Lynn: The Data Profile (2026)

Lynn, Massachusetts, presents a complex relocation profile for the 2026 post-remote worker. With a population of 101,250, it functions as a mid-sized urban center with direct commuter rail access to Boston. The economic baseline reveals a slight contraction; the median income sits at $73,723, which is 1.1% below the US median of $74,580. This income disparity is compounded by an educational attainment gap, where only 25.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly trailing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Lynn is the "value-seeking commuter." This profile fits individuals or families who prioritize proximity to the Boston metro labor market over local salary maximization. The data suggests a working-class demographic transitioning into a commuter belt, trading local purchasing power for regional connectivity.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) data for Lynn indicates a severe housing-driven inflation relative to the national baseline. While general goods remain near parity, the housing index is 128.0, meaning housing costs are 28% higher than the US average. This is the primary driver of financial pressure for residents.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

*Calculated based on verified electricity rate of 29.35 cents/kWh vs US avg 16.0 cents/kWh.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $73,723 takes home approximately $4,400/month after taxes. With a typical housing allocation of $1,400, the housing burden is 31.8% of net income. For a family of four, the housing burden rises to 56.8% of net income if relying on a single median earner, indicating a necessity for dual-income households to maintain liquidity.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Lynn is decoupled from local earnings. The rent-to-income ratio is punitive for median earners. The market is defined by high rental costs driven by regional spillover from Boston, while home prices remain elevated due to scarcity.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the 29.8% premium on median home prices versus the national average, buying in Lynn is mathematically difficult for anyone not already holding real estate equity. The Price-to-Rent ratio heavily favors renting in the short-to-medium term. The barrier to entry for a $545,000 home with current interest rates requires a household income significantly exceeding the local median of $73,723. Renting is the only viable option for the statistical median resident, but it exposes them to the +31% premium on 3-bedroom units.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
Lynn’s economic viability in 2026 is tethered to the "Hybrid Hub" model. The city is 9 miles from Boston. The commuter rail offers a 25-35 minute ride to North Station. This makes Lynn a strategic base for workers required in-office 2-3 days per week. The local economy, however, suffers from the "commuter drain"—residents earn money in Boston but spend it elsewhere.

Commute & Stability:
For those working locally, average commute times are 28 minutes. The local job market is less robust than the regional average, reflected in the unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is higher than the US average of 4.0%. The local industry relies on healthcare, manufacturing, and service sectors, which are generally stable but lack the high-income ceiling of the tech or finance sectors found in the city center.

Quality of Life Audit

Lynn presents a "Good" aggregate health score of 78.6/100, but this masks specific high-risk lifestyle factors. The city scores poorly on metabolic health metrics, with obesity and diabetes rates exceeding national averages.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Lynn reports 456 violent crimes per 100k residents (US avg: 380) and 1,890 property crimes per 100k (US avg: 2,000). While violent crime is 20% higher than the national average, property crime is slightly lower. This places safety in the "Average" bracket, though vigilance is required in specific zones.

Air Quality & Weather:
Lynn excels in air quality with an AQI of 37 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, significantly cleaner than the national average. The current weather snapshot shows a temperature of 43.0°F with partly cloudy conditions, typical for the region.

Schools:
Educational attainment is a drag on the city's long-term economic prospects. With only 25.3% of the population college-educated, the local school system faces resource challenges compared to wealthy Boston suburbs.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Air Quality: Exceptional AQI of 37 and low PM2.5.
• Connectivity: Unbeatable commuter rail access to Boston for 9 miles.
• Property Crime: Slightly lower than the national average (1,890 vs 2,000).

Cons:

• Housing Cost: Housing index of 128.0 is 28% higher than the US average, while income is 1.1% lower.
• Health Risks: Above-average obesity (33.8%) and diabetes (12.3%) rates.
• Income Stagnation: Median income of $73,723 lags behind the cost of living inflation.

Recommendation:
Lynn is a Buyer-Beware/Renter-By-Necessity market. It is recommended only for professionals who require periodic access to the Boston metropolitan area and cannot afford Cambridge or Somerville prices. It is not recommended for remote-only workers or those seeking high local career mobility. The math only works if the salary is earned in Boston and the cost of living is absorbed in Lynn.

FAQs (2026 Relocation Guide)

1. What salary is required to live comfortably in Lynn?
To live comfortably (where housing is <30% of net income), a single person needs a gross salary of approximately $85,000, while a family of four requires a combined income of $160,000 to offset the 128.0 housing index.

2. How does Lynn compare to the national value curve?
Lynn offers negative value on the national curve. You pay +28% more for housing than the US average but earn 1.1% less than the US median. The value proposition is strictly geographic (proximity to Boston), not economic.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
Violent crime is 456/100k, which is 20% higher than the national average. While not a critical emergency, it is statistically above average. Property crime is slightly safer than average at 1,890/100k.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The best time to move is in late Spring (May/June) to avoid the harsh winter commute adjustments. The current temperature of 43.0°F indicates the transitional nature of the climate; arriving in summer allows for acclimation to the transit infrastructure before the winter freeze.