Average Rent in Western Worcester County, MA↑ Rents rising 4.5% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 861,664
Market Overview
Western Worcester County, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,047/month to $2,455/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,155/month — 17% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $93,561/year, spending $1,155/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Western Worcester County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,462/month, Western Worcester County ranks #18 most expensive of the 21 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 91% of all US cities in our data.
The Western Worcester County Rental Market
The Western Worcester County, MA area has a population of about 861,664 and 34% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Western Worcester County, MA have risen by $63/month (4.5%) over the past year, from $1,399 to $1,462. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Western Worcester County, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $46,200. The local median household income of $93,561 exceeds that threshold by $47,361, making Western Worcester County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Western Worcester County, MA has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, 0.9 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Western Worcester County, MA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | $1,346 | $1,498 | $1,963 | $2,365 | — |
| Brockton | $1,607 | $1,652 | $2,155 | $2,730 | — |
| Lowell | $1,537 | $1,709 | $2,242 | $2,701 | — |
| Boston | $2,263 | $2,394 | $2,837 | $3,418 | — |
| New Bedford | $1,081 | $1,177 | $1,448 | $1,745 | — |
| Providence | $1,233 | $1,319 | $1,614 | $1,945 | — |
Rent or Buy in Western Worcester County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Western Worcester County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Western Worcester County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Western Worcester CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MASee how Western Worcester County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Western Worcester CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
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