Lawrence Public RecordsMassachusetts

Lawrence, Essex County, MA, features a robust transportation network including I-495, Route 28, and an MBTA commuter rail station connecting to Boston. According to the U.S. Census, about 68% of workers drive alone, 14% carpool, and 7% use public transit; the average one-way commute is 27 minutes. Vehicle ownership is relatively low, with 19% of households lacking a car. Major employment hubs include Lawrence General Hospital, local manufacturing, and schools. Public transit is primarily served by Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority bus routes and the MBTA, facilitating access to neighboring employment centers.

As of the 2020 Census, Lawrence city in Essex County, MA, had a population of approximately 89,143. The median age was 33.1 years, with about 49% male and 51% female residents. Lawrence is notably diverse: around 81% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino (mainly Dominican and Puerto Rican), 7% White (non-Hispanic), 3% Black or African American, and 2% Asian, with other races making up the remainder.

Lawrence, in Essex County, MA, has 25 public schools, including Lawrence High School, serving around 3,000 students. The city’s high school graduation rate is approximately 72%, and about 9.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Lawrence schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 3/10. Adult education is available through the Lawrence Adult Learning Center. The district emphasizes bilingual and STEM programs but faces challenges with school safety, reporting 18.3 incidents per 1,000 students. Ongoing educational initiatives target improved academic performance and community engagement.

Lawrence, Essex County, MA, has a homeownership rate of about 33%, with around 67% of residents renting. The 2023 median home value is approximately $405,000, showing steady appreciation in recent years. The housing stock mainly includes multi-family homes, apartments, and some single-family houses. Popular neighborhoods include Tower Hill and Prospect Hill. The average monthly rent is roughly $1,400. Property tax rates are about $13.51 per $1,000 assessed value, making taxes for a median-priced home around $5,475 annually.

Lawrence, Essex County, MA, is served by Lawrence General Hospital (189 beds) and several clinics, including Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC), which operates multiple sites. GLFHC annually sees over 62,000 patients—roughly 75% Hispanic/Latino. Common health concerns include diabetes, asthma, and obesity. As of 2021, about 96% of residents had health insurance. The city faces a primary care provider shortage, with a 1,700:1 patient-to-provider ratio. Socioeconomic factors and language barriers impact healthcare access, but community health programs aim to address disparities.