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Suffolk County, Massachusetts — County Report Card

MA

#13 in Massachusetts

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.9Health 86.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Struggling Against National Averages

Suffolk County’s composite score of 43.0 falls well below the national median of 50.0. While urban amenities are high, social and environmental challenges impact the overall livability index.

Trailing Behind State Peers

At 43.0, Suffolk is significantly lower than the Massachusetts average of 48.6. As the state's urban hub, it faces unique pressures that are less prevalent in the surrounding suburban counties.

Competitive Taxes and High Incomes

The county performs well with an Income Score of 92.9 and a Tax Score of 66.8. A relatively lower effective tax rate of 0.666% helps residents keep more of their $92,859 median income.

Safety Concerns and High Costs

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 15.0, while the Cost Score remains low at 1.1. Median rents are a steep $2,069, making it difficult for many to live near their place of work.

Tailored for Young Urban Professionals

Suffolk suits those who prioritize proximity to jobs, culture, and lower-than-average tax rates over safety and quiet. It is the go-to for high-energy individuals willing to trade space for city access.

2040608010066.81.11586.35192.96.58656.3Tax66.8Cost1.1Safety15Health86.3Schools51Income92.9Risk6.5Water86Weather56.343/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Suffolk County DNA

Foverall

How Suffolk County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Suffolk County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (92.9/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (1.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.8+14.799999999999997
Cost
1.1-46.9
Safety
15-40
Health
86.3+36.3
Schools
51
Income
92.9+41.900000000000006
Risk
6.5-40.5
Water
86+28
Weather
56.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Suffolk County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$680,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,069/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$680,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$82,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $92,859/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

62.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

Norfolk County
Massachusetts
51.1
Middlesex County
Massachusetts
50.7
Plymouth County
Massachusetts
48.7
Essex County
Massachusetts
48.3
Providence County
Rhode Island
36.7
Bristol County
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45
Worcester County
Massachusetts
46.8
Bristol County
Rhode Island
58.6

Deep Dives

Suffolk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Suffolk County

via TaxByCounty

Suffolk's moderate rate still outpaces national average

Suffolk County's effective tax rate of 0.666% is the lowest among the six-county region, yet still nearly 2.5 times the national median rate. Residents pay $4,533 annually on a median home value of $680,700, making Suffolk considerably more tax-friendly than neighboring Middlesex and Norfolk.

Second-most tax-friendly Massachusetts county

Suffolk County's effective tax rate of 0.666% ranks second-lowest in the state, behind only Nantucket's 0.215% and well below the state average of 1.065%. The county's median property tax of $4,533 is the lowest among the six counties analyzed, providing significant relief for homeowners.

Clear tax advantage in a high-tax region

Suffolk County's 0.666% rate is dramatically lower than Middlesex (1.054%), Norfolk (1.090%), and Plymouth (1.237%), yet significantly higher than Nantucket's exceptional 0.215%. Only Worcester County at 1.333% substantially exceeds Suffolk's already-favorable rate among the six-county group.

Your median annual property tax bill

A Suffolk County homeowner with a median-valued property of $680,700 pays approximately $4,533 annually in property taxes. This translates to just $378 per month, offering meaningful savings compared to neighboring counties with similarly-priced homes.

Even favorable rates warrant verification

Suffolk County's relatively low tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments for every homeowner in the county. Residents should review their property valuations and consider appeals if they believe their assessed values don't reflect fair market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Suffolk County

via CostByCounty

Suffolk: Boston's brutal affordability crisis

Suffolk County renters spend 26.7% of their income on rent—the worst ratio in Massachusetts and far above the national average of 19.3%—despite a median household income of $92,859. This urban county, anchored by Boston, exemplifies how concentrated wealth and constrained supply create severe affordability crises.

Least affordable county in Massachusetts

Suffolk's 26.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks as Massachusetts's worst affordability measure, more than 7 percentage points above the state average of 19.3%. The county's $2,069 median rent approaches suburban levels, yet incomes lag suburban counties by $30,000–$35,000, creating a perfect storm of unaffordability.

Urban core pays double nearby suburbs

Suffolk's rent burden of 26.7% shatters adjacent Norfolk (19.7%) and Middlesex (20.1%), while its median income of $92,859 trails both by $34,000. Boston and inner suburbs (Suffolk) face a fundamentally different housing market than outer suburbs—same rents, far lower incomes.

Renters squeezed harder than anywhere

Suffolk renters pay $2,069 monthly—26.7% of just $92,859 in median income—while homeowners spend $2,354 or 30.4%, the highest ownership burden in the state. This county's lower incomes combined with urban-core rents create the state's most acute housing stress.

Boston living requires significant income

Suffolk County only pencils out for earners above $120,000—significantly higher than surrounding counties—making it poorly suited for average-income relocators. If you're considering a Boston move but earn under $110,000, suburban Plymouth, Norfolk, or Worcester offer identical urban access with dramatically better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Suffolk County

via IncomeByCounty

Suffolk earns 24% above national average

Suffolk County's median household income of $92,859 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 24%, powered by Boston's dense concentration of hospitals, universities, law firms, and financial institutions. However, the urban county lags peers outside the city proper.

