).
Brockton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Brockton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Brockton?
Brockton's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,641/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $508,661, 23% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Brockton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $508,661#825 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,341/mo#852 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $437,500#868 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,641/mo#817 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.6%#961 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Brockton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Brockton is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Brockton safe?
Brockton recorded 538 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% above the US rate of 328 and 78% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #872 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #172 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brockton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,404 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Brockton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 538#872 of 1,085 | 303 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,404#425 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Brockton?
The median household in Brockton earns $80,115, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Brockton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $80,115#614 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.5%#765 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Brockton?
The median resident of Brockton is 36.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 22.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1086 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Brockton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 22.3%#1086 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 57.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Brockton's schools and health?
Brockton's 22 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $24,476 spent per pupil. 35.9% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Brockton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $24,476#69 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.9%#855 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21.4%#1268 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.4%#432 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,291 students are enrolled in Brockton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Brockton?
The average commute in Brockton is 31.5 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 4.7% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Brockton scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.3°F and winters 32°F, with 50.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Brockton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 31.5 min#1183 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 16.2%#1245 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.7% | 62% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.7% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 4.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 6.9% | 14.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.7 | 20.6 | 4 |
| Feb | 40.8 | 22 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 48 | 28.7 | 5.2 |
| Apr | 59 | 38 | 4.5 |
| May | 69.7 | 47.4 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 78.3 | 57.1 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 84.2 | 63.4 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 82.9 | 62 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 75.3 | 54.2 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 64 | 43 | 5 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 34.2 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 43.7 | 26.4 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brockton.
| Measure | Brockton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 51.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 50.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Brockton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Brockton?
Plymouth County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Plymouth County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Brockton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#210 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Plymouth County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Plymouth County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.012% | 87% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0089% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0035% | 56% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Brockton compare with similar-size cities?
Brockton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #154 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 105,386.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #447 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 | 18.1 min |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #592 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 | 19.2 min |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | #1060 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 | 27.8 min |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #442 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 | 29.7 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #401 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 | 27.1 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #36 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Brockton compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Brockton ranks #22 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 52.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 24% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Massachusetts home.
| City | Rank in MA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #1 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #2 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #3 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #4 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #5 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #6 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #7 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #8 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #9 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #10 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #11 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #12 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #13 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #14 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #15 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #16 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #17 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #18 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 |
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #19 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #20 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #21 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #22 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 |
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #23 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #24 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #25 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 |
All 25 Massachusetts cities we track, by overall score. Massachusetts statewide: median income $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Brockton's score calculated?
Brockton scores 52.3 out of 100, #859 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Massachusetts's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Brockton. Similar-size median 52.9.
45.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Brockton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
62.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Brockton. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Brockton's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
68.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Brockton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
54.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Brockton. Similar-size median 51.2.
50.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Brockton. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Brockton. Similar-size median 50.1.
35.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Brockton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
76.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Brockton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Brockton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Brockton
Is Brockton, MA a good place to live?
Brockton ranks #859 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #154 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.5 min, #224 of 256) and high unemployment (5.6%, #210 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Brockton?
Brockton's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,641/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $508,661, 23% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Brockton?
Brockton recorded 538 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 64% above the US rate of 328 and 78% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #872 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #172 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Brockton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,404 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Brockton?
The median household in Brockton earns $80,115, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Brockton?
Median rent in Brockton is $1,641/mo (Census), #817 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,341/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Brockton?
The typical home value in Brockton is $508,661, up 2.2% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $437,500.
How are the public schools in Brockton?
Brockton's 22 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $24,476 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Brockton?
The average commute is 31.5 minutes, #1183 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 16.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Brockton?
Brockton averages 51.4°F over the year, 71.3°F in summer and 32°F in winter, with 50.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Brockton walkable?
Brockton scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Brockton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Plymouth County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Brockton?
Plymouth County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Brockton?
Brockton has 105,386 residents. The median resident of Brockton is 36.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 22.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1086 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Brockton compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Brockton ranks #22 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 52.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 24% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Brockton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Brockton's population of 105,386 are Sandy Springs, GA (#108 overall), Boulder, CO (#447 overall), Green Bay, WI (#592 overall), El Monte, CA (#1060 overall), and Renton, WA (#442 overall). Brockton is #859.