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Is Waltham a Good Place to Live? Waltham, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waltham ranks #71 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #33 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($120,216, #83 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,268/mo, #457 of 524) and expensive homes ($748,700, #454 of 524).
Waltham by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waltham'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 Waltham?
Waltham'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 $2,268/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $819,328, 24% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Waltham | 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 | $819,328#1062 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 | $2,939/mo#1022 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $748,700#1173 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,268/mo#1194 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% | 22.6%#737 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.
Waltham 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. Waltham is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Waltham safe?
Waltham recorded 224 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 328 and 26% below Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #403 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waltham Police Department. Property crime runs 754 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waltham | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 224#403 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 754#112 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 Waltham?
The median household in Waltham earns $120,216, 45% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waltham | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $120,216#154 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% | 9.4%#450 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 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 Waltham?
The median resident of Waltham is 34.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 57.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #168 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waltham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 57.3%#168 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.7% | 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 Waltham's schools and health?
Waltham's 10 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 10.4 students per teacher and $26,980 spent per pupil. 24% of adults are obese and 7.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Waltham | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81%#849 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 | $26,980#34 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24%#102 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.5%#71 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.6%#541 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. 5,709 students are enrolled in Waltham's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waltham?
The average commute in Waltham is 24.7 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 4.5% of workers take transit and 24.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waltham scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.1°F and winters 29.9°F, with 42.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waltham | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.7 min#753 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.5%#776 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 53% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.5% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.2% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 24.2% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14#162 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 | 36.8 | 18.2 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 39.4 | 19.3 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 47.5 | 27.2 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 59.9 | 37.1 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.4 | 46.7 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 56.2 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 85.1 | 62 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 60.3 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 51.8 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 63.6 | 40.8 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 52.4 | 32.4 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 42 | 24 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bedford Hanscom Fld.
| Measure | Waltham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42.6 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 Bedford Hanscom Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waltham?
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 | Waltham | 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 Waltham compare with similar-size cities?
Waltham is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #33 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 64,902.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #71 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 | 24.7 min |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #428 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 | 16 min |
| Castro Valley, CAPop. 65,001 | #298 | 62.1 | $142,779 | $2,554/mo | no data | 32.7 min |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #944 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 | 25.3 min |
| Port Orange, FLPop. 64,767 | #920 | 51.4 | $74,426 | $1,634/mo | part year | 25.9 min |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #1015 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 | 18.1 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 min |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #312 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 | 20.8 min |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #318 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 | 23.3 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 Waltham compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Waltham ranks #6 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 69.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 15% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% 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 $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Waltham's score calculated?
Waltham scores 69.3 out of 100, #71 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 Waltham. Similar-size median 55.5.
72.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waltham's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
87.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waltham. Similar-size median 58.9.
76.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waltham's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
80.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waltham's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
33.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waltham. Similar-size median 56.1.
75.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waltham. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waltham. Similar-size median 50.0.
71.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waltham's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.4 - 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: Waltham'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 Waltham 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 Waltham
Is Waltham, MA a good place to live?
Waltham ranks #71 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #33 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($120,216, #83 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,268/mo, #457 of 524) and expensive homes ($748,700, #454 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Waltham?
Waltham'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 $2,268/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $819,328, 24% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Waltham?
Waltham recorded 224 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 328 and 26% below Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #403 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waltham Police Department. Property crime runs 754 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waltham?
The median household in Waltham earns $120,216, 45% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waltham?
Median rent in Waltham is $2,268/mo (Census), #1194 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,939/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waltham?
The typical home value in Waltham is $819,328, up 1.1% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $748,700.
How are the public schools in Waltham?
Waltham's 10 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 10.4 students per teacher and $26,980 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waltham?
The average commute is 24.7 minutes, #753 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 6.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waltham?
Waltham averages 50.5°F over the year, 71.1°F in summer and 29.9°F in winter, with 42.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waltham walkable?
Waltham scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 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 Waltham 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 Waltham?
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 Waltham?
Waltham has 64,902 residents. The median resident of Waltham is 34.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 57.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #168 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waltham compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Waltham ranks #6 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 69.3 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 15% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% above the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Waltham?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waltham's population of 64,902 are Cheyenne, WY (#428 overall), Castro Valley, CA (#298 overall), Kenner, LA (#944 overall), Port Orange, FL (#920 overall), and Muncie, IN (#1015 overall). Waltham is #71.