MassachusettsPop. 207,055Mid-size cities
Is Worcester a Good Place to Live? Worcester, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Worcester ranks #635 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #106 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.9%, #48 of 241), and trails on high poverty (19.6%, #210 of 256) and high violent crime (602 per 100,000, #184 of 235).
Worcester by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Worcester'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 Worcester?
Worcester's cost of living index is 102.5, 2% above the US level of 100 and #813 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,487/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $435,944, 34% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Worcester | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 102.5#813 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $435,944#706 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,130/mo#771 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $374,400#724 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,487/mo#709 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.5%#1051 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Worcester 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. Worcester is in the Worcester, MA-CT metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Worcester safe?
Worcester recorded 602 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #914 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #184 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Worcester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,433 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Worcester | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 602#914 of 1,085 | 303 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,433#441 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Worcester?
The median household in Worcester earns $70,102, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Worcester | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $70,102#812 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 19.6%#1098 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Worcester?
The median resident of Worcester is 33.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 35.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #602 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Worcester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 35.2%#602 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 42.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Worcester's schools and health?
Worcester's 48 public schools graduate 87.6% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $22,086 spent per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Worcester | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87.6%#566 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.6#135 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $22,086#117 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.7%#476 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 25,232 students are enrolled in Worcester's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Worcester?
The average commute in Worcester is 24.1 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 3.2% of workers take transit and 11.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Worcester scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.4°F and winters 27.4°F, with 48.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Worcester | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.2% | 62% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.2% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5.1% | 4.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.5% | 14.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 32.3 | 17.1 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 35.1 | 18.9 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 43 | 26 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 55.7 | 36.5 | 4.1 |
| May | 66.6 | 46.8 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 74.5 | 55.9 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 79.8 | 61.7 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 78.1 | 60.5 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 70.7 | 53.2 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 58.9 | 42.2 | 4.8 |
| Nov | 47.9 | 32.5 | 4 |
| Dec | 37.5 | 23.4 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Worcester.
| Measure | Worcester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 27.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 48.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Worcester.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Worcester?
Worcester County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Worcester County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Worcester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#201 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Worcester County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Worcester County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.022% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0023% | 78% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.003% | 51% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0027% | 26% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% 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 Worcester compare with similar-size cities?
Worcester is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #106 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 207,055.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 min |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #1043 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 | 35.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #170 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 | 27.8 min |
| Rochester, NYPop. 208,772 | #987 | 50.3 | $47,213 | $1,081/mo | 572 | 19.3 min |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #1011 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 | 19.5 min |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #917 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 | 20.9 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 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 Worcester compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Worcester ranks #18 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 56 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 33% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below 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 Worcester's score calculated?
Worcester scores 56 out of 100, #635 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 Worcester. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Worcester's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
58.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Worcester. Similar-size median 53.8.
47.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Worcester's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
78.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Worcester's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
62.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Worcester. Similar-size median 51.2.
34.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Worcester. Similar-size median 42.1.
48.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Worcester. Similar-size median 50.1.
53.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Worcester's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
74.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Worcester's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Worcester 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 Worcester
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live?
Worcester ranks #635 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #106 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.9%, #48 of 241), and trails on high poverty (19.6%, #210 of 256) and high violent crime (602 per 100,000, #184 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Worcester?
Worcester's cost of living index is 102.5, 2% above the US level of 100 and #813 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,487/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $435,944, 34% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Worcester?
Worcester recorded 602 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #914 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #184 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Worcester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,433 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Worcester?
The median household in Worcester earns $70,102, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Worcester?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,487/mo (Census), #709 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,130/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Worcester?
The typical home value in Worcester is $435,944, up 1.6% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $374,400.
How are the public schools in Worcester?
Worcester's 48 public schools graduate 87.6% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 12.6 students per teacher and $22,086 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Worcester?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Worcester?
Worcester averages 48.1°F over the year, 68.4°F in summer and 27.4°F in winter, with 48.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Worcester walkable?
Worcester scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Worcester at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Worcester County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, ice storm, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Worcester?
Worcester County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Worcester?
Worcester has 207,055 residents. The median resident of Worcester is 33.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 35.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #602 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Worcester compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Worcester ranks #18 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 56 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 33% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Worcester?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Worcester's population of 207,055 are Moreno Valley, CA (#1043 overall), Fayetteville, NC (#1144 overall), McKinney, TX (#170 overall), Rochester, NY (#987 overall), and Salt Lake City, UT (#1011 overall). Worcester is #635.