Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Swampscott, MA
Swampscott, MA is a charming coastal town of 15,111 residents, known for its safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and quick train access to Boston. The median home price is $740,000, with rents averaging $2,150, reflecting a higher cost of living but excellent quality of life. Crime rates are low—violent crime is just 91 per 100K—and most residents enjoy short 32-minute commutes. With top-rated schools, beautiful beaches, and 56% sunny days annually, Swampscott is a great pick for families and professionals seeking a friendly, seaside New England community.
Demographics - Swampscott, MA
Demographics - Swampscott, MA
Swampscott is a close-knit community of 15,111 people, with a population density of 6,600 per square mile and a median age of 44.1, reflecting a mature and family-oriented atmosphere. The town is predominantly White at 89.4%, with a small but diverse mix of other backgrounds, and around 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
15,111
Density:
6,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.4%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Swampscott, MA?
Living in Swampscott comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, highlighted by a median home value of $740,000 and average rents of $2,150 per month. Housing, utilities, and groceries are notably above national averages, making it ideal for those seeking seaside quality and comfortable amenities.
Median House Value:
$740,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.0
Grocery:
114.2
Housing:
181.0
Utilities:
111.8
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Swampscott, MA a safe place to live?
Swampscott is a very safe town, with violent crime rates as low as 91 per 100,000 residents and property crime rates well below national averages. Residents enjoy peace of mind, with a 1 in 1,100 chance of experiencing violent crime and a generally secure community atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
91
Property Crimes Per 100k:
790
Crime Index:
881
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 126
Weather
What is the weather like in Swampscott, MA year-round?
Swampscott experiences classic New England seasons, with cold winters averaging 24°F to 38°F, warm summers reaching up to 81°F, and about 56% of days being sunny each year. Annual rainfall is moderate at 47.6 inches, providing a pleasant mix of sun and precipitation for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Swampscott boasts a strong local economy, with a median household income of $120,200 and a low poverty rate of 5.7%. The community is highly educated—over 60% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and enjoys a low unemployment rate and easy access to Boston via public transport.
Median Income:
$56,000
Household Income:
$120,200
Family Income:
$146,000
Per Capita Income:
$71,500
Income Male:
$88,000
Income Female:
$62,000
Poverty Rate:
5.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.3%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
13.5%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
60.4%
Education
How are the schools in Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott offers excellent educational opportunities, featuring well-rated public schools with small class sizes and access to private schools and higher education nearby, such as Salem State University just three miles away. The town’s strong focus on education supports families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Swampscott High School
Street:
200 Essex St
Phone:
781-596-8830
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Stanley Elementary School
Street:
10 Whitman Rd
Phone:
781-596-8847
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Evangelist School
Street:
19 Chestnut St
Phone:
781-593-8292
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Salem State University
City:
Salem
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
7,700
Name:
North Shore Community College
City:
Lynn
State:
MA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Residents have excellent healthcare access with major hospitals like Salem Hospital nearby, a high ratio of physicians (3.1 per 1,000 people), and 97.1% health insurance coverage. The town’s healthcare system ensures quality medical services and emergency care within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salem Hospital
Address:
81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970
Phone:
(978) 741-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital
Address:
81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970
Phone:
(978) 741-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Swampscott, MA?
The Swampscott housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $740,000 and steady appreciation at 7.1% annually. Most homes are owner-occupied, and low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect a stable, desirable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$740,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Swampscott residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in Boston, offering comprehensive licensing, registration, and vehicle services both online and in-person for convenience.
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.