Worcester

Worcester, Massachusetts Overview

Worcester faces challenges across several categories, earning a C+ grade (50.9/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Massachusetts. Even so, the city scores 78/100 in Education — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 32/100.

Income & Employment in Worcester

Worcester’s median income of $69,262 is 32% below the state median, but positive population growth of 1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Safety in Worcester

With a violent crime rate of 715 per 100,000, Worcester exceeds the Massachusetts average of 345. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 1623.6 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Worcester

Worcester has a cost of living index of 102 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $339,500. Median monthly rent is $1,415. Renters spend 24.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Worcester

The adult obesity rate in Worcester is 35.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.4%. Residents report an average of 19.9 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Worcester

Worcester has a high school graduation rate of 87.6%. The student-teacher ratio of 12.6:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $22,086 per student, well above the national median. The city has 48 public schools serving 25,232 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Worcester

The annual average temperature in Worcester is 50.7°F. Summers average 68.1°F. Winters average 34.4°F. Precipitation is abundant at 59.3 inches per year.

Frequently Asked Questions