Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lowell, MA
Considering a move to Lowell, MA? This vibrant city of nearly 114,000 offers affordable living with a median home price around $413,000 and average rents at $1,525. Residents enjoy reasonable commute times (~27 minutes), diverse neighborhoods, and strong higher education options including UMass Lowell. Lowell's cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a lively multicultural scene and 56% sunny days a year. While crime rates are above average, the city’s rich culture, community amenities, and healthcare access make it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Lowell, MA
Demographics - Lowell, MA
Lowell is a diverse and youthful city with a population of nearly 114,000 and a median age of 34.2. The community features a mix of White (48.2%), Asian (22%), Black (7.6%), and other ethnicities, and over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. The high population density and multicultural atmosphere contribute to Lowell’s vibrant urban character.
Population:
113,994
Density:
8,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.2%
Black:
7.6%
Asian:
22.0%
Others:
22.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lowell, MA?
Lowell’s cost of living is moderately above the national average, highlighted by a median home value of $413,000 and typical rents around $1,525. Utilities and groceries are slightly higher than average, but overall expenses remain manageable for a Massachusetts city. State income taxes range from 5% to 9%, which is typical for the region.
Median House Value:
$413,000
Gross Rent:
$1,525
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.1
Grocery:
109.8
Housing:
112.3
Utilities:
120.2
Transportation:
110.7
Health Care:
107.5
Miscellaneous:
106.0
Crime
Is Lowell, MA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lowell are higher than the national average, with approximately 430 violent crimes and 1,463 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 233 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 68 chance of property crime. While safety varies by neighborhood, the city continues to work on community policing and public safety initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
430
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,463
Crime Index:
1,893
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 233
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Lowell, MA year-round?
Lowell experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging 18°F to 37°F and warm summers from 60°F to 84°F. The city receives around 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather about 56% of the time. This climate offers a classic New England experience with vibrant springs and colorful autumns.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents of Lowell enjoy a median household income of about $65,900, though 16.2% live below the poverty line. The city has a highly diverse population, with nearly 39% speaking a language other than English, and most adults have at least a high school diploma. Average commute times are just under 27 minutes, and public transportation serves nearly 8% of commuters.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$65,900
Family Income:
$77,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
16.2%
Non English Speakers:
38.5%
Rent:
$1,525
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
7.9%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.6%
Bachelors or More:
27.3%
Education
How are the schools in Lowell, MA?
Lowell offers a robust educational environment, including large public schools like Lowell High School and reputable private options such as Lowell Catholic High School. Higher education is a strong asset, with the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Middlesex Community College providing quality academic opportunities to over 25,000 students combined. The city’s schools support a diverse student population with a range of academic and extracurricular programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Lowell High School
Street:
50 Father Morissette Blvd
Phone:
978-937-8900
Students:
3,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Wang Middle School
Street:
365 W Meadow Rd
Phone:
978-937-7683
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Private Schools
Name:
Lowell Catholic High School
Street:
530 Stevens St
Phone:
978-452-1794
Students:
425
Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Lowell
City:
Lowell
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Middlesex Community College
City:
Lowell
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
Lowell is well-served by major hospitals such as Lowell General Hospital and Saints Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city provides good healthcare access, with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% of the population insured. Local healthcare facilities are recognized for their quality and accessibility.
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 Medical Center
Address:
1 Hospital Dr, Lowell, MA 01852
Phone:
(978) 458-1411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lowell, MA?
The Lowell housing market features a median home price of $413,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,525, reflecting a steady appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. About 45% of homes are owner-occupied, with a rental vacancy rate of 6.2%. The market remains competitive with a low foreclosure rate and some new construction activity.
Median Home Price:
$413,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,525
Owner Occupied Rate:
44.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Lowell’s DMV needs are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Middlesex Street. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle services in person or online. Helpful resources and contact information are available through the state’s official RMV website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
77 Middlesex St, Lowell, MA 01852
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.