Is West Concord Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Concord
West Concord, Massachusetts, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for many. This census-designated place within the town of Concord boasts a rich history and a strong sense of community. Residents often appreciate the area’s natural beauty, well-regarded schools, and the overall quality of life it provides.
The community is characterized by its diverse population and a robust local economy, supported by various industries and employment opportunities. Understanding the nuances of West Concord, from its safety and cost of living to its climate and educational offerings, is essential for anyone considering a move to this charming New England locale.
Is it Safe to Live in West Concord?
Crime Rates
West Concord demonstrates a very low crime rate, significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 78% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 71% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a high level of safety for residents, with a low probability of becoming a victim of crime.
Further analysis indicates that West Concord’s crime rate is considerably lower than the average for U.S. cities, earning it a safety grade of A as of 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit). This safety is further highlighted by its ranking in the 92nd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 92% of cities across the United States (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Neighborhood Safety Variations
While the overall safety is high, there can be variations in crime rates across different neighborhoods within West Concord. Generally, the southern parts of the city are considered the safest by residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 63 in the northern neighborhoods to 1 in 129 in the southern areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
When examining total crime counts, the southwest areas of West Concord experience the most incidents, approximately 19 per year. Conversely, the western part of the city sees very few, with about 1 crime annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This localized data can provide further insight for those looking for specific areas within West Concord.
Housing Costs in West Concord
Median Home Prices
The real estate market in West Concord is characterized by high-value properties. The median listing price for homes is approximately $975,000 (as reported by Redfin). Other sources indicate a median home value of $834,777 (as reported by Livability.com), and a median real estate price of $1,414,138 in the West Concord neighborhood (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
These figures suggest that West Concord is a high-demand market with significant investment potential. The median sale price has seen fluctuations, with one report indicating a year-over-year drop of 22% to $975,000, while another notes a substantial increase of 73.2% year-over-year, bringing the median sale price to $1.1 million in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin, Redfin).
Rental Market Overview
The rental market in West Concord also reflects a higher cost of living. The average rent for an apartment is around $3,482 per month (as reported by RentCafe). Other estimates place the median rent at $3.5K per month (as reported by Redfin), or $4,583 per month (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
One-bedroom apartments typically rent for approximately $2,888 per month (as reported by RentCafe), while two-bedroom units average around $3,927 per month (as reported by RentCafe). Rent prices have seen a slight decrease year-over-year, with one report noting a 1.12% decrease (as reported by RentCafe).
Cost of Living and Economic Landscape
Overall Cost of Living
West Concord’s cost of living is generally higher than the U.S. national average. For singles, the estimated monthly cost of living is around $2,773, and for families of four, it is approximately $6,107 per month (as reported by Salary.com). This is about 12% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing costs are a significant factor, being 7.6% lower at $1,109 per month for a single person and $2,033 per month for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). However, when compared to Minnesota’s state average, West Concord’s cost of living is considerably lower, at 341% less (as reported by Salary.com).
Average Salary and Employment
The average annual salary in West Concord is approximately $58,392, which equates to about $28.07 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate a median salary of $82,000 annually or $39.42 per hour (as reported by Zippia). The top earners in West Concord can make upwards of $72,466 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The economy of West Concord employs approximately 2,380 people. Major industries include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). Employment in West Concord saw a slight decline of 2.18% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
Demographics and Community Profile
Population and Diversity
West Concord is home to a population of approximately 5,880 people (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen some decline, with a projected population of 5,990 in 2026, a decrease from 7,294 in 2020 (as reported by Population Data MA). The median age in West Concord is around 48.1 years (as reported by Population Data MA).
The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 80.43% of the population. Other significant demographic groups include Asian (6.31%), Black or African American (4.48%), and Hispanic (4.31%) (as reported by Population Data MA). A notable portion of residents, around 12.6%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
Education and Household Income
The educational attainment in West Concord is high, with 41% of residents holding a master’s degree or higher, and 27% possessing a bachelor’s degree (as reported by Niche). The median household income in West Concord is substantial, with figures ranging from $86,096 (as reported by Wikipedia) to $171,065 (as reported by Livability.com).
However, there’s a discrepancy in reported income figures, with one source noting a median household income of $12,574 per month, which translates to approximately $150,888 annually (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite the high incomes, a small percentage of families, around 3.0%, were reported to be below the poverty line (as reported by Wikipedia).
Climate and Weather in West Concord
Temperature and Seasonal Variations
West Concord experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 15°F to 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season extends from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 74°F, peaking in July with highs around 83°F.
The cold season lasts from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 44°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 19°F and highs of 35°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The area experiences significant seasonal variation, with comfortable weather days estimated at around 170 per year.
Precipitation and Snowfall
The annual precipitation in West Concord averages about 48 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). October is typically the wettest month, receiving an average of 5 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, January sees the least rainfall, with an average of 1.8 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).
West Concord also receives a considerable amount of snowfall annually, averaging around 55 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day, including rain or its liquid equivalent from snow, is greater than 28% for much of the year, particularly in June, which sees an average of 9.8 wet days (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education in West Concord
School District Performance
West Concord is served by the Concord Public Schools district, which receives a B rating overall (as reported by Niche). Within this district, Alcott School (PK-5) is highly rated with a 5 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche). Concord Middle School (6-8) has a rating of 2.56 out of 5 stars based on 9 reviews (as reported by Niche).
Concord Carlisle High School (9-12) has a rating of 3.76 out of 5 stars from 238 reviews (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in the West Concord area is approximately 12:1 (as reported by Niche).
Educational Attainment
The population of West Concord demonstrates a strong commitment to education. A significant portion of residents have pursued higher education, with 41% holding a master’s degree or higher, and 27% having obtained a bachelor’s degree (as reported by Niche). This high level of educational attainment contributes to the skilled workforce in the area.
The majority of residents have at least a high school diploma, with 11% holding a high school diploma or equivalent and 7% having less than a high school diploma (as reported by Niche). The most popular majors among university students in West Concord are Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Job Market
Key Industries and Employers
The economy of West Concord is supported by several key industries, including Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). Historically, industries like textiles, harness making, and pencil manufacturing played significant roles in West Concord’s development (as reported by Visit Concord).
While specific major employers for West Concord are not detailed in the search results, the broader Concord area and Massachusetts have diverse employment sectors. Major employers in the Western Massachusetts region include Baystate Health, MassMutual, and Cartamundi (as reported by Live Western Mass).
Employment Trends and Unemployment
Employment in West Concord experienced a slight decline of 2.18% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate for Concord, MA, was reported at 4.50% in the most recent data, which is higher than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts).
The unemployment rate in Massachusetts as a whole is tracked through the MA Labor Market Dashboard (as reported by Mass.gov). The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area reported an unemployment rate of 4.1% (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).