Living in Massachusetts

#22 in population growth

Massachusetts, the Bay State, is a beacon of American history, innovation, and academic excellence. Renowned for its historical significance and contributions to education and healthcare, Massachusetts offers a lifestyle that’s both intellectually stimulating and culturally rich.

The economy in Massachusetts is robust and diverse, with significant contributions from sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and education. Boston, its largest city, is a global hub for biotechnology and healthcare, and it’s also a significant center for finance and higher education.

Living in Massachusetts means enjoying a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Explore the historic streets of Boston, enjoy the seaside charm of Cape Cod, or experience the scenic beauty of the Berkshire Mountains. The state’s commitment to preserving its history and natural beauty is evident in its numerous historic landmarks and state parks.

Education is a cornerstone in Massachusetts, home to world-renowned universities like Harvard and MIT, along with a highly rated public school system.

So, if you’re looking for a state that offers an enriching lifestyle, a thriving economy, and a strong commitment to education, Massachusetts could be your ideal choice. Just remember to bundle up for the winter and get ready to cheer on the Red Sox!

#16 in population

Population

6,981,974

National Avg 6,652,315

#48 in population

Population Per Square Mile

901

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does Massachusetts Score?

F
Home Affordability
F
Cost of Living
C
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Massachusetts

Climate

How Does Massachusetts Compare?

#39
in Sunny Days
#12
in Annual Rainfall
#8
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#1

How Does Massachusetts Compare?

#1
in Healthcare
#9
in Available Beds
#1
in Doctors Per Resident

4

Children's Hospitals

4

VA Medical Centers

15

VA Clinics

Massachusetts Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#49

How Does Massachusetts Compare?

#49
in Cost of Living
#3
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#48
in Living Wage

Massachusetts State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Massachusetts? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Massachusetts

#1

Massachusetts School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #1 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

70%

Proficient or Above

35%

Ranked #2 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

77%

Proficient or Above

40%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
91.2%
Bachelors Degree
45.2%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Massachusetts

State Capital

Boston

Area Codes

339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone

Number of Counties

14

Land Area (square miles)

7,801

Motto

Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)

State Bird

Chickadee

Housing

#48
#48 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$510,500

National $440,300

#44 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$1,429

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$875

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

2,714,448

Persons Per Household

2.48

Rent vs Own

Own 62.4%
Rent 37.6%

Economy

#3 in household income

Median Household Income

89,026

National $70,784

#7 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
67.1%
Poverty Rate
10.4%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$74,023,959

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$22,892,801

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$13,596,083

Per Capita Retail Sales

16,055

Counties

Diversity

#25
White alone
79.4%
Black or African American alone
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
0.5%
Asian alone
7.7%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.1%
Two or More Races
2.7%
Hispanic or Latino
13.1%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
69.6%

Foreign Born Persons

17.3%

Veterans

277442

Persons Under 5 years
4.9%
Persons Under 18 years
19.2%
Persons 65 years and over
18.1%

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