Lawrence

Lawrence, Massachusetts Overview

Lawrence faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (47.4/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in Massachusetts. Even so, the city scores 69/100 in Safety — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 32/100.

Income & Employment in Lawrence

Lawrence’s median income of $58,079 is 43% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.7% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%.

Safety in Lawrence

Lawrence’s violent crime rate of 479.5 per 100,000 runs above the Massachusetts average of 345. The property crime rate is 1068.3 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Lawrence

Lawrence has a cost of living index of 111.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $393,500. Median monthly rent is $1,569. Renters allocate 32.4% of income to rent — above the 30% affordability threshold. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Lawrence

The adult obesity rate in Lawrence is 37.2%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 14.2%. Residents report an average of 17.8 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Lawrence

The high school graduation rate in Lawrence is 73%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio of 11.3:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $22,878 per student, well above the national median. The city has 27 public schools serving 15,020 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Lawrence

The annual average temperature in Lawrence is 51.1°F. Summers average 68.4°F. Winters average 34.7°F. Precipitation is abundant at 58.6 inches per year.

Frequently Asked Questions