Waltham
Waltham, Massachusetts scores 65.2/100 (A+ grade), ranking #5 of 20 cities in Massachusetts. Median income: $116,560. Crime rate: 250.8/100K.
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Waltham, Massachusetts Overview
With a composite score of 65.2/100 and a A+ grade, Waltham ranks #5 of 20 cities in Massachusetts. Its strongest showing is in Safety (85/100), while Outdoor Access (32/100) represents its largest gap.
Income & Employment in Waltham
The median household income in Waltham is $116,560, 15% above the statewide median of $101,370. The local unemployment rate of 3.6% is lower than the state’s 4.9%. Population grew 1% recently.
Safety in Waltham
At 250.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Waltham sits meaningfully below the Massachusetts average of 345 — a 38% lower gap. The property crime rate is 846.4 per 100,000.
Cost of Living in Waltham
Waltham has a cost of living index of 111.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $705,700. Median monthly rent is $2,232. Renters spend 23.0% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.
Health & Wellness in Waltham
Waltham’s adult obesity rate of 24% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 7.5%. Residents report an average of 16.6 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally for overall health.
Education & Schools in Waltham
Waltham has a high school graduation rate of 81%. The student-teacher ratio of 10.4:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $26,980 per student, well above the national median. The city has 10 public schools serving 5,709 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.
Climate & Commute in Waltham
The annual average temperature in Waltham is 51.8°F. Summers average 69.2°F. Winters average 35.6°F. Precipitation is abundant at 57.8 inches per year. 18.7% of workers in Waltham work from home, well above the national average. The mean commute time is 20 minutes, compared to 25.1 for Massachusetts overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall score for Waltham, Massachusetts?
Waltham has an overall score of 65.2 out of 100, earning a A+ grade and ranking #5 among 20 cities in Massachusetts.
What is the median income in Waltham?
The median household income in Waltham is $116,560, based on Census ACS data.
Is Waltham safe?
Waltham has a violent crime rate of 250.8 per 100,000 residents.
What is the cost of living in Waltham?
Waltham has a cost of living index of 111.6 (100 = national average). It is more expensive than the national average.
How are the public schools in Waltham?
Waltham has 10 public schools with a 81% graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is 10.4:1.