Below-average for Massachusetts

Suffolk ranks fifth among the six featured counties at $92,859, below the state average of $96,546. Boston's inclusion pulls down the county average despite pockets of wealth in downtown and Back Bay.

Lagging suburbs, matching working class

Suffolk's $92,859 median trails wealthy suburbs (Middlesex, Norfolk, Nantucket, Plymouth) by $16,000–$34,000, though it edges Worcester ($93,561). The county's income split reflects Boston's mix of professional jobs and lower-wage service work.

Housing costs pinch household budgets

Suffolk's rent-to-income ratio of 26.7% is the highest among these counties, approaching the 30% affordability ceiling. Combined with median home values of $680,700, renters and would-be homebuyers face real affordability stress.

Plan deliberately despite high costs

Suffolk residents earning $92,859 median must budget carefully around housing to save for retirement and investments. Consider consulting a financial advisor to navigate Boston's high cost of living and protect long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Suffolk County

via CrimeByCounty

Suffolk County Mirrors National Crime Trends

Suffolk County’s total crime rate of 2,384.3 per 100K is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 96.2, indicating it faces more urban challenges than its neighbors.

Facing Greater Challenges Than State Peers

Within Massachusetts, Suffolk has a crime rate nearly 1,000 points higher than the state average of 1,458.6. This places it below the state's average safety score of 97.7.

Urban Density Impacts Regional Comparisons

Suffolk’s rate of 2,384.3 per 100K is the highest among its neighbors, including Norfolk (1,031.4) and Middlesex (1,197.5). High population density in the Boston area contributes to these elevated figures.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime is 590.7 per 100K, which is higher than both state and national averages. Property crime is 1,793.6 per 100K, though this actually remains lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Home Security in Suffolk

Because crime rates here align with national averages, robust home security is essential for urban residents. Using smart cameras and alarm systems can effectively deter property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Suffolk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dynamic Urban Educational Powerhouse

Suffolk County hosts 157 public schools across 26 districts, serving a diverse student body of 75,476. The system is heavily urban, featuring 94 elementary schools and 44 high schools alongside 22 charter schools. This region offers the highest density of charter and alternative school options in the state.

High Investment and Competitive School Scores

Suffolk County spends a significant $15,756 per pupil, well above the $13,582 state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. While the 74% graduation rate trails the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 64.0. These figures reflect a system that is heavily resourced to meet the unique needs of an urban population.

Boston Public Schools and Charter Innovation

The Boston district dominates the landscape with 109 schools and 46,001 students, followed by Revere and Chelsea. Charter schools are a major factor here, representing 14% of all schools, including the large Brooke Charter School with 2,223 students. This mix provides families with a wide array of specialized and traditional educational paths.

City-Centric Learning and Historic Institutions

With 130 schools in city settings, the Suffolk experience is distinctly urban and fast-paced. The county is home to the prestigious Boston Latin School, which enrolls 2,423 students, making it one of the largest in the area. The average school size is 481, allowing for diverse social environments within a bustling metropolitan context.

Access Elite Urban Education in Suffolk County

Living in Suffolk County puts your family at the center of Massachusetts' most innovative educational programs and historic schools. From the specialized Brooke Charter schools to the established Boston Public Schools, the options are as diverse as the neighborhoods themselves. Explore homes today to secure your place in this well-funded urban school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Suffolk County

via RiskByCounty

Suffolk faces notably elevated disaster risk

Suffolk County scores 93.51 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively moderate category—well above the national average. This score reflects substantial urban and coastal exposure across multiple hazard categories, with minimal wildfire risk offsetting other concerns.

Third-highest risk county in Massachusetts

Suffolk ranks third-riskiest in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 93.51 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 19% elevation above the state baseline reflects concentrated vulnerability in densely populated Boston and surrounding areas.

Among the state's most vulnerable counties

Suffolk's 93.51 score exceeds regional peers Plymouth (90.36) and trails only Middlesex (96.95) and Worcester (93.54). The county's urban concentration amplifies earthquake risk (94.97) and tornado risk (75.35) compared to more rural neighbors.

Earthquakes and floods are critical threats

Earthquake risk peaks at 94.97, while flood risk reaches 94.72—both among Massachusetts's highest, driven by dense development and coastal exposure. Hurricane risk (93.66) and tornado risk (75.35) round out Suffolk's profile; wildfire risk remains negligible at 8.97.

Earthquake and flood coverage are essential

Boston and inner suburbs face exceptional earthquake risk (94.97), requiring dedicated earthquake insurance beyond standard policies. Flood coverage is equally critical given your county's 94.72 flood risk; bundling both with your homeowners policy provides comprehensive protection for Suffolk's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Suffolk County

via WaterByCounty

Suffolk Maintains Flawless Drinking Water Record

Suffolk County earns an A grade with zero drinking water health violations in the last five years. This perfect record is a standout compared to the state average violation rate of 3.2 per 100,000 residents.

