CountyScore

Middlesex County

Massachusetts · MA

#13 in Massachusetts
56.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Middlesex slightly outpaces national average

With a composite score of 51.1, Middlesex County sits just above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 51st percentile nationally. This means the county ranks better than half of all U.S. counties on overall livability, a solid if unspectacular position on the nationwide stage.

Below average for Massachusetts standards

Middlesex's 51.1 score falls noticeably below Massachusetts's county average of 57.1, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. The 6-point gap suggests residents are getting a more constrained livability profile than what most Bay State communities offer.

Strong income and tax efficiency

Middlesex shines in household income, with a median of $126,779 paired with a strong income score of 66.1. The county's effective tax rate of 1.054% also drives a solid tax score of 72.6, meaning residents keep more of their earnings relative to peers.

Housing costs pose real affordability strain

Housing is Middlesex's critical weakness, with a cost score of just 31.3 reflecting a median home value of $687,200 and monthly rent of $2,126. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental risks, and water quality remain unavailable, leaving important livability questions unanswered.

For high earners willing to pay for proximity

Middlesex County suits professionals and established families with substantial incomes who value being near major employment hubs and don't flinch at premium housing costs. If you're earning six figures and prioritize career access over affordability, this county delivers; if you're budget-conscious, look elsewhere in Massachusetts.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax72.6Cost31.3SafetyComing SoonHealth87.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome66.1Risk3.1WaterComing Soon
🏛72.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤87.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Middlesex County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Santa Cruz County
California
56.1
Median income: $109,266
Norfolk County
Massachusetts
56.1
Median income: $126,497
Merrimack County
New Hampshire
56.1
Median income: $93,944
Strafford County
New Hampshire
56.1
Median income: $86,564
Monroe County
Pennsylvania
56.1
Median income: $82,374

Deep Dives

Middlesex County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Middlesex County

via TaxByCounty

Middlesex taxes nearly triple the national average

Middlesex County's effective tax rate of 1.054% significantly exceeds the national median, with residents paying $7,240 annually compared to the national median of $2,690. This places Middlesex in the upper tier of tax burden nationwide, though the county's median home value of $687,200 is 2.4 times the national median.

Slightly below Massachusetts average

Middlesex's effective tax rate of 1.054% ranks just below the state average of 1.065%, making it a middle-ground option within Massachusetts. The county's median property tax of $7,240 exceeds the state median of $5,149 by about $2,100 annually.

Moderate taxes in a high-tax region

Among its New England neighbors, Middlesex falls between Norfolk County (1.090%) and Nantucket County (0.215%), with Plymouth County (1.237%) and Worcester County (1.333%) taxing residents considerably more. Suffolk County residents enjoy the lowest rate at 0.666%, making it the most tax-friendly county in the immediate region.

Your median annual property tax bill

A homeowner with a $687,200 median-valued property in Middlesex can expect to pay approximately $7,240 annually in property taxes. This translates to roughly $604 per month, making property taxes a significant ongoing cost for county residents.

You may be overassessed

Many Middlesex County homeowners are unaware they may be paying more in property taxes than necessary due to assessment errors. Homeowners can file an appeal with their local assessor's office to review their property valuation and potentially reduce their annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Middlesex County

via CostByCounty

Middlesex rents bite harder than US average

Renters in Middlesex County spend 20.1% of their income on gross rent, slightly above the national average of 19.3%. While the county's median household income of $126,779 far exceeds the national median of $74,755, housing costs have kept pace with that wealth.

Middle of the pack in Massachusetts

Middlesex ranks in the middle tier of Massachusetts counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state average of 19.3%. The county's median rent of $2,126 significantly exceeds Massachusetts's state average of $1,558, reflecting its proximity to Boston and established suburbs.

Pricier than Plymouth, similar to Norfolk

Middlesex's median rent of $2,126 edges out nearby Norfolk County at $2,072, while significantly surpassing Plymouth County's $1,655. Among Massachusetts's affluent suburban counties, Middlesex occupies the middle ground—more expensive than Plymouth but more affordable than the island premium of Nantucket at $2,070.

