Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wakefield, MA
Considering Wakefield, MA for your next home? With a population of 27,090, Wakefield offers a welcoming suburban atmosphere, excellent schools, and a highly educated community. Median home prices are around $670,000, and average rents for a two-bedroom are about $2,200, reflecting the area’s desirability. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (95 per 100K), strong household incomes, and an average commute of 31.7 minutes. Outstanding educational attainment and proximity to Boston make Wakefield a top pick for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Wakefield, MA
Demographics - Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, MA is home to 27,090 residents, with a population density of 3,000 per square mile and a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and stable community. The city is predominantly White (87%), with smaller Asian and Black populations, and about 11.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding some diversity to the area.
Population:
27,090
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wakefield, MA?
Living in Wakefield comes with a higher cost of living index at 135, largely due to housing, with median home values around $670,000 and average rents at $2,200. Utility and transportation expenses are also above national averages, making the area best suited for those with moderate to high incomes.
Median House Value:
$670,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$980
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
150.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
113.0
Crime
Is Wakefield, MA a safe place to live?
Wakefield enjoys a low violent crime rate of 95 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively low, with a 1 in 128 chance annually, which is below many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
875
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Wakefield, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers that reach up to 83°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year, creating a classic New England climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Wakefield’s neighborhoods are characterized by strong incomes—median household earnings are $120,000—and a low poverty rate of just 4.5%. The community is well-educated, with 54% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and most residents commute about 32 minutes to work, with a small percentage using public transit.
Median Income:
$57,000
Household Income:
$120,000
Family Income:
$135,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,500
Income Male:
$65,500
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
10.5%
Commute Time:
31.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
54.0%
Education
How are the schools in Wakefield, MA?
Wakefield offers quality public schools, with favorable student-teacher ratios and strong enrollment, as well as access to nearby private schools. For higher education, residents are close to North Shore Community College and Salem State University, offering convenient options for college-bound students.
Public Schools
Name:
Wakefield Memorial High School
Street:
60 Farm St
Phone:
781-246-6440
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Galvin Middle School
Street:
525 Main St
Phone:
781-246-6410
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Private Schools
Name:
Nazareth Academy
Street:
27 Cordis St
Phone:
781-324-3700
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
North Shore Community College
City:
Lynn
State:
MA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,600
Name:
Salem State University
City:
Salem
State:
MA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,700
Healthcare
Wakefield residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like MelroseWakefield and Winchester Hospital nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 96.8%. There are approximately 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring convenient and reliable medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MelroseWakefield Hospital
Address:
585 Lebanon St, Melrose, MA 02176
Phone:
(781) 979-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Winchester Hospital
Address:
41 Highland Ave, Winchester, MA 01890
Phone:
(781) 729-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
81.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wakefield, MA?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $670,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, while rental vacancies remain low, signaling strong demand for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$670,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Wakefield are handled by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in Quincy. Residents can access a full range of DMV resources online or by visiting the state office for licensing, registration, and related needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
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.