Is Holbrook Safe, Pros and cons of living in Holbrook

Holbrook, Massachusetts, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. It is a town that prides itself on its community spirit and its connection to the natural environment, providing residents with a peaceful place to call home. The town’s location offers a balance between a slower pace of life and proximity to the cultural and economic opportunities of the greater Boston area.

The character of Holbrook is shaped by its residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and a commitment to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Residents often speak of the town’s friendly disposition and the ease with which one can become involved in local activities. This community-focused environment makes Holbrook an attractive option for those seeking a stable and engaging place to live.

Is it Safe to Live in Holbrook?

Holbrook, Massachusetts, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The town’s crime rate is considered higher than the national average, with 17 crimes per one thousand residents. This means an individual’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Holbrook is 1 in 59 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Compared to other communities in Massachusetts, Holbrook’s crime rate is higher than 89% of the state’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime in Holbrook occurs at a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants, which is lower than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, however, is above average, with a rate of 14 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This indicates that while violent offenses are less common, residents may face a higher risk of property-related incidents such as theft or burglary.

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Holbrook, Massachusetts, is notably higher than the national average, with overall expenses estimated to be 25% greater (as reported by Payscale). This figure is influenced by various factors, including housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries. Specifically, housing expenses in Holbrook are approximately 38% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

When considering housing, the median home price in Holbrook was approximately $558,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This median price has seen a decrease of 8.2% compared to the previous year. Rental costs are also significantly above the national average; the average rent for an apartment is around $2,034 per month, which is 24% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). To live comfortably in Holbrook, a yearly income of about $81,360 is recommended, based on the guideline of spending no more than 30% of one’s monthly income on rent (as reported by Apartments.com).

Utility prices in Holbrook are also a contributing factor to the higher cost of living, being 54% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as gas and bus fares, are about 5% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are slightly elevated, running about 3% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Holbrook, Massachusetts, has a workforce of approximately 7,100 individuals, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% (as reported by ZoomProspector). The majority of the working population, about 84.4%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are engaged in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of residents are employed by private companies, making up 64.2% of the workforce, with 14% working in the public sector and 10.2% being self-employed (as reported by Point2Homes).

The average annual salary in Holbrook is around $48,842, which equates to approximately $23.48 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary widely based on occupation and experience, with the 25th percentile earning around $36,767 and the 75th percentile earning up to $57,121 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying jobs in Holbrook include roles such as Business Analyst, construction, and medical technology positions.

Major employers in Holbrook and the surrounding areas contribute to the local economy. While specific major employers for Holbrook itself were not detailed in the provided search results, common employment sectors for residents include healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and retail trade (as noted for Holbrook, NY, but generally indicative of suburban employment patterns). Other significant employers in the broader Massachusetts region include entities within the technology, healthcare, and education sectors.

Climate and Weather

Holbrook, Massachusetts, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The town generally has warm summers and cold winters. Average annual temperatures hover around a mean of 54°F, with high temperatures typically reaching 83°F in the summer and low temperatures dropping to 26°F in the winter (as reported by Time and Date). The area receives an average of 46 inches of rainfall annually (as reported by Livability.com).

During the summer months, from May to September, daily high temperatures generally remain above 83°F. The hottest part of the year is typically July, with average highs around 90°F and lows near 63°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the winter season, from November to February, brings colder temperatures, with average daily high temperatures below 56°F. December is usually the coldest month, with average lows around 24°F and highs near 49°F (as reported by Time and Date).

The climate in Holbrook is characterized by a moderate amount of precipitation spread throughout much of the year. While there isn’t a distinct dry season, rainfall is more consistent during certain periods. The weather patterns are typical for the northeastern United States, offering a four-season experience for residents.

Education and Schools

Holbrook, Massachusetts, is served by the Holbrook Public School District, which educates approximately 1,309 students across two public schools (as reported by Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche). In terms of academic performance, Holbrook public schools show a math proficiency score of 38% and a reading proficiency score of 41% (as reported by Niche).

These proficiency rates are slightly below the Massachusetts state averages of 43% for math and 45% for reading (as reported by Niche). The school district as a whole faces challenges and ranks in the bottom half of Massachusetts school districts (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). John F. Kennedy Elementary School is noted for its relatively strong performance in science, exceeding both local and state averages, though its English language arts and math scores lag behind state levels (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Holbrook Middle High School has a strong graduation rate and a low dropout rate, but its overall academic performance is below state benchmarks (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Minority enrollment in Holbrook schools is 58%, which is higher than the Massachusetts public school average of 47% (as reported by Niche). Overall, while there are areas of strength, the Holbrook school district is recognized as having room for improvement in core academic areas.

Demographics

As of the most recent census data, Holbrook, Massachusetts, has a population of approximately 11,405 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Holbrook is 43.4 years, with 19.3% of residents under the age of 18 and 17.5% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 48.3% female and 51.7% male residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Holbrook is predominantly White, accounting for 75% of the population. Other racial groups include Black or African American at 11.5%, Asian and Pacific Islander at 1.30%, and 10.6% identifying with two or more races (as reported by Wikipedia). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute 7.2% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia). Approximately 12.6% of Holbrook’s population was born outside the United States (as reported by Wikipedia).

In terms of education, 93.2% of Holbrook residents have graduated from high school, and 30.6% have attained higher education, including 23.4% with a Bachelor’s degree and 7.2% with a post-graduate degree (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income in Holbrook was reported as $89,763, with a per capita income of $41,324 (as reported by Wikipedia). Around 7% of the population lives below the poverty line (as reported by Wikipedia).