MassachusettsPop. 88,736Smaller cities
Is Lawrence a Good Place to Live? Lawrence, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lawrence ranks #874 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #367 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73%, #413 of 437) and high unemployment (6.5%, #448 of 476).
Lawrence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lawrence'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 Lawrence?
Lawrence'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 $1,662/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $513,746, 22% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Lawrence | 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 | $513,746#838 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 | $2,380/mo#871 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $415,200#823 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,662/mo#843 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.9x#1140 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 33%#1284 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.
Lawrence 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. Lawrence is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Lawrence safe?
Lawrence recorded 361 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #661 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #295 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lawrence Police Department. Property crime runs 899 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lawrence | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 361#661 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 899#175 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 Lawrence?
The median household in Lawrence earns $60,433, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.3%). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lawrence | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $60,433#1035 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.5%#1005 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.6%#1022 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Lawrence?
The median resident of Lawrence is 32.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1231 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 28.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lawrence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.8%#1231 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 28.1% | 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 Lawrence's schools and health?
Lawrence's 27 public schools graduate 73% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $22,878 spent per pupil. 37.2% of adults are obese and 14.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lawrence | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 73%#1006 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.3#40 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,878#95 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.2%#961 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.2%#1104 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 18.7%#1188 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. 15,020 students are enrolled in Lawrence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lawrence?
The average commute in Lawrence is 23 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 3.6% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lawrence scores 15 of 20 (above average walkable), #38 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 | Lawrence | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.3% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.6% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.8% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15#38 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 | Lawrence | 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 Lawrence?
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 | Lawrence | 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 Lawrence compare with similar-size cities?
Lawrence is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #367 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 88,736.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #874 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 | 23 min |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #240 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 | 28.3 min |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #695 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 | 26.1 min |
| Manteca, CAPop. 89,043 | #784 | 53.5 | $97,055 | $2,065/mo | 336 | 37.6 min |
| Santa Fe, NMPop. 89,019 | #571 | 57.0 | $73,482 | $1,463/mo | 518 | 21 min |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #265 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 | 21 min |
| Springdale, ARPop. 88,160 | #747 | 54.2 | $69,787 | $1,071/mo | 527 | 19.3 min |
| Deerfield Beach, FLPop. 88,093 | #1091 | 48.0 | $59,730 | $1,774/mo | part year | 28.2 min |
| Bryan, TXPop. 87,939 | #719 | 54.7 | $59,289 | $1,195/mo | 287 | 18.5 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 Lawrence compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Lawrence ranks #23 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 42% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 Lawrence's score calculated?
Lawrence scores 52.1 out of 100, #874 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 Lawrence. Similar-size median 55.5.
31.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lawrence's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
77.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lawrence. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lawrence's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lawrence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
55.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lawrence. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lawrence. Similar-size median 42.4.
30.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lawrence. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lawrence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
73.7 - 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: Lawrence'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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Is Lawrence, MA a good place to live?
Lawrence ranks #874 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #367 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73%, #413 of 437) and high unemployment (6.5%, #448 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Lawrence?
Lawrence'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 $1,662/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $513,746, 22% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Lawrence?
Lawrence recorded 361 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #661 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #295 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lawrence Police Department. Property crime runs 899 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lawrence?
The median household in Lawrence earns $60,433, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 42% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.3%). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lawrence?
Median rent in Lawrence is $1,662/mo (Census), #843 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,380/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 33% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lawrence?
The typical home value in Lawrence is $513,746, up 2.4% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $415,200.
How are the public schools in Lawrence?
Lawrence's 27 public schools graduate 73% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $22,878 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lawrence?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lawrence?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence walkable?
Lawrence scores 15 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #38 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence?
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 Lawrence?
Lawrence has 88,736 residents. The median resident of Lawrence is 32.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1231 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 28.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lawrence compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Lawrence ranks #23 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 42% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Lawrence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lawrence's population of 88,736 are Clifton, NJ (#240 overall), Waukegan, IL (#695 overall), Manteca, CA (#784 overall), Santa Fe, NM (#571 overall), and Bloomington, MN (#265 overall). Lawrence is #874.