Lawrence, MA

Lawrence MA scores 64/100 on safety (below average). Crime is about 13% below the national average. Expect more property crime (car break-ins, package theft) than a quiet suburb.

Detail: overall crime index 87 (100 = avg); violent crime index 121; property crime index 53. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Lawrence. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Lawrence is about $1,662/month (on the high side). At $1,662/month for a typical unit, you need about $59,832+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $415,200.

Median household income is $60,433, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($60,433) clears the $59,832 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 56°F (highs near 64°F, lows near 49°F).

Cooler months cut into patio season; plan indoor hobbies for part of the year. Heating will show up on winter bills more than AC does in summer. If you visit, go in January. That is when the cold is honest.

Who tends to thrive in Lawrence: (1) Households earning $59,832+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,662/month (2) Movers with a locked job offer in Lawrence who already priced rent and commute (3) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing (4) People who will visit on a weekday and a weekend before committing (not just a long weekend)

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 64/100) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,662/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Lawrence does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $59,832 household income for $1,662/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Lawrence holds up well on the core metrics we publish. Safety at 64/100 makes it a reasonable choice for households who can manage $1,662/month rent. Verify school ratings for your target ZIP separately.