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County in Massachusetts

Middlesex County, Massachusetts

With 1,638,365 residents, Middlesex County is the most populous county in Massachusetts. In Middlesex County, the FHA loan limit for a one-unit home is $962,550, and a typical home is worth $727,800. To rent a 2-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent ($2,383–$3,008 a month) without going over 30% of your income, you need to earn about $45.83–$57.85 an hour.

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  • Typical home price

    $727,800

    +29% vs. Massachusetts +119% vs. U.S.

    Half of owner-occupied homes are worth more and half are worth less.

    • Middlesex
    • Massachusetts
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

  • Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms

    $2,383–$3,008 a month

    HUD sets it by area: from the lowest to the highest of the 2 areas in Middlesex County.

    • Lowest area
    • Highest area
    • Massachusetts
    • United States

    Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

  • FHA limit 2026, 1 unit

    $962,550

    FHA high-cost area

    The most you can borrow with an FHA loan for a one-unit home here.

    • Middlesex
    • Floor
    • Ceiling

    Source: HUD, 2026 data

  • Property tax

    1.03% of value per year

    −4% vs. Massachusetts +10% vs. U.S.

    $7,501 a year for the typical owner

    • Middlesex
    • Massachusetts
    • United States

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$804,837
1.5% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent
$3,069 a month
2.4% more than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Data from October 2026

In short

What is housing like in Middlesex County today?

With an FHA loan and the minimum down payment, a typical home would cost about $6,091 a month: 56% of the typical household income here. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $261,039 a year; the typical income here is $130,847. The typical home value is 29% more than in Massachusetts overall. The typical property tax is $7,501 a year (about 1.03% of home value), higher than in Massachusetts. This is a high-cost area for FHA: the limit is above the national floor.

There are 3 agencies with HUD-approved housing counselors who speak Spanish near here.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); HUD (2026 data); HUD (Retrieved November 6, 2026).

Only here

What sets Middlesex County apart

  1. Middlesex County has the highest typical rent in its area: $2,201, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Norfolk County ($2,149).

  2. Middlesex County has the highest typical home value in its area: $727,800, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Suffolk County ($705,800).

  3. From 2020 to 2025, home prices in Middlesex County rose 46% on FHFA's index, slower than in Massachusetts (49%).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); FHFA (2025 data).

The homes here

Housing in Middlesex County

What homes there are in Middlesex County, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

Homes in Middlesex County are varied: detached houses are the largest group, at 47%, against 51% in Massachusetts.

Year built

The typical year built in Middlesex County is 1962, about the same as in Massachusetts (1964).

In Middlesex County, 55% of homes have 3 bedrooms or more, about the same as in Massachusetts.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

By price, most homes in Middlesex County sit under the FHA limit for this county ($962,550): about 73%.

Monthly rent with utilities

At least 78% of rented homes in Middlesex County cost less than $3,000, below HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent ($3,008).

With a mortgage

$3,224 a month

Massachusetts: $2,726 a month

Without a mortgage

$1,211 a month

Massachusetts: $1,043 a month

Owners with a mortgage

66%

Massachusetts: 66%

Owning costs more in Middlesex County: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $3,224 a month; in Massachusetts, $2,726. Without one, $1,211.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

Much as in Massachusetts, the typical home value in Middlesex County rose 45% since 2015–2019.

Much as in Massachusetts, the typical rent in Middlesex County rose 35% since 2015–2019.

The typical household income in Middlesex County rose 28%: less than home values (+45%) and rent (+35%).

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureMiddlesex CountyMassachusettsUnited States
Rental vacancy 3.4%3.5%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.6%0.6%0.9%
More than one person per room 2.2%2.3%3.4%
People per household 2.492.442.53
Drive alone 54%61%69%
Carpool 6%7%9%
Public transit 7%7%3%
Walk or bike 6%5%3%
Work from home 25%19%15%
Other means 2%2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Open rentals in Middlesex County look like those in Massachusetts: the rental vacancy rate is 3.4%.

In Middlesex County, 2.2% of households live with more than one person per room, about the same as in Massachusetts.

Much as in Massachusetts, a household in Middlesex County has 2.49 people on average.

