Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Peabody, MA
Considering a move to Peabody, MA? With about 54,500 residents, Peabody offers a suburban feel with a median home price of $555,000 and average rents around $2,150. The city enjoys low crime rates, a typical New England climate with 54% sunny days, and convenient commutes averaging under 30 minutes. Top-rated schools, excellent healthcare access, and a diverse community make Peabody a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Peabody, MA
Demographics - Peabody, MA
Peabody is home to approximately 54,481 residents, featuring a population density of 2,800 per square mile and a median age of 45.2 years. The city is predominantly White, with growing diversity and 17% of residents speaking a language other than English. Its balanced gender ratio and mix of age groups contribute to a vibrant community atmosphere.
Population:
54,481
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.5%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
10.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Peabody, MA?
Living in Peabody comes with a cost of living index of 130.6, higher than the national average, largely due to a median home value of $555,000 and average gross rent of $2,150. Utilities and transportation costs are also moderately above average, while state income taxes range from 5% to 9%. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, but should budget accordingly for housing and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$555,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.6
Grocery:
124.2
Housing:
143.6
Utilities:
112.8
Transportation:
117.4
Health Care:
118.2
Miscellaneous:
112.3
Crime
Is Peabody, MA a safe place to live?
Peabody boasts a low crime rate, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 179 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,306 per 100,000. The chances of experiencing violent crime are 1 in 558, contributing to the city’s reputation as a safe and family-friendly place to live. Overall, residents benefit from a secure suburban environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
179
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,306
Crime Index:
1,485
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 558
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Peabody, MA year-round?
Peabody experiences the full range of New England seasons, with winter lows around 20°F and summer highs reaching 83°F. The city receives about 47.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities and offers distinct seasonal change.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Peabody feature a median household income of $81,300 and a family income nearing $99,000, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Most residents commute under 30 minutes to work and 91.6% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a well-educated workforce. The area’s moderate poverty rate and diverse backgrounds make it both welcoming and economically stable.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$81,300
Family Income:
$98,700
Per Capita Income:
$41,500
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$42,900
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
17.2%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
6.6%
Commute Time:
28.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
33.1%
Education
How are the schools in Peabody, MA?
Peabody offers both quality public and private educational options, including Peabody Veterans Memorial High School with a favorable student-teacher ratio. The city is close to higher education institutions such as Salem State University, located just 3 miles away. Families benefit from well-regarded schools and access to diverse learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School
Street:
485 Lowell St
Phone:
978-536-4500
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Name:
J. Henry Higgins Middle School
Street:
85 Perkins St
Phone:
978-536-4800
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Fenwick High School
Street:
99 Margin St
Phone:
978-587-8300
Students:
380

Colleges
Name:
Salem State University
City:
Salem
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
7,700
Healthcare
Peabody offers excellent healthcare access, with major facilities like Lahey Medical Center and proximity to top hospitals in nearby Salem. The city has 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.2%. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services and strong emergency care options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lahey Medical Center, Peabody
Address:
1 Essex Center Dr, Peabody, MA 01960
Phone:
(978) 538-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
North Shore Medical Center (Salem Hospital)
Address:
81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970
Phone:
(978) 741-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Peabody, MA?
Peabody’s housing market is robust, with a median home price of $555,000 and a healthy owner-occupancy rate of 67.4%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,150, and the city has seen home values appreciate by 7.1% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate strong demand and market stability.
Median Home Price:
$555,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Peabody are managed through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently accessible online and at the Boston office. Residents can find up-to-date information, forms, and appointment scheduling through the RMV website. The DMV provides essential services for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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.