MassachusettsPop. 67,698Smaller cities
Is Haverhill a Good Place to Live? Haverhill, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Haverhill ranks #444 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #365 of 437).
Haverhill by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Haverhill'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 Haverhill?
Haverhill'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 $1,668/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $548,436, 17% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Haverhill | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $548,436#887 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,305/mo#840 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $453,900#897 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,668/mo#849 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.7%#747 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.
Haverhill 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. Haverhill is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Haverhill safe?
Haverhill recorded 330 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, in line with the US rate of 328 and 9% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #601 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #268 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Haverhill Police Department. Property crime runs 674 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Haverhill | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 330#601 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 674#78 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
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 Haverhill?
The median household in Haverhill earns $88,326, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Haverhill | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $88,326#485 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.3%#602 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
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 Haverhill?
The median resident of Haverhill is 39.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Haverhill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.8% | 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 Haverhill's schools and health?
Haverhill's 15 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $20,354 spent per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Haverhill | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.2#104 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $20,354#185 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.1%#264 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. 7,687 students are enrolled in Haverhill's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Haverhill?
The average commute in Haverhill is 27.4 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 1.8% of workers take transit and 12.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Haverhill scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.7°F and winters 29.6°F, with 40.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Haverhill | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.4 min#960 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.6%#964 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.5% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.1#464 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 | 19.3 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 37.5 | 20.6 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 45.3 | 28.1 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 57.7 | 37.6 | 3.6 |
| May | 68.5 | 47.6 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 57.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 83.2 | 63.2 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 81.6 | 61.7 | 3 |
| Sep | 73.8 | 53.9 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 61.8 | 42.7 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 50.6 | 33.9 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 40.1 | 25.2 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lawrence Muni Airport.
| Measure | Haverhill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 40.9 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 Lawrence Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Haverhill?
Essex County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Essex County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Haverhill | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#368 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 Essex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Essex County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.011% | 85% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0084% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.007% | 73% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0024% | 25% 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 Haverhill compare with similar-size cities?
Haverhill is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #207 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,698.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #358 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 | 15.6 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
| Lodi, CAPop. 67,607 | #990 | 50.3 | $88,530 | $1,680/mo | 493 | 24.1 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 Haverhill compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Haverhill ranks #15 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 59.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 16% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% 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 Haverhill's score calculated?
Haverhill scores 59.1 out of 100, #444 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Haverhill. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Haverhill's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
81.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Haverhill. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Haverhill's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Haverhill's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Haverhill. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Haverhill. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Haverhill. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Haverhill's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
67.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Haverhill'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 Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Is Haverhill, MA a good place to live?
Haverhill ranks #444 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (80%, #365 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Haverhill?
Haverhill'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 $1,668/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $548,436, 17% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Haverhill?
Haverhill recorded 330 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, in line with the US rate of 328 and 9% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #601 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #268 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Haverhill Police Department. Property crime runs 674 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Haverhill?
The median household in Haverhill earns $88,326, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Haverhill?
Median rent in Haverhill is $1,668/mo (Census), #849 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,305/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Haverhill?
The typical home value in Haverhill is $548,436, up 2.2% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $453,900.
How are the public schools in Haverhill?
Haverhill's 15 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $20,354 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Haverhill?
The average commute is 27.4 minutes, #960 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 8.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Haverhill?
Haverhill averages 50.1°F over the year, 70.7°F in summer and 29.6°F in winter, with 40.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Haverhill walkable?
Haverhill scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 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 Haverhill at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Essex County's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Haverhill?
Essex County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Haverhill?
Haverhill has 67,698 residents. The median resident of Haverhill is 39.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Haverhill compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Haverhill ranks #15 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 59.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 16% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Haverhill?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Haverhill's population of 67,698 are South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), Delray Beach, FL (#475 overall), Idaho Falls, ID (#448 overall), and Rockville, MD (#40 overall). Haverhill is #444.