Working from home is more common in Middlesex County: 25%, against 19% in Massachusetts.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month in Middlesex County?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home of $727,800, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 56% of the typical household income here, which is $130,847 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $261,039 a year.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Middlesex County. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $25,473 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$6,091

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$714,618
Total interest
$1,028,167
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $12,291 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $3,053 a month

  • Tight

    $3,053 to $3,925 a month

  • Hard

    more than $3,925 a month

    Your payment · 56%

Compared with the typical household income in Middlesex County ($130,847 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$6,091
Principal & interest$4,841
Property tax$625
Home insurance$303
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$322

You need at least $25,473 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

Buying a home

Buying a home in Middlesex County

Here you'll see how prices have changed, how Middlesex County compares with Massachusetts and the country, and what you'd pay each month with four kinds of loans.

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Middlesex County rose 83% in the 10 years through 2025. FHFA's index follows the price of the same homes over the years.

Period Here Massachusetts United States
In 2025 +3.6% +3.7% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +46% +49% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +83% +87% +85%
See each year's change

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Middlesex County compared with Massachusetts and the United States

Home value, rent and household income, side by side. "Typical" is the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Middlesex $727,800
  • Massachusetts $562,100
  • United States $332,700
Typical rent a month
  • Middlesex $2,201
  • Massachusetts $1,762
  • United States $1,413
Typical household income a year
  • Middlesex $130,847
  • Massachusetts $103,960
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Middlesex compared with Massachusetts and the United States
MeasureHereMassachusettsU.S.
Residents1,638,3657,044,056334,922,499
Typical home value$727,800$562,100$332,700
Typical household income$130,847$103,960$80,734
Typical rent$2,201$1,762$1,413
Typical property tax$7,501$5,992$3,119
Effective tax rate1.03%1.07%0.94%
Households that own their home61%63%65%
Renters spending 30% or more on rent47%52%51%
FHA limit (1 unit)*$962,550$962,550$541,287

FHA limit: Massachusetts shows the median of its counties; the United States, the national floor. Download CSV

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Middlesex County

For a typical $727,800 home at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, the county's property tax, an example homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

Loan Monthly payment Down payment Loan amount Rate Mortgage insurance Cash to close Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down $6,091 $25,473 $714,618 7.18% FHA MIP · $322 $47,307 580
Conventional, 5% down $5,958 $36,390 $691,410 7.18% PMI · $346 $58,224 620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $4,872 $145,560 $582,240 7.18% None $167,394 620*
ITIN, 15% down (example) $5,545 $109,170 $618,630 8.18% None $131,004 Set by the lender
  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

Everything about buying in Middlesex County: income, limits and help How much house can I afford? Closing costs

Loan limits

This is a high-cost area, so FHA limits in Middlesex County are above the national floor. The limit is set for the whole metro area (Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH). If the loan you need is above these amounts, it doesn't fit FHA or it becomes a "jumbo" loan.

VA loans. If you have full VA entitlement, VA doesn't cap the loan amount. If you've used part of your entitlement, the calculation uses the county limit ($962,550 for one unit). VA loan limits (va.gov)

USDA loans. They're for homes in eligible rural areas and households with incomes within USDA's limit. Check whether the address and your income qualify on the official site. USDA eligibility (usda.gov)

Home type FHA limit Conforming limit
1 unit $962,550 $962,550
2 units $1,232,250 $1,232,250
3 units $1,489,500 $1,489,500
4 units $1,851,100 $1,851,100

Source: HUD, 2026 data · Source: FHFA, 2026 data

Taxes and risks

Property tax and flooding in Middlesex County

Two costs that change a lot from place to place and that a house payment does include: property tax and, in risk zones, flood insurance.

Property tax

In Middlesex County, the typical owner pays $7,501 a year: about 1.03% of the home's value. That is close to the rest of Massachusetts and more than the national average.

  • Middlesex 1.03%
  • Massachusetts 1.07%
  • United States 0.94%

What Massachusetts publishes Local senior exemption (clause 41C) (Massachusetts General Court (General Laws))

Exemptions and deadlines in Massachusetts

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Middlesex County 1% of homes (4,035) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 54% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. (44 CFR 59.1)
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. (42 U.S.C. 4012a)
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. (FEMA, FloodSmart)

Source: FEMA, As of August 3, 2026

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Owning a home here

Owning a home in Middlesex County

The natural hazards FEMA measures in Middlesex County, a maintenance plan for your climate and what the trades earn in your area.

Risks to your home

FEMA, National Risk Index 1.20.0 (December 2025)

In Middlesex County, FEMA rates the natural hazard risk as relatively high.

