Is Andover Safe, Pros and cons of living in Andover
Andover, Massachusetts, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant cultural and economic hub of Boston. This historic town, settled in 1646, provides a picturesque New England setting with a strong sense of community. It’s a place where natural beauty meets modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.
The town is known for its highly-rated public school system, which draws families from various backgrounds. Its robust job market, coupled with a rich history and a commitment to preserving its charm, contributes to Andover’s enduring appeal. This guide explores the key aspects of living in Andover, from safety and cost of living to employment and education.
Is it Safe to Live in Andover?
Andover is generally considered a safe community with a crime rate that is lower than both the state and national averages (as reported by CrimeRate and Niche). The overall crime rate in Andover is approximately 14.70 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics). This suggests a low likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, with residents often describing the southwest part of the city as the safest (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics).
Violent crime statistics in Andover are notably low compared to national figures. For instance, the rate of aggravated assault is significantly below the national average (as reported by Niche). While property crime rates are also lower than the national average, specific neighborhoods can exhibit varying safety levels. The chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 34 in central neighborhoods to as low as 1 in 132 in the southwest (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics).
Crime Statistics Overview
The violent crime rate in Andover is substantially lower than the national average, with specific categories like murder and robbery showing particularly low figures (as reported by Niche). Property crime, while also below the national average, includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, with burglary rates being lower than the national average (as reported by Niche). Residents perceive the town as very safe, with a majority reporting no safety concerns (as reported by Niche).
The total projected cost of crime in Andover for 2025 is estimated at over $7.2 million, translating to about $203 per resident (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics). This figure includes costs related to the criminal justice system, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders. Compared to other cities, the cost of crime per resident in Andover is less than the national and state averages (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics).
Cost of Living in Andover
Andover’s cost of living is higher than both the national and state averages, making it a relatively expensive place to reside (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and LivingCost.org). The overall cost of living in Andover is approximately 61% higher than the national average, and housing costs are particularly elevated, being 159% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This high cost is driven by soaring housing expenses, elevated transportation costs, and rising food prices (as reported by Salary.com).
For a single person, monthly expenses in Andover are estimated at around $2,609, while a family of four might expect to spend approximately $5,733 per month (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect the accumulation of costs for food, transportation, healthcare, rent, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses. Despite the overall high cost, food costs in Andover are noted to be more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing Costs
Housing in Andover represents a significant portion of the cost of living, with median home prices and rents being considerably higher than the national average. The median listing price for a home in Andover was approximately $1,092,500 in April 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Similarly, the median rent for an apartment in Andover is around $2,900 per month (as reported by Zumper).
For those looking to rent, a studio apartment averages about $2,560 per month, a one-bedroom is around $2,652, and a two-bedroom can cost approximately $3,370 (as reported by Zumper). To comfortably afford the average rent in Andover, an annual income of about $92,472 is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
Average Salary and Income
The median household income in Andover was $172,606 as of 2024, with the average annual household income reaching $236,640 (as reported by Census Reporter). This indicates a financially stable population, with a significant portion of residents earning well above the national average. For individuals working for the Town of Andover, the average annual salary is approximately $85,438 (as reported by Zippia).
However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific role and experience. For example, while the town’s average salary is around $34,233 (as reported by Zippia), some positions like Service Director can earn up to $74,508 annually (as reported by Zippia). The broader job market in Andover offers a wide range of earning potentials, with some companies reporting average total compensation around $107,642 (as reported by The Andover Companies).
Job Market and Major Employers
Andover boasts a dynamic job market, with employment growing at a rate of 4.82% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Andover residents include Educational Services, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). These sectors indicate a strong demand for skilled professionals in various fields.
Key industries contributing to Andover’s economy include education, professional services, and healthcare. The town also benefits from its proximity to Boston, providing residents access to a broader range of employment opportunities. Major employers in the Andover area contribute significantly to the local economy, offering diverse career paths for residents (as reported by Data USA).
Employment Statistics
The unemployment rate in Andover was 4.3% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This relatively low rate suggests a healthy job market with ample opportunities for those seeking employment. The most common job groups among Andover residents are in management, education, and administrative support occupations (as reported by Data USA).
