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Middlesex County, MA

RANK #666 / 996  ·  POP 1,623,109  ·  MA

PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%

Middlesex County ranks in the bottom tier of U.S. counties on economic momentum.

[01] Why Middlesex County?

Concord, Massachusetts, a town within Middlesex County, holds historical significance as the site of the first armed conflicts of the American Revolutionary War, alongside Lexington. Located west and northwest of Boston, Middlesex County offers a blend of suburban and urban environments. Commuting to Boston is feasible, with options including the MBTA commuter rail from towns like Concord and West Concord, and various shuttle services connecting to MBTA stations like Alewife. The county features diverse natural scenery, including rivers like the Merrimack and Concord, and notable spots like Walden Pond and the expansive Middlesex Fells Reservation, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and boating.

Life in Middlesex County is characterized by a high quality of life, supported by strong educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT in Cambridge, and top-rated public schools across many towns. The economy is driven by innovation, with a concentration of technology, education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. While the county experienced a slight decline in employment between September 2024 and September 2025, average weekly wages saw a significant increase, making Middlesex County among the highest in the U.S. for average weekly wages. This economic landscape attracts professionals and families seeking both career opportunities and community amenities.

[02] Market Snapshot

Housing Ratio
5.2x

Above national median (4.7x)

GDP Growth
+3.1%

Above national median

Home Prices
+1.3%

Below national median

Climate & Terrain
-1.1

Below-average climate & terrain

Price/Rent
18x

Above national median (13x)

Housing is fairly valued at 5.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.

[03] Signal Profile

[04] Home Value Growth vs National

Middlesex County U.S. National

The Numbers

DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
1,623,109
-0.02% YoY
Median Household Income
$121,304
Median Home Value
$654,300
+1.32% 12mo
Median Rent
$2,004
Average Annual Pay
$113,704
+6.1% YoY
Employment
926,104
-0.5% YoY
Income-to-Home-Value
0.1854
Near national average
Migration Inflow
2.77%
of pop. from another state

Market Activity

REAL ESTATE
Median Sale Price
$738,000
Days on Market
30
Active market
Months of Supply
2.3
Seller's market
Sale-to-List Ratio
100.0%
Near asking price
Sold Above List
38.7%
Listings w/ Price Drops
15.2%
Building Permits (2024)
3,495
Single-Family Permits
889

Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →

[06] Score Breakdown

GDP Growth +3.1% 58 percentile
Population Growth -0.0% 29 percentile
Income Growth +8.5% 51 percentile
Vacancy Rate 0.7% 83 percentile
Home Price Change +1.3% 50 percentile
Rent Growth +1.3% 25 percentile
Price/Rent 18x 13 percentile

Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.

[07] Frequently Asked Questions

Is Middlesex County, MA a good place to move to?

Middlesex County has a Boom Town Index score of 33/100, ranking #666 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.5% and a median household income of $121,304, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.

Is Middlesex County affordable?

The median home value in Middlesex County is $654,300 with median rent at $2,004/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1854, which is less affordable than the national average.

Is Middlesex County growing or shrinking?

Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.5%. Home values changed +1.3% in the past 12 months.

Are people moving to Middlesex County?

Yes — 2.77% of Middlesex County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.

[08] Similar Metros

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