Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barre, MA
Considering a move to Barre, MA? This small, friendly town of 5,365 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $317,000 and average rents near $1,100. Violent crime rates are notably low at 75 per 100K, and the community boasts a high owner-occupancy rate and strong public schools. Expect a rural feel, scenic seasons, and a typical commute of about 33 minutes—perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle while staying connected to Massachusetts’ central region.
Demographics - Barre, MA
Barre, MA is a close-knit community of about 5,365 residents, with a median age of 44 and a population density of 120 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, but also includes small Black, Asian, and other minority populations, with over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. This demographic profile suggests a welcoming, mature community with a blend of backgrounds.
Population:
5,365
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.7%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barre, MA?
Barre offers a cost of living slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $317,000 and average rent at $1,050 per month. Utilities and transportation are moderately priced, and state income taxes range from 5% to 9%. Overall, the cost of living index is 108.5, making Barre an affordable option for Massachusetts.
Median House Value:
$317,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
99.8
Utilities:
116.0
Transportation:
110.7
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Barre, MA a safe place to live?
Barre stands out for its low violent crime rate of just 75 incidents per 100,000 people, giving residents a 1 in 1,333 chance of being affected. Property crime is also modest, with a crime index of 695 and a 1 in 161 chance. This makes Barre a safe choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
620
Crime Index:
695
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 161
Weather
What is the weather like in Barre, MA year-round?
Residents in Barre experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 15°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The area enjoys about 54% sunny days and receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall annually. This climate offers beautiful seasonal changes ideal for those who appreciate New England weather.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The typical household in Barre earns around $80,200, with a median income of $42,800 and a poverty rate of just 7.6%. Most neighbors are highly educated, with over 93% holding a high school diploma and 31% having a bachelor's degree or higher. With an average commute of 33 minutes, the town is filled with working professionals who value a tight-knit, supportive community.
Median Income:
$42,800
Household Income:
$80,200
Family Income:
$91,700
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$48,300
Income Female:
$40,200
Poverty Rate:
7.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
31.4%
Education
How are the schools in Barre, MA?
Barre offers strong educational opportunities, with local public schools like Ruggles Lane Elementary and Quabbin Regional Middle School featuring low student-teacher ratios. Private education is available at St. Joseph's School, and higher education options are within a short drive, including Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College. This makes Barre a great choice for families prioritizing quality education.
Public Schools
Name:
Ruggles Lane Elementary School
Street:
105 Ruggles Lane
Phone:
978-355-2934
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Name:
Quabbin Regional Middle School
Street:
872 South St, Barre
Phone:
978-355-4651
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph's School
Street:
47 Oakham Rd, Barre
Phone:
978-355-2326
Students:
95
Colleges
Name:
Quinsigamond Community College
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
Worcester State University
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
5,500
Healthcare
Barre residents benefit from access to quality medical care, with two major hospitals located nearby and an impressive health insurance coverage rate of 97.1%. There are about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely access to healthcare services. The town's healthcare index of 77.3 reflects reliable local medical resources for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Heywood Hospital
Address:
242 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Phone:
(978) 632-3420
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital
Address:
60 Hospital Rd, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone:
(978) 466-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barre, MA?
Barre's housing market is stable and attractive, with a median home price of $317,000 and nearly 80% owner-occupancy. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents around $1,100 and a low vacancy rate of 4.7%. Recent home appreciation of 6.3% indicates a healthy real estate environment for both buyers and sellers.
Median Home Price:
$317,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, residents can conveniently access the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Quincy. The department provides comprehensive licensing and registration services both in-person and online. Contact information and online resources are readily available for all DMV-related needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone:
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.