MassachusettsPop. 118,368Mid-size cities
Is Lowell a Good Place to Live? Lowell, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lowell ranks #610 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #96 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (77.8%, #184 of 205) and high unemployment (5.1%, #183 of 241).
Lowell by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lowell'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 Lowell?
Lowell'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 $1,625/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $486,078, 27% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Lowell | 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 | $486,078#792 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 | $2,308/mo#843 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $429,200#851 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,625/mo#807 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% | 24.8%#980 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.
Lowell 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. Lowell is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Lowell safe?
Lowell recorded 505 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% above the US rate of 328 and 67% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #849 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #168 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lowell Police Department. Property crime runs 1,393 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lowell | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 505#849 of 1,085 | 303 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,393#416 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 Lowell?
The median household in Lowell earns $78,658, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lowell | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $78,658#642 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.9%#974 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 Lowell?
The median resident of Lowell is 35.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #792 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lowell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 30%#792 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 43.2% | 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 Lowell's schools and health?
Lowell's 29 public schools graduate 77.8% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $21,662 spent per pupil. 27.2% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lowell | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 77.8%#929 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.7#145 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,662#137 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 27.2%#230 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.2%#400 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. 16,349 students are enrolled in Lowell's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lowell?
The average commute in Lowell is 27.9 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 1.6% of workers take transit and 10.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lowell scores 14.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #65 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.3°F and winters 27.7°F, with 48.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lowell | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.9 min#993 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71% | 62% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.1% | 4.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.6% | 14.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.7#65 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 | 34 | 15.8 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 37.3 | 16.9 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 45.4 | 24.4 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 59 | 34.6 | 4.1 |
| May | 70 | 45 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 79 | 55 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 84.7 | 60.9 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 83 | 59.3 | 4 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 51.5 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 62.4 | 39.5 | 5 |
| Nov | 50.5 | 30.3 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 39.8 | 22.1 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lowell.
| Measure | Lowell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 70.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 27.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 48.5 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 Lowell.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lowell?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 82% 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 Middlesex County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Lowell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 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% | 0.09%#158 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 Middlesex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Middlesex County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0021% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0083% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0056% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0023% | 24% 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 Lowell compare with similar-size cities?
Lowell is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #96 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 118,368.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #610 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 | 27.9 min |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #564 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 | 27.8 min |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 min |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #825 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 | 16.5 min |
| Richardson, TXPop. 118,731 | #271 | 62.7 | $98,111 | $1,857/mo | 138 | 23.6 min |
| Broken Arrow, OKPop. 118,180 | #370 | 60.5 | $86,765 | $1,320/mo | 198 | 21.9 min |
| Clearwater, FLPop. 117,247 | #629 | 56.2 | $66,381 | $1,658/mo | 254 | 22.7 min |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #454 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 | 24.1 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 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 Lowell compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Lowell ranks #16 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 25% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 Lowell's score calculated?
Lowell scores 56.5 out of 100, #610 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 Lowell. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lowell's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
64.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lowell. Similar-size median 53.8.
61.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lowell's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
67.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lowell's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
55.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lowell. Similar-size median 51.2.
43.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lowell. Similar-size median 42.1.
36.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lowell. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lowell's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
72.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
76.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lowell'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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Is Lowell, MA a good place to live?
Lowell ranks #610 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #96 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (77.8%, #184 of 205) and high unemployment (5.1%, #183 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Lowell?
Lowell'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 $1,625/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $486,078, 27% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Lowell?
Lowell recorded 505 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% above the US rate of 328 and 67% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #849 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #168 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lowell Police Department. Property crime runs 1,393 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lowell?
The median household in Lowell earns $78,658, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lowell?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,625/mo (Census), #807 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,308/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lowell?
The typical home value in Lowell is $486,078, up 0.9% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $429,200.
How are the public schools in Lowell?
Lowell's 29 public schools graduate 77.8% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $21,662 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lowell?
The average commute is 27.9 minutes, #993 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lowell?
Lowell averages 49°F over the year, 70.3°F in summer and 27.7°F in winter, with 48.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lowell walkable?
Lowell scores 14.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #65 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 Lowell at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Middlesex County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lowell?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lowell?
Lowell has 118,368 residents. The median resident of Lowell is 35.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #792 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lowell compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Lowell ranks #16 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 25% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Lowell?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lowell's population of 118,368 are Berkeley, CA (#564 overall), North Charleston, SC (#978 overall), Billings, MT (#825 overall), Richardson, TX (#271 overall), and Broken Arrow, OK (#370 overall). Lowell is #610.