FEMA builds that rating from three parts: expected loss, social vulnerability and community resilience.

In all, FEMA estimates natural hazards cause about $322 million in losses a year in Middlesex County, across buildings, people and crops.

For homes and buildings, the costliest hazard here is inland flooding, at about $223 million in losses a year.

Loss FEMA expects each year to homes and buildings, by hazard
  1. Inland floodingRelatively high $223 million a year
  2. HurricaneRelatively high $28.6 million a year
  3. EarthquakeRelatively moderate $19.3 million a year
  4. TornadoRelatively moderate $7.7 million a year
  5. Coastal floodingRelatively low $416,286 a year

What it means for your home

The ratings are FEMA's own. FEMA says its data is meant for planning and does not replace a local study. Drought is not shown: FEMA counts its loss in crops only.

National Risk Index, version 1.20.0 (December 2025), retrieved November 6, 2026

FEMA notice: This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index dataset API or downloadable datasets but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).

Climate and upkeep

Department of Energy (PNNL), 2021 IECC zones

The home energy code (IECC) puts Middlesex County in zone 5A: cold.

The zone's number says how hot or cold it gets; the letter says how humid: A is moist, B is dry and C is marine.

  • Spring

    • Book the air conditioner's check-up before the heat: ENERGY STAR advises checking the cooling system in the spring, because contractors get busy once summer comes. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Clean and repair the roof gutters. EPA

  • Summer

    • Seal the air ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, basement or garage with duct mastic or foil tape, then wrap them in insulation. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Check that the ground slopes away from the house, so water does not collect around the foundation. EPA

  • Fall

    • Book the heating check-up in the fall. If it runs on gas or oil, the technician should check the connections: faulty ones are a fire hazard. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
    • Seal air leaks and add insulation in the attic: ENERGY STAR says it lowers the chance of ice dams on the roof in snowy climates. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

  • Winter

    • Get the house ready for the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping, and learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Ready.gov (FEMA)
    • Put clear plastic film over the windows: it is inexpensive, cuts drafts, helps the house feel warmer in winter and reduces moisture on the glass. ENERGY STAR (EPA)

All year

  • Check the air filter every month, especially in heavy-use months. If it looks dirty, change it; change it at least every 3 months. ENERGY STAR (EPA)
  • Test the smoke alarms every month and replace their batteries at least once a year. USFA (FEMA)

Each task comes from the official page beside it. The spring air-conditioning and fall heating check-ups are the timing ENERGY STAR advises; the rest is a suggested order.

Climate zones by county, 2021 IECC

What the trades charge here

BLS, wages for May 2025

TradeTypical hourly wage8 in 10 earn between
Electricians$38.42$22.71 and $62.17
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters$46.52$25.13 and $69.21
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics$37.75$24.46 and $49.54
Roofers$31.90$25.82 and $46.26
Carpenters$36.16$23.47 and $59.71
Painters, construction and maintenance$27.80$21.95 and $52.81
Maintenance and repair workers, general$28.69$19.05 and $38.91

In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area, half of electricians earn more than $38.42 an hour and half earn less; for a plumber, the typical figure is $46.52.

These are workers' hourly wages, not the price of a job.

Need help paying for a repair?

Renting

Renting in Middlesex County

The typical rent in Middlesex County is $2,201 a month. HUD also publishes a “fair market rent” by unit size: it's the one programs like Section 8 use.

47% of renter households in Middlesex County spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 23% spend half or more.

Fair market rent by size in Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area

To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $2,440 $46.92 $97,600
1 bedroom $2,518 $48.42 $100,720
2 bedrooms $3,008 $57.85 $120,320
3 bedrooms $3,584 $68.92 $143,360
4 bedrooms $3,953 $76.02 $158,120

HUD splits this county into 2 areas with different fair market rents: for 2 bedrooms they run from $2,383 to $3,008. The table is for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the area where most people live; below you see every area with its towns. Includes basic utilities.

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

Fair market rent by HUD area in Middlesex County

HUD splits this county into 2 areas, each with its own fair market rent. Find your town in its area's list; the housing agency tells you which one it uses for your voucher.

