Worcester, Massachusetts

Heart of the Commonwealth

Northeast Worcester, MA-CT Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#69 Best Places to Live

Livability (2025)

#58 Top 100 Best Places to Live

WhereAtHome Score

66.6

D

out of 100

Overview

Worcester offers Boston metro access at significantly lower prices, with strong healthcare and education sectors. The city has invested in downtown revitalization and attracts students from numerous colleges. More affordable than Boston while maintaining New England character.

Key Highlights

  • More affordable than Boston
  • Major healthcare and education hub
  • Commuter rail to Boston
  • Growing downtown revitalization
  • Numerous colleges and universities
  • Historic New England character

Key Metrics

Population 2024

206,518

Source: Census ACS

Median Home Value 2026

$441,802

Source: Zillow ZHVI

Median Household Income 2023

$52,891

Source: Census ACS

Average Commute 2023

26.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

62

Source: Walk Score

Crime Level 2024

Moderate-High

Source: FBI CDE

School Rating

2025

C (5.2/10)

Source: Curated

Cost of Living Index 2025

108 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Worcester County (county-level results)

54%
44%
Democrat 225,680
Republican 183,802
Leans D+10.0

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

82°F

Winter Low

18°F

Annual Rainfall

48"

Sunny Days

198

Amenities & Infrastructure

60+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

4 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

10 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

UMass Memorial Health College of the Holy Cross WPI Saint Vincent Hospital

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 46.5/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 33/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 53.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 35/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 62/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 40.7/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 66.6

Location

Worcester, MA (42.2626, -71.8023)
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Compare with another city

Start Comparison

Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.

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