Watershed Impairment Data Not Available

Federal §303(d) assessments do not currently cover the water bodies within Suffolk County. No impairment data is recorded for this county in the latest ATTAINS reporting cycle.

Algae and Biological Monitoring is Active

Monitoring is active at 85 sites, contributing 26,924 measurements to federal databases. Data collection focuses heavily on microbiological, biological, and algae-related characteristics.

No Primary USGS Streamgage in Suffolk

Suffolk County lacks a primary USGS streamgage to provide live river discharge data. Compliance signals and shore monitoring remain the most reliable indicators of local water health.

Watch for Seasonal Algae Advisories

You enjoy high-quality municipal drinking water with a perfect compliance score. Stay alert for local advisories regarding algae, which is a major focus of monitoring efforts in the county.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Suffolk County

via WeatherByCounty

Massachusetts' Urban Heat Hub

Suffolk County is the warmest in this group, with an average annual temperature of 51.5°F. This exceeds the national median, largely due to the urban heat island effect centered in Boston.

The State's Temperature Leader

Suffolk ranks well above the 49.5°F state average, making it the warmest county in Massachusetts. Its precipitation levels are slightly below the state average, totaling 46.5 inches annually.

Warmer Than Surrounding Suburbs

Suffolk is nearly two degrees warmer on average than neighboring Middlesex County. It also experiences more extreme heat days (17) than Norfolk (14) or Middlesex (15) due to its dense urban footprint.

Sizzling Julys and Brisk Winters

Summer peaks in July with a 74.3°F average, the highest in the region, including 17 days over 90°F. Despite the heat, the county still sees 49.2 inches of snow during the 31.6°F winter season.

Cooling is the Priority

Robust air conditioning is vital here to combat the 17 days of extreme heat and high urban temperatures. Residents should also keep snow shovels ready for the nearly 50 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Suffolk County

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soil Dynamics

In the urban heart of Suffolk County, specific soil pH and taxonomic data remain limited in the current record. Most soils in this metropolitan area are heavily influenced by historical land reclamation and human activity.

Complex Anthropogenic Mixes

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not specified for Suffolk, reflecting the complexity of urban soil mapping. Many city soils differ greatly from the natural glaciated till of the surrounding Massachusetts countryside.

Composting for Success

While organic matter data is unavailable, urban growers can strive to match the state average of 29.25% through intensive composting. Amendments are often necessary to overcome the lack of natural water-holding capacity in city environments.

Navigating City Drainage

Drainage data is unlisted, which is common in areas with significant paved surfaces and artificial drainage systems. Urban gardeners should prioritize raised beds to manage moisture levels and ensure soil purity.

Warm Growing in Zone 7a

Suffolk’s Zone 7a climate is one of the warmest in the state, allowing for a slightly longer growing season. It is a fantastic place for urban agriculture, especially for heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Suffolk County

via LawnByCounty

Suffolk County: A Lawn Care Leader

Suffolk County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 73.3, the highest in the region and far easier than the national average of 50.0. The warmer Zone 7a climate provides a longer growing window than most of Massachusetts. This makes it an ideal location for achieving a dense and vibrant lawn with less effort.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Sun

Suffolk records 17 extreme heat days annually, the highest in the state, which accelerates growth but requires diligent watering. The 3048 growing degree days provide a robust season for grass to mature and recover from wear. With 46.5 inches of rain, the county stays well-hydrated despite the urban heat island effect.

Managing Urban Soil Conditions

Specific soil data is limited for Suffolk, but urban environments often face issues with compaction and variable drainage. Focus on core aeration to allow air and water to penetrate the soil through the busy 3048 growing degree days. Regular top-dressing with compost can improve the soil structure where natural data is missing.

Minimal Drought Impact in the City

Over the past year, Suffolk County only dealt with 11 weeks of drought, keeping it relatively lush. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, which is a common seasonal trend for the region. Consistent irrigation during the 17 annual heat days will keep your grass from entering dormancy prematurely.

Maxmize Your Suffolk Growing Season

Heat-tolerant varieties like tall fescue are perfect for the 17 extreme heat days Suffolk experiences. You can start planting as early as April 19, taking advantage of the earlier spring thaw in Zone 7a. The late frost on November 9 also allows for successful fall renovation projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Suffolk County's county score?
Suffolk County, Massachusetts has a composite county score of 43 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Suffolk County rank among counties in Massachusetts?
Suffolk County ranks #13 among all counties in Massachusetts on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Suffolk County, Massachusetts?
The median annual property tax in Suffolk County is $4,533, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Suffolk County a tax score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Suffolk County?
The median household income in Suffolk County, Massachusetts is $92,859 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Suffolk County earns an income score of 92.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Suffolk County, Massachusetts a good place to live?
Suffolk County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Massachusetts. The best way to evaluate Suffolk County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Suffolk County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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