MassachusettsPop. 53,475Smaller cities
Is Methuen Town a Good Place to Live? Methuen Town, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Methuen Town ranks #171 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #82 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (114 per 100,000, #66 of 442) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Methuen Town by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Methuen Town'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 Methuen Town?
Methuen Town'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 $1,749/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $499,700.
| Measure | Methuen Town | 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 | 108 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $499,700#984 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,749/mo#919 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.5%#288 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.
Is Methuen Town safe?
Methuen Town recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 373 and 67% below Massachusetts's 345. That ranks #156 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Methuen Police Department. Property crime runs 592 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Methuen Town | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 114#156 of 1,083 | 345 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 592#46 of 1,083 | 1,166 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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 Methuen Town?
The median household in Methuen Town earns $113,310, 47% above the US figure of $76,827 and 12% above Massachusetts ($101,370). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.2%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Methuen Town | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $113,310#202 of 1,312 | $101,370 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.9%#319 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
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 Methuen Town?
The median resident of Methuen Town is 39.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #756 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Methuen Town | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 31%#756 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 72.3% | 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 Methuen Town's schools and health?
Methuen Town's 6 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90%), with 12.1 students per teacher and $17,940 spent per pupil.
| Measure | Methuen Town | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 90% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.1#96 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,940#346 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
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. 6,532 students are enrolled in Methuen Town's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Methuen Town?
The average commute in Methuen Town is 27.7 minutes (Massachusetts 25.1); 1.1% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Methuen Town scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 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 | Methuen Town | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.7 min#977 of 1,312 | 25.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.7%#1093 of 1,312 | 12% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.1% | 64.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 7.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.2% | 14.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.4#545 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 | Methuen Town | 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 Methuen Town?
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 | Methuen Town | 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 Methuen Town compare with similar-size cities?
Methuen Town is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #82 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,475.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #171 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 | 27.7 min |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 min |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #708 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 | 22.5 min |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #30 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 | 25.7 min |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #1086 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 | 20.2 min |
| Diamond Bar, CAPop. 53,355 | #755 | 54.1 | $108,281 | $2,521/mo | 124 | 33.3 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #266 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data | 34.1 min |
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #25 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 | 20.4 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 Methuen Town compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Methuen Town ranks #8 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 65.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 72.8. Its households earn 12% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate.
| 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 $101,370, violent crime 345 per 100,000.
How is Methuen Town's score calculated?
Methuen Town scores 65.3 out of 100, #171 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; health and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Methuen Town. Similar-size median 55.5.
64.6 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Methuen Town's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
95.3 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Methuen Town's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
77.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Methuen Town's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
50.6 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Methuen Town. Similar-size median 56.1.
75.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Methuen Town. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Methuen Town. Similar-size median 50.0.
41.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Methuen Town's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
67.6 - HealthNot scored
No CDC health estimates for Methuen Town.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Methuen Town'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 Methuen Town 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 Methuen Town
Is Methuen Town, MA a good place to live?
Methuen Town ranks #171 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #82 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (114 per 100,000, #66 of 442) and high graduation rates (93%, #81 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Methuen Town?
Methuen Town'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 $1,749/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $499,700.
What is the crime rate in Methuen Town?
Methuen Town recorded 114 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 373 and 67% below Massachusetts's 345. That ranks #156 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Methuen Police Department. Property crime runs 592 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Methuen Town?
The median household in Methuen Town earns $113,310, 47% above the US figure of $76,827 and 12% above Massachusetts ($101,370). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.2%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Methuen Town?
Median rent in Methuen Town is $1,749/mo (Census), #919 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Methuen Town?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Methuen Town is $499,700, #984 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Methuen Town?
Methuen Town's 6 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90%), with 12.1 students per teacher and $17,940 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Methuen Town?
The average commute is 27.7 minutes, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.1 minutes across Massachusetts. 10.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Methuen Town?
Methuen Town 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 Methuen Town walkable?
Methuen Town scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 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 Methuen Town 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 Methuen Town?
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 Methuen Town?
Methuen Town has 53,475 residents. The median resident of Methuen Town is 39.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #756 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Methuen Town compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Methuen Town ranks #8 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 65.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 72.8. Its households earn 12% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Methuen Town?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Methuen Town's population of 53,475 are Elkhart, IN (#830 overall), Pinellas Park, FL (#708 overall), Wheaton, IL (#30 overall), Galveston, TX (#1086 overall), and Diamond Bar, CA (#755 overall). Methuen Town is #171.