Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chelmsford, MA
Considering a move to Chelmsford, MA? Home to 36,392 residents, Chelmsford offers a blend of suburban comfort and excellent schools, with a high bachelor's degree attainment of 55%. While median home prices are around $610,000 and average rents at $2,150, the area maintains a low crime rate and a strong median household income of $123,100. With a 32-minute average commute, lots of green space, and easy access to healthcare and higher education, Chelmsford is a welcoming choice for families and professionals seeking quality living in the Greater Boston area.
Demographics - Chelmsford, MA
Demographics - Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford is home to about 36,400 residents with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 44, reflecting a mature, family-friendly community. The town is predominantly White (82.5%), with a notable Asian population (10.1%), and about 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a suburban feel with cultural diversity and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
36,392
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
10.1%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chelmsford, MA?
Living in Chelmsford comes with a higher-than-average cost, as reflected in the median home value of $610,000 and average rents around $2,150. The area’s cost of living index is 137.8, indicating that daily expenses, especially for housing and groceries, are above the national average. Residents should also account for Massachusetts’ state income tax rates, which can reach up to 9%.
Median House Value:
$610,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$148
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$930
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
137.8
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
157.0
Utilities:
116.5
Transportation:
119.5
Health Care:
116.0
Miscellaneous:
113.2
Crime
Is Chelmsford, MA a safe place to live?
Chelmsford enjoys a low crime rate, with just 89 violent crimes and 633 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The odds of experiencing violent crime are low—about 1 in 1,120—making the town a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime risk is also comparatively modest for the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
89
Property Crimes Per 100k:
633
Crime Index:
722
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,120
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 158
Weather
What is the weather like in Chelmsford, MA year-round?
Residents of Chelmsford experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 18°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and offers 55% sunny days, providing a balanced New England climate ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring picturesque scenery, especially in spring and fall.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Chelmsford residents enjoy a strong median household income of $123,100 and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, supporting a comfortable standard of living. The community is highly educated, with over 55% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment remains low at 3.7%. Average commute times are about 32 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
Median Income:
$52,300
Household Income:
$123,100
Family Income:
$137,600
Per Capita Income:
$54,100
Income Male:
$66,200
Income Female:
$51,800
Poverty Rate:
4.9%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.1%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
55.4%
Education
How are the schools in Chelmsford, MA?
Chelmsford’s public schools, like Chelmsford High School and Parker Middle School, are known for low student-teacher ratios and strong academic performance. The area is also close to higher education institutions such as Middlesex Community College and UMass Lowell, offering convenient options for advanced study. Private school and educational choices further contribute to the town’s reputation for excellent education.
Public Schools
Name:
Chelmsford High School
Street:
200 Richardson Rd
Phone:
978-251-5111
Students:
1,440
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Parker Middle School
Street:
75 Graniteville Rd
Phone:
978-251-5133
Students:
770
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Evangelist School
Street:
115 Middlesex St
Phone:
978-251-8571
Students:
270
Colleges
Name:
Middlesex Community College
City:
Lowell
State:
MA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,300
Name:
UMass Lowell
City:
Lowell
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
18,300
Healthcare
Chelmsford offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Lowell General Hospital nearby and an impressive 97% health insurance coverage rate. There are about 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring ready access to medical care. Emergency and specialized services are easily accessible in the surrounding area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lowell General Hospital
Address:
295 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA 01854
Phone:
(978) 937-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saints Campus (Lowell General Hospital)
Address:
1 Hospital Dr, Lowell, MA 01852
Phone:
(978) 458-1411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.0%
Health Care Index:
82.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chelmsford, MA?
The median home price in Chelmsford is $610,000, and owner-occupied housing is high at nearly 80%, reflecting a stable real estate market. Average rent for a two-bedroom unit is $2,150, and the area has seen solid home appreciation of 7.3% in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates point to strong demand and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Chelmsford residents are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Boston. The RMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers, and up-to-date information can be found on the state’s official website. Residents benefit from a robust and accessible motor vehicle administration system.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
77 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02139
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.