MassachusettsPop. 54,695Smaller cities
Is Peabody a Good Place to Live? Peabody, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Peabody ranks #321 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #156 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($596,200, #398 of 524) and high rents ($1,950/mo, #395 of 524).
Peabody by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Peabody'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 Peabody?
Peabody'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 $1,950/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $696,552, 5% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Peabody | 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 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $696,552#1012 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,857/mo#1005 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $596,200#1072 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,950/mo#1069 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.2x#1068 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.2%#920 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.
Peabody 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. Peabody is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Peabody safe?
Peabody recorded 292 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 15% below Massachusetts's 345. That ranks #549 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #243 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Peabody Police Department. Property crime runs 627 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Peabody | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 292#549 of 1,083 | 345 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 627#60 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 Peabody?
The median household in Peabody earns $96,657, 26% above the US figure of $76,827 and 5% below Massachusetts ($101,370). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Peabody | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $96,657#392 of 1,312 | $101,370 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.7%#300 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 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 Peabody?
The median resident of Peabody is 45.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Peabody | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 45.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 35%#608 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65.6% | 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 Peabody's schools and health?
Peabody's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $19,014 spent per pupil. 29% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Peabody | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 90% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.2#104 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,014#262 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29%#331 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.1%#73 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. 5,734 students are enrolled in Peabody's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Peabody?
The average commute in Peabody is 25.8 minutes (Massachusetts 25.1); 1.9% of workers take transit and 10.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Peabody scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 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 | Peabody | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 25.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 12% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.4% | 64.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 7.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.3% | 14.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.2#563 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 | 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 | Peabody | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44.9 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 Beverly Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Peabody?
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 | Peabody | 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 Peabody compare with similar-size cities?
Peabody is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #156 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,695.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #321 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 | 25.8 min |
| West Sacramento, CAPop. 54,927 | #574 | 57.0 | $93,188 | $1,665/mo | 327 | 24.7 min |
| Logan, UTPop. 54,907 | #742 | 54.3 | $60,687 | $1,149/mo | 178 | 15.2 min |
| Tinley Park, ILPop. 54,842 | #163 | 65.7 | $105,189 | $1,495/mo | 93 | 33.7 min |
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #601 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year | 34.6 min |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #19 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 | 25.1 min |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #1216 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 | 20.6 min |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #772 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 | 19.7 min |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #691 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data | 17.3 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 Peabody compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Peabody ranks #12 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 61.6 against Massachusetts's statewide 72.8. Its households earn 5% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above 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 $101,370, violent crime 345 per 100,000.
How is Peabody's score calculated?
Peabody scores 61.6 out of 100, #321 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 Peabody. Similar-size median 55.5.
59.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Peabody's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
83.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Peabody. Similar-size median 58.9.
66.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Peabody's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
73.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Peabody's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
44.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Peabody. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Peabody. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Peabody. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Peabody's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
53.7 - 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: Peabody'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 Peabody 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 Peabody
Is Peabody, MA a good place to live?
Peabody ranks #321 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #156 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on expensive homes ($596,200, #398 of 524) and high rents ($1,950/mo, #395 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Peabody?
Peabody'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 $1,950/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $696,552, 5% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Peabody?
Peabody recorded 292 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 15% below Massachusetts's 345. That ranks #549 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #243 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Peabody Police Department. Property crime runs 627 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Peabody?
The median household in Peabody earns $96,657, 26% above the US figure of $76,827 and 5% below Massachusetts ($101,370). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Peabody?
Median rent in Peabody is $1,950/mo (Census), #1069 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,857/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Peabody?
Zillow's typical home value in Peabody is $696,552, up 1.1% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $596,200.
How are the public schools in Peabody?
Peabody's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $19,014 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Peabody?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.1 minutes across Massachusetts. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Peabody?
Peabody 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 Peabody walkable?
Peabody scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 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 Peabody 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 Peabody?
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 Peabody?
Peabody has 54,695 residents. The median resident of Peabody is 45.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 35% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #608 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Peabody compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Peabody ranks #12 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 61.6 against Massachusetts's statewide 72.8. Its households earn 5% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Peabody?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Peabody's population of 54,695 are West Sacramento, CA (#574 overall), Logan, UT (#742 overall), Tinley Park, IL (#163 overall), Little Elm, TX (#601 overall), and Westfield, IN (#19 overall). Peabody is #321.