MassachusettsPop. 89,044Smaller cities
Is Newton a Good Place to Live? Newton, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Newton ranks #3 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($190,304, #7 of 524) and high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437), and trails on expensive homes ($1,264,900, #508 of 524) and high rents ($2,370/mo, #469 of 524).
Newton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Newton'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 Newton?
Newton'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 $2,370/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,509,055, 2.3 times the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Newton | 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 | $1,509,055#1169 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 | $3,408/mo#1071 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,264,900#1283 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,370/mo#1222 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.6x#1120 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 14.9%#62 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.
Newton 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. Newton is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Newton safe?
Newton recorded 56 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 81% below Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #39 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newton Police Department. Property crime runs 525 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Newton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 56#39 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 525#32 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 Newton?
The median household in Newton earns $190,304, 2.3 times the US figure of $83,163 and 82% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Newton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $190,304#9 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.5%#77 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 Newton?
The median resident of Newton is 42.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 81.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #9 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Newton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 81.1%#9 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 70% | 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 Newton's schools and health?
Newton's 5 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 10.4 students per teacher and $26,981 spent per pupil. 21.2% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Newton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 10.4#16 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $26,981#33 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 21.2%#30 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.1%#72 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 2.6%#1 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. 1,817 students are enrolled in Newton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Newton?
The average commute in Newton is 26.6 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 7.7% of workers take transit and 32.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Newton scores 14.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 30.8°F, with 49.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Newton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.6 min#898 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.6%#881 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 47.5% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.7% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.9% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 32.2% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.5#90 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 | 37 | 19.4 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 39.6 | 21 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 46.6 | 28.4 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 58.8 | 38.1 | 4.3 |
| May | 69.4 | 48.2 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.8 | 57.9 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 84.7 | 64 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 83.1 | 62.5 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 54.9 | 4 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 43 | 5 |
| Nov | 52.6 | 34.2 | 4 |
| Dec | 42.4 | 25.7 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jamaica Plain.
| Measure | Newton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 49.4 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 Jamaica Plain.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Newton?
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 | Newton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#158 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 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 Newton compare with similar-size cities?
Newton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #2 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 89,044.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 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 |
| Deerfield Beach, FLPop. 88,093 | #1091 | 48.0 | $59,730 | $1,774/mo | part year | 28.2 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 Newton compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Newton ranks #2 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 78.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 82% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 81% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.3 times 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 Newton's score calculated?
Newton scores 78.3 out of 100, #3 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Newton. Similar-size median 55.5.
85.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Newton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
99.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Newton. Similar-size median 58.9.
86.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Newton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
96.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Newton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
26.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Newton. Similar-size median 56.1.
97.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Newton. Similar-size median 42.4.
49.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Newton. Similar-size median 50.0.
72.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Newton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
71.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Newton'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 Newton 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 Newton
Is Newton, MA a good place to live?
Newton ranks #3 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($190,304, #7 of 524) and high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437), and trails on expensive homes ($1,264,900, #508 of 524) and high rents ($2,370/mo, #469 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Newton?
Newton'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 $2,370/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,509,055, 2.3 times the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Newton?
Newton recorded 56 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 81% below Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #39 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newton Police Department. Property crime runs 525 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Newton?
The median household in Newton earns $190,304, 2.3 times the US figure of $83,163 and 82% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Newton?
Median rent in Newton is $2,370/mo (Census), #1222 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,408/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Newton?
The typical home value in Newton is $1,509,055, up 2.3% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,264,900.
How are the public schools in Newton?
Newton's 5 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 10.4 students per teacher and $26,981 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Newton?
The average commute is 26.6 minutes, #898 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 7.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Newton?
Newton averages 51.2°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 30.8°F in winter, with 49.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Newton walkable?
Newton 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 Newton 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 Newton?
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 Newton?
Newton has 89,044 residents. The median resident of Newton is 42.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 81.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #9 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Newton compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Newton ranks #2 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 78.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 82% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 81% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.3 times the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Newton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Newton's population of 89,044 are Fort Smith, AR (#1112 overall), Temple, TX (#851 overall), Clifton, NJ (#240 overall), Waukegan, IL (#695 overall), and Manteca, CA (#784 overall). Newton is #3.