The growth in employment reflects a robust economic environment, attracting both new residents and businesses. The strong presence of industries like education and healthcare ensures a steady demand for qualified professionals, contributing to the town’s economic stability and growth.
Climate and Weather
Andover experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, offering a typical New England weather experience. Summers are warm, with July being the hottest month, typically seeing average high temperatures around 81.7°F (27.6°C) and lows near 63.1°F (17.3°C) (as reported by NOAA and Weather Spark). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring average highs of about 32.5°F (0.3°C) and lows dipping to 20.7°F (-6.3°C) (as reported by NOAA and Weather Spark).
The town receives a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average of about 45 inches annually (as reported by USDA Properties). Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly, though spring and fall often see heavier downpours. Snowfall is common during the winter months, with snow typically accumulating from October through May (as reported by NOAA).
Temperature and Precipitation
July is the warmest month in Andover, with average highs reaching approximately 83°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, January is the coldest, with average lows around 20°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The town experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
The annual average precipitation in Andover is around 45 inches (as reported by USDA Properties). December is typically the wettest month, receiving about 2.91 inches of rain, while September is the driest, with approximately 1.38 inches (as reported by NOAA). Snowfall can accumulate significantly during winter, with February often being the snowiest month (as reported by NOAA).
Education and School Ratings
Andover is renowned for its exceptional public school system, consistently ranking among the best in Massachusetts. Andover Public Schools received an overall grade of A and was ranked No. 29 out of 219 school districts in the state (as reported by Patch). The district serves over 5,400 students across various grade levels, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12 to 1 (as reported by Public School Review).
The district’s academic performance is strong, with high proficiency rates in math and reading that exceed state averages. For example, Andover public schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% and a reading proficiency score of 65% (as reported by Best Public Schools). Several Andover schools are recognized for their excellence, including Andover High School, which is ranked among the top public high schools in the state (as reported by Patch).
Top-Ranked Schools
Andover High School is highly regarded, ranking 34th out of 363 public high schools in Massachusetts (as reported by Patch). Elementary schools like Henry C. Sanborn Elementary and High Plain Elementary also receive top honors, with High Plain ranked No. 57 and Henry C. Sanborn Elementary ranked No. 17 in the state (as reported by Patch and SchoolDigger.com). Wood Hill Middle School is also recognized, ranking 37th among middle schools in Massachusetts (as reported by Patch).
The district’s commitment to academic excellence is further evidenced by its strong performance on standardized tests and high graduation rates. Many schools within the district achieve a 5-star rating, reflecting exceptional academic standards and student support services (as reported by Best Public Schools). The overall district ranking places it within the top 20% of all public school districts in Massachusetts (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics
Andover is home to a diverse population, with a total population of approximately 36,569 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with significant Asian and smaller percentages of African American and other racial groups (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Andover is around 40 years (as reported by Wikipedia).
The town’s population is well-educated, with a significant portion holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. The median household income in Andover is considerably higher than the national average, reflecting a prosperous community (as reported by Census Reporter). A notable aspect of Andover’s demographics is its high percentage of US-born citizens, with a smaller but significant portion being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Census Reporter).
Population and Age Distribution
As of the 2020 census, Andover had a population of 36,569 (as reported by Wikipedia). The age distribution shows a balanced mix, with approximately 28.8% of the population under 18 years old and 12.3% aged 65 and over (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age of 40 years suggests a community with a mix of young families and established residents.
The gender distribution is relatively even, with slightly more females than males. The population density is approximately 1,007.8 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). This demographic profile contributes to Andover’s stable and family-friendly atmosphere.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Andover is predominantly White, accounting for about 91.60% of the population according to the 2000 census (as reported by Wikipedia). Asian residents form the next largest group, making up 5.73% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia). Other racial groups, including African American, Native American, and Pacific Islander, represent smaller percentages.
Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute a small portion of the population, at 1.81% (as reported by Wikipedia). The town’s diversity has seen some growth over the years, with increasing representation from various ethnic backgrounds. This mix contributes to the cultural richness of the Andover community.