Massachusetts · Metropolitan Area
Chelsea is a mid-size city in Massachusetts with a population of 39,460. Residents earn $72,220 per year, which is 4% below the national average.
Based on current data, Chelsea receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Chelsea has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Chelsea is $72,220, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
The median home value in Chelsea is $476,500, making it a premium housing market at 69% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,859 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 6.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
With 1,112 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,745 per 100,000, 40% above the national average.
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Chelsea experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches, including 49.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
| English Only | 29.0% |
| 63% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 71.0% |
| 430% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $72,220 |
| 4% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,544 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $2,525 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $122,612 |
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.3% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 33,364 |
| County GDP | $190,778M |
| Restaurants | 2,747 |
| Healthcare | 2,078 |
| Retail | 2,312 |
| Manufacturing | 311 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,634 |
| 147% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
| Commute Time | 33.5 min |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
| Census Median | $476,500 |
| 69% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $515,982 |
| Median List Price | $475,000 |
| Median List Price | $475,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $404 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 23.8% |
| Inventory | 21 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,859 |
| 60% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,534 |
| Studio | $1,727 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,822 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,232 |
| Owner-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,634 |
| 147% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
| Obesity | 28.8% |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,117/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,078 |
| Total Violent | 1,112.1/100K |
| 193% above US avg | |
| Murder | 10.4/100K |
| 65% above US avg | |
| Rape | 54.7/100K |
| Robbery | 445.4/100K |
| Assault | 601.6/100K |
| Total Property | 2,745.1/100K |
| 40% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 507.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,919.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 317.7/100K |
| Arson | 2.6/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg | |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 43.6 inches |
| 15% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 49.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 17,775/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3968°N, 71.0313°W |
| County FIPS | 25025 |
Winner: Democrat by 52.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 22.0% |
| 35% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 69.1% |
| School Test Score | 6.49 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 17,775/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 6 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 29 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,078 |
| Restaurants | 2,747 |
| Retail Stores | 2,312 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Avg Commute | 33.5 min |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |