Is Gloucester Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gloucester
Gloucester, Massachusetts, a historic fishing port on Cape Ann, offers a unique blend of maritime charm and coastal beauty. This city, rich in history, is known for its iconic “Man at the Wheel” statue and a significant Portuguese-American population, contributing to its distinct cultural fabric. With a population of approximately 30,000 residents, Gloucester provides a sense of community while being within reach of larger metropolitan areas.
The city’s identity is deeply intertwined with its seafaring heritage, evident in its working waterfront, fresh seafood restaurants, and numerous water-based activities. Beyond its maritime allure, Gloucester boasts scenic beaches and a rugged coastline, making it an attractive destination for those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor recreation. This combination of history, culture, and natural scenery creates a compelling environment for residents and visitors alike.
Is it Safe to Live in Gloucester?
Gloucester presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The city’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with a total crime rate of 830.1 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000 (as reported by FBI data for 2024). This places Gloucester in the 80th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 80% of U.S. cities (as reported by FBI data for 2024).
While the overall crime rate is low, it’s important to note that year-over-year crime rates have seen an increase, with total crime rising by 8.2% and violent crime also rising by 8.2% (as reported by FBI data for 2024). Specifically, violent crime incidents in Gloucester were reported at a rate of 277.8 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 312.0 per 100,000 (as reported by FBI data for 2024). Property crime in Gloucester is also lower than the state average, with a rate of 552.3 per 100,000 residents compared to the Massachusetts average of 1,086.7 per 100,000 (as reported by FBI data for 2024).
Housing Costs in Gloucester
Gloucester’s housing market reflects its desirability as a coastal New England community. The median home value in Gloucester is approximately $760,558 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates a competitive market, with home prices showing an increase of 2.4% over the past year (as reported by Zillow).
For those considering renting, the average rent in Gloucester is also on the higher side. As of April 2026, the average rent for an apartment is around $2,364 per month, which is 44% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages approximately $2,364 per month, while a two-bedroom unit can cost around $2,804 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Gloucester is considerably higher than the national average. Gloucester’s cost of living index is 144, meaning it is 44% more expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This is also higher than the Massachusetts state average, with Gloucester being 6% more expensive than the rest of the state (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing is a significant contributor to this higher cost, being 103% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While food costs in Gloucester are noted as being more affordable than the U.S. average, other expenses such as transportation and healthcare also tend to be higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
Gloucester’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services being the most common employment sectors for its residents (as reported by Data USA). The average annual household income in Gloucester was reported as $118,570 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).
The unemployment rate in Gloucester was 6.90% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average of 7.11% (as reported by YCharts). In comparison, the unemployment rate for Massachusetts was 4.8% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). Major employers in Gloucester include entities like Walmart, McDonald’s, and CVS Health, contributing to the local job market (as reported by Indeed.com).
Climate and Weather
Gloucester experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 17°F to 81°F (as reported by Livability.com). The warmest month is typically July, with average highs around 79°F and lows of 63°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livingcost.org).
Winter months are significantly colder, with January seeing average highs of 37°F and lows of 24°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livingcost.org). The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 47 inches, with snowfall also being a notable factor, averaging around 52 inches per year (as reported by Livability.com). October is generally the wettest month, while September is the driest.
Education and Schools
Gloucester Public Schools serve the city’s student population, with a total of seven public schools catering to approximately 2,862 students (as reported by Niche). The district’s performance shows variation, with an average math proficiency score of 33% and a reading proficiency score of 38%, both below the Massachusetts state averages (as reported by Niche). The schools in Gloucester have an average ranking of 3/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public schools (as reported by Niche).
However, some schools within the district show stronger performance. Plum Cove School and West Parish are noted for their higher academic performance, with over 40% of their students proficient in English Language Arts, Math, and Science (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Gloucester High School, despite a lower overall rating, maintains a respectable 4-year graduation rate of 87.2% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics
Gloucester is home to a population of approximately 30,075 residents, with a median age of 50.2 years (as reported by Data USA and US Census Bureau). The racial makeup of Gloucester is predominantly White, accounting for about 89.5% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Hispanic residents make up approximately 5.3% of the population, with smaller percentages for other racial and ethnic groups (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA).
The city has a slightly higher proportion of females, with 51.1% of residents being female and 48.9% being male (as reported by Point2Homes). A notable portion of the population, around 10.2%, was born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Gloucester was reported at $83,883 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau).
Major Employers
Gloucester’s employment landscape is diverse, with several key sectors and companies contributing to its economy. Major employers in the area include retail giants like Walmart and Dollar Tree, as well as healthcare providers such as CVS Health (as reported by Indeed.com). The United States Postal Service and McDonald’s also represent significant employment opportunities within the city (as reported by Indeed.com).
Beyond these larger entities, Gloucester’s economy also benefits from its maritime industry, with companies like Gorton’s of Gloucester being historically significant (as noted by Wikipedia). The presence of these varied employers provides a range of job opportunities across different sectors for the local workforce.