Is Newburyport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Newburyport

Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a compelling blend of historic charm and coastal New England living. This picturesque city, situated at the mouth of the Merrimack River, draws residents with its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant downtown, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. It presents a unique lifestyle for those seeking a balance between a strong sense of community and access to natural beauty.

The city’s appeal extends beyond its aesthetics. Newburyport is a place where history is palpable, from its maritime roots to its role in early American commerce. This rich heritage is complemented by a thriving local culture, featuring independent shops, diverse dining options, and a lively arts scene. For those considering a move, understanding the various facets of life in Newburyport is key to making an informed decision.

Is it Safe to Live in Newburyport?

Newburyport is recognized for its safety, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is 79.1% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are 87% lower than the national average, with only 47 reported violent crimes per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes, citing FBI data). Property crime rates are also substantially lower, with 77.6% fewer incidents than the national average (according to AreaVibes, citing FBI data).

Further analysis of FBI crime statistics indicates that Newburyport is safer than 70% of U.S. cities and towns across all population sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Newburyport is approximately 1 in 225, which is considerably lower than the U.S. average of 1 in 47 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This low crime rate contributes to the city’s reputation as a secure place to live.

Cost of Living in Newburyport

The cost of living in Newburyport is notably higher than both the national average and the average for Massachusetts. Overall living expenses are approximately 61% higher than the national average (according to Livability.com). Housing costs are a primary driver of this, being 171% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

While housing is a significant expense, other costs in Newburyport are more aligned with national figures or even lower. Healthcare expenses in Newburyport are 12% cheaper than the national average (according to Vertex AI Search). Transportation costs are also more affordable, being 2% cheaper than the national average and 9% less costly than in Massachusetts (according to Vertex AI Search).

Housing Costs

Newburyport’s housing market is characterized by high prices and strong demand. The median home value in Newburyport is approximately $754,742 (according to Livability.com). Another report indicates the median home price was $911,000 in a recent month, marking a 27.4% increase year-over-year (according to Redfin). Homes tend to sell quickly, often within 26 days of being listed (according to Vertex AI Search).

Rental prices also reflect the city’s high cost of living. The average rent in Newburyport is around $3,000 per month, which is 50% higher than the national average (according to Zillow). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $2,736 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can average around $3,764 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, daily expenses in Newburyport present a mixed picture. Groceries and utilities are only slightly above the national average, making them relatively manageable costs (according to Vertex AI Search). However, when considering overall living expenses, Newburyport is about 34% more expensive than the national average, with housing being the main contributor (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).

For a single person, estimated monthly living costs are around $3,033, while for a family of four, they approach $6,679 per month (according to Salary.com). These figures highlight the need for a substantial income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Newburyport.

Demographics and Population

Newburyport is a moderately sized city with a population that has seen steady growth. The population was estimated at 19,594 in 2026, showing an annual growth rate of 1.11% (according to Neilsberg). The city’s population has increased by 7.07% since the most recent census in 2020 (according to Neilsberg).

The demographic makeup of Newburyport is predominantly White, with 91.15% of the population identifying as such (according to Neilsberg). This is considerably higher than the state average. Other racial groups, including those of two or more races, Asian, Black or African American, and other races, constitute smaller percentages of the population (according to Neilsberg).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Newburyport is approximately 49.8 years (according to Neilsberg). This indicates a population that skews older, with a significant portion being retirees and established families. The distribution shows about 17.1% of residents are under 15, with smaller percentages in the 15-24 age bracket. Adults aged 25-44 make up 19% of the population, while those aged 45-64 represent a larger segment at 31.6%. Those 65 and older constitute around 24.4% of the population (according to Point2Homes).

Regarding gender distribution, 43.6% of Newburyport locals are male, and 56.4% are female (according to Point2Homes). This slight majority of females is common in many communities and can influence various aspects of local life and services.

Diversity and Citizenship

Newburyport’s population is largely composed of U.S. citizens. As of 2024, 97.4% of residents were U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2% (according to Data USA). A smaller percentage, 6.35% of residents, were born outside the country (according to Data USA).

