Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fitchburg, MA
Considering a move to Fitchburg, MA? With a population of around 42,000, Fitchburg offers affordable living—median home prices are $306,000 and average rents about $1,230. The city features a typical New England climate with 54% sunny days and four distinct seasons. Commutes average 27 minutes, and residents benefit from a local state university and solid healthcare access. While crime rates are a bit higher than the state average, Fitchburg’s cost of living, educational options, and access to outdoor recreation make it an appealing choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Fitchburg, MA
Demographics - Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg, MA is home to about 41,946 residents, offering a diverse community where nearly 18% speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 36.3, and the city features a balanced gender ratio and a blend of White, Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. This diversity adds to the city's vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
41,946
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.3
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.4%
Black:
8.4%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
22.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fitchburg, MA?
Fitchburg offers a moderate cost of living, with a median home value of $306,000 and average rents around $1,230, making it an affordable option compared to many parts of Massachusetts. The overall cost of living index is just above the national average, but housing remains competitively priced, and utilities and groceries are only slightly higher than average. State income taxes range from 5% to 9%, and typical monthly homeowner costs provide good value for the region.
Median House Value:
$306,000
Gross Rent:
$1,230
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,860
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.2
Grocery:
106.1
Housing:
98.5
Utilities:
112.2
Transportation:
101.4
Health Care:
107.3
Miscellaneous:
105.6
Crime
Is Fitchburg, MA a safe place to live?
Fitchburg experiences a higher crime rate than the Massachusetts average, with a 1 in 285 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 66 chance for property crime. The city reports 350 violent crimes and 1,520 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While safety is a consideration, many neighborhoods remain family-friendly, and local law enforcement is active within the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,870
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Fitchburg, MA year-round?
Residents of Fitchburg enjoy four true New England seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 82°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The city receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine about 54% of the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes and outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Fitchburg's neighborhoods offer a mix of modest incomes, with a median household income of $62,400 and a poverty rate of 14.6%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the typical commute is just under 27 minutes. The area is known for its working-class character, diverse backgrounds, and strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$34,700
Household Income:
$62,400
Family Income:
$74,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,600
Income Male:
$43,100
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
17.6%
Rent:
$1,230
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
26.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Fitchburg, MA?
Fitchburg features a variety of educational opportunities, including public and private K-12 schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios and Fitchburg State University serving over 6,000 students. The city also benefits from nearby colleges like Mount Wachusett Community College, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development. This strong educational network makes Fitchburg attractive for families and professionals.
Public Schools
Name:
Fitchburg High School
Street:
140 Arn-How Farm Rd
Phone:
978-345-3240
Students:
1,160
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Memorial Middle School
Street:
615 Rollstone St
Phone:
978-345-3275
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Bernard's High School
Street:
45 Harvard St
Phone:
978-342-3212
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,200
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Fitchburg is robust, with the UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital providing comprehensive emergency and general care. The city boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at over 95% and 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. This ensures residents have reliable access to essential medical services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Fitchburg Campus
Address:
275 Nichols Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Phone:
(978) 343-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.3%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fitchburg, MA?
Fitchburg’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $306,000 and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $1,230. Over half of local homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen strong home appreciation—up 8.1% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$306,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,230
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles branch located at 25 Newport St, Fitchburg. This local office provides a full range of DMV services, making it convenient for new arrivals and longtime residents alike. Information is easily accessible via the state DMV website or by phone.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport St, Fitchburg, MA 01420
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.