MassachusettsPop. 101,709Mid-size cities
Is Lynn a Good Place to Live? Lynn, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lynn ranks #665 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.5 min, #224 of 256) and low graduation rates (80.4%, #168 of 205).
Lynn by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lynn'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 Lynn?
Lynn'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 $1,722/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $580,377, 12% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Lynn | 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 | $580,377#920 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 | $2,313/mo#845 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $510,100#999 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,722/mo#895 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.8x#1130 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.5%#1168 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.
Lynn 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. Lynn is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Lynn safe?
Lynn recorded 561 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% above the US rate of 328 and 85% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #889 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #179 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lynn Police Department. Property crime runs 1,110 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lynn | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 561#889 of 1,085 | 303 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,110#268 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 Lynn?
The median household in Lynn earns $75,043, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lynn | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $75,043#703 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 Lynn?
The median resident of Lynn is 36.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1013 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lynn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 24.1%#1013 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 48.1% | 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 Lynn's schools and health?
Lynn's 27 public schools graduate 80.4% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $23,759 spent per pupil. 33.8% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lynn | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 80.4%#873 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $23,759#79 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.8%#685 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.8%#857 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. 16,080 students are enrolled in Lynn's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lynn?
The average commute in Lynn is 31.5 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 8.7% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lynn scores 14.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.6°F and winters 30.5°F, with 44.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lynn | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 31.5 min#1183 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 12.3%#1158 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 66.4% | 62% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 8.7% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 4.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.9% | 14.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.5#90 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 | 36.2 | 19.7 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 38.5 | 21 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 45.2 | 28 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 56.5 | 37.1 | 4.3 |
| May | 66.5 | 46.8 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 75.8 | 56.1 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 81.8 | 62.2 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 60.6 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 73.4 | 53.2 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 62 | 42.4 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 51.4 | 33.9 | 4 |
| Dec | 41.5 | 25.7 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Beverly Muni Airport.
| Measure | Lynn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 30.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44.9 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 Beverly Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lynn?
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 | Lynn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#368 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 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 Lynn compare with similar-size cities?
Lynn is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #111 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 101,709.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #665 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 | 31.5 min |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | #630 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 | 28.6 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
| Daly City, CAPop. 101,964 | #303 | 62.0 | $123,547 | $2,551/mo | 254 | 28.8 min |
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #18 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 | 24.6 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 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 Lynn compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Lynn ranks #19 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 28% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 85% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% 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 Lynn's score calculated?
Lynn scores 55.6 out of 100, #665 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 Lynn. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lynn's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
63.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lynn. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lynn's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
73.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lynn's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
50.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lynn. Similar-size median 51.2.
47.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lynn. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lynn. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lynn's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
67.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lynn'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 Lynn 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 Lynn
Is Lynn, MA a good place to live?
Lynn ranks #665 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #111 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (31.5 min, #224 of 256) and low graduation rates (80.4%, #168 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Lynn?
Lynn'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 $1,722/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $580,377, 12% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Lynn?
Lynn recorded 561 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 71% above the US rate of 328 and 85% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #889 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #179 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lynn Police Department. Property crime runs 1,110 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lynn?
The median household in Lynn earns $75,043, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lynn?
Median rent in Lynn is $1,722/mo (Census), #895 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,313/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lynn?
The typical home value in Lynn is $580,377, up 0.7% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $510,100.
How are the public schools in Lynn?
Lynn's 27 public schools graduate 80.4% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $23,759 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lynn?
The average commute is 31.5 minutes, #1183 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 12.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lynn?
Lynn averages 49.9°F over the year, 69.6°F in summer and 30.5°F in winter, with 44.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lynn walkable?
Lynn scores 14.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #90 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 Lynn 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 Lynn?
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 Lynn?
Lynn has 101,709 residents. The median resident of Lynn is 36.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1013 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lynn compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Lynn ranks #19 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 28% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 85% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Lynn?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lynn's population of 101,709 are Conroe, TX (#630 overall), Highlands Ranch, CO (#109 overall), St. George, UT (#547 overall), Daly City, CA (#303 overall), and Carmel, IN (#18 overall). Lynn is #665.