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Is Chicopee a Good Place to Live? Chicopee, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chicopee ranks #690 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #304 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,157/mo, #108 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.4%, #403 of 476) and high violent crime (482 per 100,000, #360 of 442).
Chicopee by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chicopee'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 Chicopee?
Chicopee's cost of living index is 96.1, 4% below the US level of 100 and #492 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,157/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $322,260, 51% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Chicopee | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 96.1#492 of 1,308 | 108 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $322,260#443 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,631/mo#443 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $274,500#458 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,157/mo#398 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.2%#698 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Chicopee 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. Chicopee is in the Springfield, MA metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Chicopee safe?
Chicopee recorded 482 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 373 and 40% above Massachusetts's 345. That ranks #813 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #360 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chicopee Police Department. Property crime runs 1,407 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Chicopee | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 482#813 of 1,083 | 345 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,407#425 of 1,083 | 1,166 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Chicopee?
The median household in Chicopee earns $62,615, 18% below the US figure of $76,827 and 38% below Massachusetts ($101,370). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Chicopee | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $62,615#987 of 1,312 | $101,370 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.3%#998 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chicopee?
The median resident of Chicopee is 41.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1068 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chicopee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.9%#1068 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chicopee's schools and health?
Chicopee's 15 public schools graduate 85.8% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $21,961 spent per pupil. 34.7% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Chicopee | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85.8%#692 of 1,063 | 90% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.4#45 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,961#120 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.7%#752 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.9%#358 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,291 students are enrolled in Chicopee's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chicopee?
The average commute in Chicopee is 21.3 minutes (Massachusetts 25.1); 1.3% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chicopee scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.4°F and winters 27.9°F, with 45.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chicopee | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.3 min#448 of 1,312 | 25.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 12% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.3% | 64.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 7.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8% | 14.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 34.8 | 15.5 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 37.9 | 17.3 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 46.6 | 25.7 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 60.3 | 35.4 | 4.1 |
| May | 71.6 | 46.2 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 79.7 | 55.1 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 84.9 | 60.9 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 82.9 | 59.1 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 75.3 | 50.9 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 63 | 39.4 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 50.8 | 30.2 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 39.8 | 22.1 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Westfield Barnes Muni Airport.
| Measure | Chicopee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Westfield Barnes Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chicopee?
Hampden County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hampden County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Chicopee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#478 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hampden County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hampden County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.014% | 77% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0044% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0035% | 31% 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 Chicopee compare with similar-size cities?
Chicopee is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #304 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,295.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #690 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 | 21.3 min |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #75 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 | 25.9 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #1162 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 | 40.5 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 Chicopee compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Chicopee ranks #20 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 55.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 72.8. Its households earn 38% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 40% above the statewide rate. Homes are 51% 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 $101,370, violent crime 345 per 100,000.
How is Chicopee's score calculated?
Chicopee scores 55.1 out of 100, #690 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 Chicopee. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chicopee's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
66.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chicopee. Similar-size median 58.9.
47.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chicopee's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
78.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chicopee's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
74.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chicopee. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chicopee. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chicopee. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chicopee's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
63.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chicopee's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chicopee 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 Chicopee
Is Chicopee, MA a good place to live?
Chicopee ranks #690 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #304 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,157/mo, #108 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.4%, #403 of 476) and high violent crime (482 per 100,000, #360 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Chicopee?
Chicopee's cost of living index is 96.1, 4% below the US level of 100 and #492 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,157/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $322,260, 51% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Chicopee?
Chicopee recorded 482 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 373 and 40% above Massachusetts's 345. That ranks #813 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #360 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chicopee Police Department. Property crime runs 1,407 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Chicopee?
The median household in Chicopee earns $62,615, 18% below the US figure of $76,827 and 38% below Massachusetts ($101,370). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Chicopee?
Median rent in Chicopee is $1,157/mo (Census), #398 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,631/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chicopee?
Zillow's typical home value in Chicopee is $322,260, up 3.4% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $274,500.
How are the public schools in Chicopee?
Chicopee's 15 public schools graduate 85.8% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90%), with 11.4 students per teacher and $21,961 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chicopee?
The average commute is 21.3 minutes, #448 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.1 minutes across Massachusetts. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chicopee?
Chicopee averages 49.4°F over the year, 70.4°F in summer and 27.9°F in winter, with 45.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chicopee walkable?
Chicopee scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 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 Chicopee at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hampden County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Chicopee?
Hampden County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Chicopee?
Chicopee has 55,295 residents. The median resident of Chicopee is 41.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1068 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chicopee compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Chicopee ranks #20 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 55.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 72.8. Its households earn 38% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 40% above the statewide rate. Homes are 51% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Chicopee?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chicopee's population of 55,295 are Mount Prospect, IL (#75 overall), Anderson, IN (#980 overall), Texas City, TX (#861 overall), West Haven, CT (#435 overall), and Valdosta, GA (#1150 overall). Chicopee is #690.