While the city is predominantly White, there is a small but present population of other ethnicities. The racial makeup includes smaller percentages of multiracial individuals, Hispanic residents, and Asian residents (according to Data USA). However, Newburyport is considered considerably less diverse than Massachusetts overall (according to Census Dots).

Job Market and Economy

Newburyport boasts a robust job market with a growing number of employment opportunities. The city’s economy is diverse, with major employers spanning various sectors. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance, professional services, manufacturing, and retail (according to Vertex AI Search).

Anna Jaques Hospital is a significant employer in Newburyport, employing a substantial portion of the local workforce (according to City of Newburyport Economic Development). Other major employers include companies in software engineering, education, and printing, contributing to a varied employment landscape (according to City of Newburyport Economic Development).

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average salary in Newburyport is approximately $60,313 annually, which equates to about $29.00 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). This figure can vary significantly based on occupation and experience. The median household income in Newburyport was reported as $138,337 (according to Livability.com), and another source states the median individual income was $70,378 in 2024 (according to Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Newburyport was 4.2% in February 2026 (according to Data USA). This rate is slightly higher than the state’s unemployment rate, which was 4.8% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts).

Major Employers and Industries

Newburyport’s economic base is supported by a diverse range of employers. Anna Jaques Hospital is a prominent institution and the largest employer in the city (according to City of Newburyport Economic Development). Other significant employers operate in sectors such as healthcare, restaurants, software engineering, and manufacturing (according to City of Newburyport Economic Development).

The city also has a Business & Industrial Park that houses over 80 manufacturing businesses and professional service offices (according to City of Newburyport Economic Development). This concentration of businesses provides a wide array of job opportunities across different skill levels and industries.

Climate in Newburyport

Newburyport experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, while winters are cold, often accompanied by snow and wind. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 80°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 89°F (according to Time and Date).

The warmest months are June, July, and August, with average high temperatures in the low 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Conversely, the coldest months are December, January, and February, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F. January typically sees the coldest temperatures, with average lows around 22°F (according to Time and Date).

Temperature and Precipitation

The average annual rainfall in Newburyport is around 50 inches (according to Livability.com). Snowfall is also a significant factor during the winter months, with an average of 55 inches annually (according to Livability.com).

The city experiences seasonal variations in cloud cover. The clearer part of the year generally runs from late June to early November, with September being the clearest month. The cloudier period typically begins in early November and lasts until late June, with May being the cloudiest month (according to Time and Date).

Education in Newburyport

Newburyport is served by a well-regarded public school system. Newburyport Public Schools receive an overall Niche grade of A-minus, with a rating of 4.08 out of 5 (according to Niche). The district serves approximately 2,162 students in grades PK-12, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1 (according to Niche).

State test scores indicate that about 50% of students are proficient in math and 54% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). These figures are generally in line with or slightly above the state averages. Newburyport Public Schools are ranked among the top school districts in Massachusetts, often appearing in the top 100 out of over 200 districts (according to Niche).

School Rankings and Performance

Newburyport Public Schools are consistently ranked highly within Massachusetts. They are recognized as one of the best school districts in the state, typically ranking within the top 100 (according to Niche). The district also ranks well for having quality teachers, often appearing in the top 75 of districts in Massachusetts (according to Niche).

Individual schools within the district also perform well. Newburyport High School, for example, has received an A-minus grade from Niche, reflecting strong academic performance and positive student reviews (according to Niche). Elementary and middle schools within the district also contribute to the overall positive reputation of Newburyport’s educational offerings.

Pros and Cons of Living in Newburyport

Newburyport offers a desirable coastal New England lifestyle, characterized by its historic charm, scenic beauty, and strong community feel. The city’s low crime rates and highly-rated school system are significant advantages for residents (according to NeighborhoodScout, Niche). Its proximity to Boston also provides access to a major metropolitan area’s amenities and job market.

However, the city’s advantages come with a considerable cost. The cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly higher than the national average, making it an expensive place to reside (according to AreaVibes, Livability.com). Additionally, seasonal tourism can lead to increased traffic and crowds, especially in the downtown area during summer months (according to Vertex AI Search).