Renters spend twice what homeowners do

Middlesex renters pay $2,126 monthly while homeowners spend $2,480 on mortgages, yet renters' ratio (20.1%) actually exceeds owners' burden relative to the $126,779 median income. This county's high earners can absorb housing costs, but the gap between rent and ownership remains substantial.

Affluent suburbs with Boston access

Middlesex offers the rare combination of high incomes and moderate affordability for Massachusetts—ideal if you're earning above $120,000 and want suburban proximity to Boston. Compare this to Suffolk County's tighter squeeze (26.7% rent-to-income ratio) or Plymouth's lower costs but smaller income base before deciding your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Middlesex County

via IncomeByCounty

Middlesex earns 70% above U.S. average

Middlesex County's median household income of $126,779 towers 70% above the national median of $74,755. This places Middlesex among the nation's wealthiest counties, reflecting the region's concentration of tech, biotech, and professional services jobs.

Second-richest county in Massachusetts

Middlesex ranks second in the state by median household income at $126,779, just above the state average of $96,546. Only one Massachusetts county outpaces it in household earning power.

Outearns most Massachusetts neighbors

Middlesex's $126,779 median exceeds Norfolk County ($126,497) by a hair and Plymouth County ($109,698) by 15%. Among its peers, Middlesex stands as a wealth anchor in the Boston metro region.

Incomes stretch to cover housing costs

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.1% means residents spend one-fifth of earnings on rent—comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values at $687,200, many households need dual incomes or substantial savings to purchase.

Build wealth beyond the paycheck

Middlesex residents earning $126,779 median have real capacity to invest in retirement, education, and real estate beyond basic housing. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged accounts and diversify assets in this high-earning region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Middlesex County

via HealthByCounty

Middlesex outlives the nation

Residents live to 81.5 years on average, nearly three years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 11.2% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 15.3%, signaling strong population health outcomes compared to most American counties.

Among Massachusetts's healthiest

Middlesex County exceeds the state average life expectancy of 79.7 years by 1.8 years, ranking it in the top tier statewide. The county's 11.2% poor/fair health rate beats the state average, reflecting better-than-typical health status across the region.

Outpacing nearby counties

Middlesex's 81.5-year life expectancy tops Norfolk County (81.2 years) and significantly exceeds Plymouth County (78.8 years) and Worcester County (78.8 years). The county's uninsured rate of 2.4% ties Norfolk and Plymouth, among the lowest in the state.

Excellent access to primary care

With 125 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 719 mental health providers per 100,000, Middlesex offers robust healthcare infrastructure. An uninsured rate of just 2.4%—below the state average of 3.0%—means most residents can access the care they need.

Protect your health coverage today

Even with strong healthcare access, maintaining coverage is essential for preventive care and unexpected medical costs. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to explore options and ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Middlesex County

via RiskByCounty

Middlesex faces above-average disaster risk

Middlesex County scores 96.95 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively high category—well above the national average. This score reflects substantial exposure across multiple hazard types, from earthquakes to hurricanes.

Highest-risk county in Massachusetts

Middlesex ranks as the riskiest county in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 96.95 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 23% elevation above the state baseline signals concentrated vulnerability across most natural disaster categories.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Middlesex outpaces its regional neighbors: Suffolk County scores 93.51, Worcester scores 93.54, and Norfolk scores 92.02. The county's flood risk (98.51) is the highest in its region, driven by extensive coastal and riverine exposure.

Floods and earthquakes top your hazard list

Flood risk dominates at 98.51—among the highest in the nation—while earthquake risk reaches 96.09. Tornado risk (90.11) and hurricane risk (95.45) round out Middlesex's multi-faceted threat profile, requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage; both require separate policies in Middlesex. Given your county's exceptional exposure, bundling flood and earthquake coverage with your home policy is essential protection against your area's primary risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.