Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Holyoke, MA
Considering a move to Holyoke, MA? With a population of about 38,000, Holyoke offers affordable living with median home values around $242,000 and average rents near $1,120. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 22 minutes, easy access to local hospitals, and a diverse community with a strong Hispanic presence. While crime rates are higher than average, you'll find a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and convenient proximity to parks and colleges. Check out the local schools, weather, and cost of living details below to see if Holyoke is the right fit for you.
Demographics - Holyoke, MA
Demographics - Holyoke, MA
Holyoke is home to approximately 37,900 residents, with a diverse population that includes a strong Hispanic community and about 34% non-English speakers. The city has a median age of 38, and the population density creates a lively urban feel. This diversity contributes to a vibrant cultural atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
37,900
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.0
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.2%
Black:
5.5%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
38.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Holyoke, MA?
Holyoke offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $242,000 and average rent around $1,120. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents. Utilities and healthcare costs are a bit higher than average, but housing remains accessible.
Median House Value:
$242,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.1
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
82.5
Utilities:
106.3
Transportation:
99.7
Health Care:
104.1
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Holyoke, MA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Holyoke are higher than the national average, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 151 and property crime at 1 in 48. Residents should take standard safety precautions and stay informed about their neighborhoods. Despite this, many enjoy the city's community vibe and local amenities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
663
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,075
Crime Index:
2,738
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 151
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Holyoke, MA year-round?
Holyoke experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 17°F and warm summers reaching up to 84°F. The city sees about 54% sunny days and receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually. This climate provides opportunities for both winter and summer outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Holyoke have a median income of $44,200, with about 26.6% of residents living below the poverty line. The community is tight-knit and diverse, and the average commute time is a manageable 22 minutes. Educational attainment is moderate, with nearly 79% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$24,800
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$52,900
Per Capita Income:
$23,100
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
26.6%
Non English Speakers:
34.0%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.7%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Holyoke, MA?
Holyoke offers a mix of public and private schools, including Holyoke High School and several elementary options, with manageable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Holyoke Community College and is close to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, providing higher education opportunities nearby. This broad educational landscape supports families and students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Holyoke High School
Street:
500 Beech St
Phone:
413-534-2020
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Lt. Elmer J. McMahon Elementary
Street:
75 Kane Rd
Phone:
413-534-2104
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Mater Dolorosa School
Street:
25 Maple St
Phone:
413-532-2831
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Holyoke Community College
City:
Holyoke
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,800
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
32,000
Healthcare
Holyoke residents have access to quality healthcare, with Holyoke Medical Center and other facilities nearby, and about 95% of the population covered by health insurance. The city offers a solid number of physicians per capita, making healthcare easily accessible. Emergency services are readily available for urgent needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Holyoke Medical Center
Address:
575 Beech St, Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone:
(413) 534-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Baystate Medical Center
Address:
759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199
Phone:
(413) 794-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.0%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Holyoke, MA?
The housing market in Holyoke is affordable, with a median home price of $242,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,120. Home appreciation has risen by 8.2% over the past year, indicating a healthy market. Rental options are plentiful, with a vacancy rate of 7.1%, offering flexibility for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$242,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Holyoke are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Springfield. Residents can access DMV services both in-person and online, making it easy to handle driving-related needs. The office provides support for licensing, registration, and other essential services.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
18 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01103
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.