Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ayer, MA
Thinking about moving to Ayer, MA? This close-knit town of 8,500 offers affordable living with a median home price of $445,000 and average rent around $1,460. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates, a solid school system, and an easy commute averaging 33 minutes—plus the convenience of commuter rail access to Boston. With a high rate of insured residents, nearby healthcare, and four-season New England weather, Ayer is a friendly choice for families and professionals seeking suburban charm with city connections.
Demographics - Ayer, MA
Ayer is a small community of 8,500 residents with a median age of just under 40 and a nearly even mix of men and women. The town is predominantly White, with growing diversity and over 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a suburban feel while fostering a close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
8,500
Density:
930 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
5.4%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
6.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ayer, MA?
Living in Ayer is somewhat above the national average, with a cost of living index of 121 and a median home value of $445,000. Renters can expect to pay about $1,460 per month, while utilities and state taxes are in line with Massachusetts norms. Residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living that balances affordability with local amenities.
Median House Value:
$445,000
Gross Rent:
$1,460
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
118.0
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Ayer, MA a safe place to live?
Ayer maintains a low violent crime rate, with only 150 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 667 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is higher but remains manageable, contributing to a generally safe environment for families and individuals. The town's overall crime index suggests it is a secure choice compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
150
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,250
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 91
Weather
What is the weather like in Ayer, MA year-round?
Ayer experiences classic New England weather with cold winters, warm summers, and crisp autumns. The town averages around 44.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 55% of the year. Residents can expect four distinct seasons, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Households in Ayer typically earn a median income of $92,300, with a low poverty rate under 8% and strong educational attainment—over 43% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is about 33 minutes, and public transit is accessible for nearly 8% of residents. The community is diverse and well-educated, offering a welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$92,300
Family Income:
$110,200
Per Capita Income:
$41,800
Income Male:
$55,800
Income Female:
$46,900
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
13.2%
Rent:
$1,460
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
7.9%
Commute Time:
32.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.4%
Bachelors or More:
43.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ayer, MA?
Ayer’s public schools, including Ayer Shirley Regional High School and Page Hilltop Elementary, provide quality education with favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. Higher education is within reach, with Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University located less than 20 miles away. The town’s educational environment supports lifelong learning and student success.

Public Schools
Name:
Ayer Shirley Regional High School
Street:
141 Washington St
Phone:
978-772-8600
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Page Hilltop Elementary School
Street:
115 Washington St
Phone:
978-772-8600
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
6,400
Healthcare
Ayer offers convenient healthcare access, anchored by the Nashoba Valley Medical Center, which provides general and emergency services. With a high rate of insured residents (97%) and 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare in Ayer is accessible and reliable. The town's healthcare index underscores its strong medical infrastructure for families and seniors alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
Address:
200 Groton Rd, Ayer, MA 01432
Phone:
(978) 784-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ayer, MA?
The housing market in Ayer is active, with a median home price of $445,000 and a recent appreciation rate of 6.2%. About 59% of residents own their homes, while rental options remain available and affordable, with a low foreclosure rate. This stable market makes Ayer appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$445,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,460
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Ayer residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Concord, offering comprehensive licensing and vehicle services. The DMV is easily accessible for routine transactions, ensuring convenience for local drivers. Residents can access information and services online or by phone.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2 Industrial Park Dr, Concord, MA 01742
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.