If you’ve ever wondered about the richest cities in Massachusetts, we’ve done some research — and the results could surprise you. Here are the wealthiest large towns and cities in the state according to the median income of residents, along with poverty levels and unemployment rates. To keep this list reflective of actual city-sized spots, only communities with more than 12,000 people were considered. Many of these places make great Massachusetts day trip destinations, too.

1. Newton
Newton, MA, USA
Flickr/Evan Didier
At the top of the list of expensive places to live in MA is Newton with a median income of $127,402. Newton has a population of 88,317. The unemployment rate is 4.4 percent and the poverty rate is also 4.4 percent.
2. Melrose
Melrose, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Elizabeth B Thompsen
Melrose has a median income of $87,712. The town has a population of 27,787. The unemployment rate is 4.3 percent and the poverty rate is 3.8 percent.
3. Franklin Town
Franklin, MA 02038, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Franklin Town is located in Norfolk County and has a median income of $108,815. The town has a population of 32,873. The unemployment rate is 6.2 percent and the poverty rate is 4.2 percent. It’s home to the first library in the country.
4. Woburn
Woburn, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commosn/Daderot
Woburn has a median income of $83,872. The town has a population of 39,220. The unemployment rate is 5.4 percent and the poverty rate is 7.2 percent.
5. Amesbury Town
Amesbury, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Fletcher6
Amesbury Town has a median income of $75,861. The town has a population of 17,082. The unemployment rate is 5.3 percent and the poverty rate is 5.6 percent.

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6. Marlborough
Marlborough, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Marlborough has a median income of $72,222. The town has a population of 39,545. The unemployment rate is 4.6 percent and the poverty rate is 7.2 percent.
7. Watertown Town
Watertown, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/IFCAR
Watertown Town has a median income of $92,050. The town has a population of 33,849. The unemployment rate is 5.7 percent and the poverty rate is 8.3 percent.
8. Newburyport
Newburyport, MA, USA
Flickr/MOTT
Newburyport has a median income of $87,162. The town has a population of 17,837. The unemployment rate is 6.3 percent and the poverty rate is 7.8 percent.
9. Waltham
Waltham, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Kenneth Zirkel
Waltham has a median income of $82,188. The town has a population of 62,699. The unemployment rate is 5.3 percent and the poverty rate is 10 percent.
10. Braintree Town
Braintree, MA, USA
Wikimedia Commons/John Phelan
Braintree Town has a median income of $85,863. The town has a population of 37,066. The unemployment rate is 6.9 percent and the poverty rate is 5.8 percent.

Thanks again to HomeSnacks for compiling this data. If you want to settle down somewhere nice but don’t want to empty your bank account to do it, check out these cheap but awesome places to live in Massachusetts.

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More to Explore

The Best Places In Massachusetts

William Suphan | December 24, 2022

What are the quietest towns in Massachusetts?

The quietest towns in Massachusetts include:

  • Stockbridge. With under 2,000 people, this lovely little town was frequented by Norman Rockwell.
  • Hadley. This little farm town has a population of about 5,000 people and has lots of wide open space and quietude.
  • Sunderland. Once known as Swampland, this beautiful place is pure small-town charm and has the oldest and largest sycamore tree there is.
  • Middlefield. This tiny town is big on beauty and low on crime and is the perfect place to get away from the big city.

Find out more about the quietest towns in Massachusetts. 

What are the most incredible natural wonders in Massachusetts?

The most incredible natural wonders in Massachusetts include:

  • The Connecticut River Valley. This bucolic place is pure, serene natural beauty and is dotted with farms and little villages.
  • Cochituate Lake. Nestled in Cochituate Lake State Park, this gorgeous lake has a lovely beach and pristine, clear waters.
  • Doane’s Falls. These falls were carved by glacial melting and this stunning place is reached by a hike, but you won’t regret the effort.
  • Walden Pond. This place was made famous by Henry David Thoreau and is as quiet and idyllic as he described it.

Learn more about the most incredible natural wonders in Massachusetts. 

What are some hidden-gem attractions in Massachusetts?

Some hidden-gem attractions in Massachusetts include:

  • Mytoi Japanese Garden. Located in Chappaquiddick, this 14-acre garden is a place of beauty and peace.
  • World’s End. This place in Hingham is on a beautiful peninsula and is filled with hiking trails with amazing views.
  • TurnPark Art Space. This is a place with outdoor sculptures and it has an amphitheater for musical and other performances.
  • James P. Kellher Rose Garden. Come to this Boston location from May through October to see over 1,500 rose bushes in full bloom.

Discover more about these and other hidden-gem attractions in Massachusetts. 

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