Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Peabody, MA
Considering a move to West Peabody, MA? This vibrant suburb of about 22,000 residents features a strong sense of community, excellent public schools, and a high homeownership rate. With median home values at $610,000 and average rents around $2,200, housing is in demand but balanced by solid local incomes and a low crime rate (violent crime at just 107 per 100k). Enjoy a reasonable 32-minute commute, four distinct seasons, and easy access to top-rated healthcare and higher education—making West Peabody a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - West Peabody, MA
Demographics - West Peabody, MA
West Peabody is a suburban community of about 22,000 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 45. The area has a balanced gender ratio, moderate population density, and a notable proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting its growing diversity. This makes West Peabody an attractive choice for those seeking a stable, family-friendly environment.
Population:
22,000
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.0%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
4.5%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Peabody, MA?
Living in West Peabody comes with a cost of living index of 134.1, indicating higher-than-average expenses compared to the national average. The median home value is $610,000 and typical rents are around $2,200, with housing and groceries being significant budget considerations. State taxes and utility costs also contribute to the area's premium lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$610,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.1
Grocery:
127.0
Housing:
158.6
Utilities:
113.8
Transportation:
124.5
Health Care:
116.2
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is West Peabody, MA a safe place to live?
West Peabody is considered a safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of only 107 incidents per 100,000 people and a low property crime rate. Residents enjoy a low chance of being affected by crime, making the city especially appealing to families and those seeking peace of mind. Overall, safety is a strong attribute of this community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
107
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,457
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 934
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in West Peabody, MA year-round?
Residents of West Peabody experience all four seasons, including cold winters with lows around 21°F and warm summers reaching up to 82°F. The city receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year. This seasonal variety offers both vibrant fall foliage and pleasant summer days.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The typical household income in West Peabody is strong, with a median of $108,500 and a low poverty rate of 5.1%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 43% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the average commute is about 32 minutes. The community is diverse, with a significant number of non-English speakers and a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$108,500
Family Income:
$122,000
Per Capita Income:
$51,000
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
5.1%
Non English Speakers:
20.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
5.9%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
42.7%
Education
How are the schools in West Peabody, MA?
Families in West Peabody benefit from highly regarded public schools like West Memorial Elementary and Higgins Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The area also features reputable private school options and is close to higher education institutions such as Salem State University and North Shore Community College. This strong educational network supports lifelong learning from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
West Memorial Elementary School
Street:
15 Bow Street
Phone:
978-536-5850
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
J. Henry Higgins Middle School
Street:
85 Perkins St
Phone:
978-536-4800
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4
Private Schools
Name:
Covenant Christian Academy
Street:
83 Pine St
Phone:
978-535-7100
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Salem State University
City:
Salem
State:
MA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
7,700
Name:
North Shore Community College
City:
Danvers
State:
MA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
West Peabody offers excellent access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Lahey Medical Center nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio. Over 96% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring most residents receive timely medical care. Healthcare quality is well-rated, making it a reassuring location for families and seniors.
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:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Peabody, MA?
The housing market in West Peabody is competitive, featuring a median home price of $610,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74.5%. Home values have seen a healthy appreciation of 6.4% over the past year, and rental vacancy remains low. These trends reflect steady demand and strong community roots.
Median Home Price:
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of West Peabody are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Boston. The DMV provides a full range of licensing and registration services both in-person and online. Access to the statewide DMV system makes vehicle management straightforward for local drivers.
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.