Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Spencer, MA
Considering a move to Spencer, MA? This welcoming town of nearly 12,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $330,000 and average rents near $1,120. Spencer boasts a low violent crime rate (159 per 100k), strong community schools, and a relaxed pace with an average commute of 29 minutes. Enjoy four distinct seasons, a high rate of homeownership, and access to nearby Worcester for major amenities and education options—making Spencer a great choice for families and those seeking small-town charm.
Demographics - Spencer, MA
Demographics - Spencer, MA
Spencer, MA is a small community of nearly 12,000 residents, with a median age of 44.2, reflecting a stable and mature population. The town is predominantly White (93%), with a balanced gender ratio and about 7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This creates a friendly, close-knit atmosphere with modest diversity.
Population:
11,992
Density:
340 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Spencer, MA?
Living in Spencer is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $330,000 and average gross rent at $1,120, keeping housing costs below the Massachusetts average. The overall cost of living index is just above the national baseline at 109, with utilities and healthcare running slightly higher. Residents benefit from reasonable property costs, making it attractive for families and first-time homebuyers.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,930
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.0
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
98.5
Utilities:
112.3
Transportation:
106.2
Health Care:
108.1
Miscellaneous:
104.7
Crime
Is Spencer, MA a safe place to live?
Spencer enjoys a low violent crime rate of 159 incidents per 100,000 residents, offering peace of mind for families and newcomers. Property crime is also lower than national averages, with a 1 in 90 chance of being affected. The town’s safe environment is a key draw for those seeking a secure, suburban lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
159
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,105
Crime Index:
1,264
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 629
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Spencer, MA year-round?
Spencer experiences classic New England weather, with cold winters averaging lows of 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, allowing residents to appreciate all four seasons. This climate supports an active lifestyle throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Spencer have a median income of $78,900, providing a comfortable standard of living. The community is well-educated, with over 92% having at least a high school diploma, and maintains a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Residents enjoy a suburban pace with an average commute of about 29 minutes and limited reliance on public transport.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$78,900
Family Income:
$91,200
Per Capita Income:
$37,400
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$41,600
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.7%
Education
How are the schools in Spencer, MA?
Spencer offers strong educational opportunities, with public schools like David Prouty High School and Wire Village School providing low student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments. Private school options and proximity to higher education institutions such as Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College expand local academic choices. Families benefit from accessible, quality education at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
David Prouty High School
Street:
302 Main St
Phone:
508-885-8505
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Wire Village School
Street:
60 Paxton Rd
Phone:
508-885-8524
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph's Abbey School
Street:
167 North Spencer Rd
Phone:
508-885-8700
Students:
100
Colleges
Name:
Worcester State University
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
6,200
Name:
Quinsigamond Community College
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Spencer residents have access to quality healthcare, with nearby hospitals like UMass Memorial Health – Harrington and Saint Vincent Hospital offering comprehensive services. The town boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 96% and 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring medical care is accessible. Healthcare quality is strong, supported by a solid local network.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial Health – Harrington
Address:
100 South St, Southbridge, MA 01550
Phone:
(508) 765-9771
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Vincent Hospital
Address:
123 Summer St, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone:
(508) 363-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Spencer, MA?
The housing market in Spencer is stable, with a median home price of $330,000 and about 75% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,120 and a low vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated by nearly 5% in the past year, making it a promising market for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.8%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Spencer are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Worcester. This office provides all standard DMV services, including licensing, registration, and state vehicle requirements. For more information, residents can visit the official state DMV website or call the local office.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
611 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
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.