Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Worcester, MA
Thinking of moving to Worcester, MA? With a population of over 205,000, Worcester offers an affordable cost of living for Massachusetts, with a median home price of $371,000 and average rents around $1,540. The city features diverse neighborhoods, major healthcare centers, and a vibrant education scene with several colleges and universities. Commute times average 26 minutes, and residents enjoy all four seasons, with 56% sunny days each year. While crime rates are above national averages, Worcester’s blend of cultural amenities, educational opportunities, and accessible housing make it a compelling choice for new residents.
Demographics - Worcester, MA
Demographics - Worcester, MA
Worcester is home to over 205,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 34.2 and a population density of 4,900 people per square mile. The city is notably diverse, with a mix of White, Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and nearly one in four residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
205,319
Density:
4,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55.2%
Black:
13.1%
Asian:
7.2%
Others:
24.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Worcester, MA?
Worcester offers a relatively affordable cost of living for Massachusetts, with a median home value of $371,000 and average rents around $1,540. Residents experience moderate utility and transportation costs, while state taxes range from 5% to 9%, making the city an attractive option for those seeking value in the region.
Median House Value:
$371,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.7
Grocery:
108.4
Housing:
112.2
Utilities:
112.1
Transportation:
107.8
Health Care:
111.5
Miscellaneous:
105.9
Crime
Is Worcester, MA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Worcester are above the national average, with a violent crime rate of 545 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,860 per 100,000. New residents should be aware of these statistics, but many neighborhoods remain vibrant and engaged with active community initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
545
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,860
Crime Index:
2,405
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 184
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Worcester, MA year-round?
Worcester experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, comfortable summers reaching up to 82°F. The city receives about 48 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, making for a varied and dynamic climate.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The median household income in Worcester is $61,300, with a family income of $76,900 and a poverty rate of 17.1%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is about 26 minutes, reflecting a balanced urban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$61,300
Family Income:
$76,900
Per Capita Income:
$32,400
Income Male:
$45,800
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
23.4%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
6.0%
Commute Time:
26.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.4%
Bachelors or More:
29.8%
Education
How are the schools in Worcester, MA?
Worcester boasts a vibrant education scene, with public schools like Worcester Technical High and Burncoat High, several private options, and prestigious colleges such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Holy Cross, and Clark University. This diverse educational landscape supports students from kindergarten through advanced degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Worcester Technical High School
Street:
1 Skyline Dr
Phone:
508-799-1940
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Name:
Burncoat High School
Street:
179 Burncoat St
Phone:
508-799-7870
Students:
1,190
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame Academy
Street:
425 Salisbury St
Phone:
508-757-6200
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
College of the Holy Cross
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
Clark University
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Worcester is served by major hospitals like UMass Memorial Medical Center and Saint Vincent Hospital, offering comprehensive emergency and specialty services. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and 95.5% health insurance coverage, healthcare access is robust and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Address:
55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
Phone:
(508) 334-1000
Type:
General & Teaching
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:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.5%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Worcester, MA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $371,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,540, with a healthy mix of owner-occupied and rental properties. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% in the past year, highlighting Worcester’s growing appeal to buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$371,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Worcester’s DMV services are provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles at 50 Milton St, offering convenient access for driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other state motor services.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
50 Milton St, Worcester, MA 01605
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.