Is Haverhill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Haverhill
Haverhill, Massachusetts, a city with a rich industrial past and a vibrant present, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Nestled along the Merrimack River, this city provides a distinct New England experience, drawing in residents with its diverse neighborhoods and accessible location. It’s a place where community is fostered, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth can be found.
The city’s strategic position, approximately 35 miles north of Boston and close to the New Hampshire border, makes it an attractive location for those seeking a balance between urban access and a more suburban lifestyle. Haverhill’s continuous evolution from its Puritan farming roots to a significant manufacturing hub has shaped its identity, creating a dynamic environment for its growing population.
Is it Safe to Live in Haverhill?
Haverhill presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that vary by neighborhood. The overall crime rate is considered lower than the national average, with a total crime rate that is 37% lower per 100,000 residents. This means Haverhill experiences an average of 2.51 daily crimes, a figure that includes both violent and property-related incidents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, it’s important to note that violent crimes in Haverhill are 14% higher than the national average, according to the latest crime reports (as reported by AreaVibes).
When considering personal safety, the chance of being a victim of crime in Haverhill is approximately 1 in 75 (as reported by AreaVibes). Some analyses indicate that Haverhill is safer than 75% of U.S. cities, earning a B+ grade for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often find the northeast part of the city to be the safest, while crime incidents tend to be more concentrated in central neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Haverhill reflects a higher cost of living compared to the national average, largely driven by housing expenses. The median home price in Haverhill is approximately $543,992, showing a 2.7% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This figure is notably higher than the national average home value (as reported by Zillow).
Rental prices in Haverhill also tend to be above the national average. As of April 2026, the median rent for all types of properties in Haverhill is $2,100, which is 8% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $1,875, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,250 (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Major Employers
Haverhill’s job market is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade being the most common employment sectors for its residents (as reported by Data USA). In terms of job types, Management Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations are the most prevalent (as reported by Data USA).
While the overall employment in Haverhill saw a slight decline of -0.949% between 2023 and 2024, the city benefits from its proximity to Boston’s robust economy. Major employers within Haverhill include companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amazon.com, alongside manufacturing firms such as Parker Hannifin and UFP Technologies (as reported by Indeed.com and Zippia). Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School is also a significant employer within the city (as reported by Zippia).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Haverhill experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 16°F to 83°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 83°F, while January sees the coldest temperatures, with average lows around 17°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 48 inches, with October being the wettest month, averaging around 5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is also a significant factor, with an average of 62 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from mid-May to September is generally considered the most comfortable for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and comfortable humidity levels.
Education and School Ratings
Haverhill’s public school system serves a diverse student population, with minority enrollment making up approximately 54% of the student body, predominantly Hispanic (as reported by Niche). The average math proficiency in Haverhill’s public schools is 27%, and the reading proficiency is 31%, which are below the Massachusetts state averages (as reported by Niche).
The Haverhill school district is ranked within the bottom 50% of all school districts in Massachusetts based on proficiency testing data (as reported by Public School Review). However, specific schools like Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School are recognized for their performance, ranking among the top high schools in Massachusetts and boasting a high graduation rate of 97.5% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Other schools, such as Tilton Elementary, show strong performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Demographics and Population
Haverhill is home to a population of approximately 67,698 residents, with a slight increase since the 2020 Census (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). The city’s population is diverse, with White residents comprising about 63.9%, followed by Hispanic residents at 26.5% (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic composition shows a growing Hispanic population and a slightly lower percentage of White residents compared to the state average (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Haverhill is 39 years, with a relatively balanced gender distribution, slightly more females than males (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). A significant portion of the population, 83.4%, are US-born citizens, with naturalized citizens making up an additional 11.5% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Cost of Living and Affordability
The cost of living in Haverhill is higher than the national average, standing at 129 on the cost of living index, meaning it is 29% more expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant contributor, being approximately 59.7% higher than the national average for both buying and renting (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Haverhill is 72.9% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the cost of living is elevated, it is notably lower than the average for Massachusetts as a whole. The median household income in Haverhill was reported as $88,326 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the national median income. This income level helps to offset some of the higher living expenses, though affordability remains a key consideration for potential residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Haverhill
Haverhill offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for prospective residents. On the positive side, its strategic location provides convenient access to Boston, while maintaining a distinct New England character. The city is home to a diverse population and offers a variety of employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare and manufacturing.
However, the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly higher than the national average. While crime rates are generally lower than the national average, certain neighborhoods experience higher rates, and violent crime is above the state average. The public school system also faces challenges, with lower proficiency rates compared to the state average, although vocational and some elementary schools show promising results.