HUD area Studio1 bd2 bd3 bd4 bdHourly wage, 2 bd
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area The area where most people live
44 towns in this area

Acton town, Arlington town, Ashby town, Ashland town, Ayer town, Bedford town, Belmont town, Boxborough town, Burlington town, Cambridge city, Carlisle town, Concord town, Everett city, Framingham city, Holliston town, Hopkinton town, Hudson town, Lexington town, Lincoln town, Littleton town, Malden city, Marlborough city, Maynard town, Medford city, Melrose city, Natick town, Newton city, North Reading town, Reading town, Sherborn town, Shirley town, Somerville city, Stoneham town, Stow town, Sudbury town, Townsend town, Wakefield town, Waltham city, Watertown city, Wayland town, Weston town, Wilmington town, Winchester town, Woburn city

 $2,440$2,518$3,008$3,584$3,953$57.85
Lowell, MA HUD Metro FMR Area
10 towns in this area

Billerica town, Chelmsford town, Dracut town, Dunstable town, Groton town, Lowell city, Pepperell town, Tewksbury town, Tyngsborough town, Westford town

 $1,659$1,831$2,383$2,878$3,132$45.83

HUD fair market rent by area and size, per month, Fiscal year 2027. The wage is what full-time work must pay to rent 2 bedrooms without spending more than 30% of income. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027 Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Free help in Middlesex County

Programs and counseling in Middlesex County

There are 5 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in Middlesex County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, with rent, or if you've fallen behind on payments.

Official programs for the down payment and loans for buyers. Check which ones you might qualify for with your income and your county.

The simple kitchen of an apartment, with an electric stove, a refrigerator and wood cabinets.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Massachusetts down payment programs

  1. MassHousing Down Payment Assistance

    Massachusetts state agency second mortgage for the down payment: up to $30,000 at 0% and deferred, or up to $25,000 at 2% or 3% over 15 years, for first-time buyers with eligible income

    First-time buyers only. Run by MassHousing.

    DeferredRepayable Verified November 5, 2026

Which programs do I qualify for? See all Massachusetts programs

Help in Spanish in Middlesex County

2 of the 5 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Public housing agencies

They run public housing and Section 8 vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) in this county.

  • Cambridge Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (617) 864-3020
  • Lowell Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers (978) 937-3500

Free legal help

If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.

Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Housing counseling nearby

These agencies have an office in Middlesex County. The full list is on the Massachusetts counselors page. Official HUD list. Confirm hours and fees with the agency before you go.

  • Credit Card MGMT Svcs, Inc D/B/A Debthelper.com

    400 W Cummings Park, Woburn · Spanish

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 3 more
    (561) 472-8000

  • Somerville Community Corporation

    337 Somerville Ave, Somerville · Spanish

    Also serves in Creole and Portuguese.

    • Budget and financial counseling
    • Budget and credit workshops
    • and 3 more
    (617) 410-9905

  • American Consumer Credit Counseling

    130 Rumford Ave Ste 202, Auburndale

    • Reverse mortgage counseling
    (800) 769-3571
See every agency in Massachusetts

Places

Cities in Middlesex County

Each city has its own page with prices, rents and help. These are the largest.

See all 27 cities of Middlesex County

Nearby counties

Each row compares its typical value, typical rent and FHA limit with Middlesex County.

Read next

Guides that help here

We picked them by this county's numbers: what weighs most here is what's worth understanding first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FHA loan limit in Middlesex County in 2026?

Middlesex County has an FHA limit of $962,550 for a one-unit home. For 2 units it's $1,232,250, for 3 it's $1,489,500 and for 4 it's $1,851,100. It's a high-cost area, so the limit is above the national floor.

What is the conforming loan limit in Middlesex County?

Middlesex County has a conforming limit of $962,550 for one-unit conventional loans in 2026. A bigger loan is a “jumbo” loan.

How much does a typical home cost in Middlesex County?

The typical home value in Middlesex County is $727,800 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). Across Massachusetts it's $562,100.

How much does it cost to rent in Middlesex County?

Middlesex County has a typical rent of $2,201 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). HUD's fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $2,383–$3,008 (Fiscal year 2027). HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.

How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Middlesex County?

About $45.83–$57.85 an hour working full time (2,080 hours a year), or $95,320–$120,320 a year, so the fair market rent of $2,383–$3,008 stays under 30% of income. HUD sets it by area within this county: the figure runs from the lowest area to the highest.

Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); Income Limits (Fiscal year 2026); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); National Risk Index (2025 data); IECC climate zones by county (2021 data); Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).