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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Lawrence

Affordable Housing in Lawrence, MA

Lawrence has 36 income-based rental properties offering 2,573 affordable units -- one of the larger inventories in the region. With a median market rent of $1,662 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) and 72 percent of residents renting, affordable housing plays a central role in this city. Lease Lantern tracks inspections, flood risk, and other key details to help you find the right fit.

36
Properties
2,573
Total units
93/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,662/mo

Affordability in Lawrence, MA

Lawrence is a majority-renter city, with 72% of households renting their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). The median household income is $60,433 annually, while the median asking rent stands at $1,662 per month, making access to income-restricted housing an important resource for many residents.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
440 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Lawrence Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 440 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 94 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Lawrence

The area around assisted properties in Lawrence scores well for getting around without a car, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 94 - Walker's Paradise. Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 51 - Good Transit. Public transit is a viable option for many trips.
  • Bike Score: 52. Biking is a reasonable choice for some trips.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
29 schools · 4 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 29 public schools across 4 districts serve Lawrence, including 16 elementary, 8 middle, and 5 high schools. Ratings and options vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a decision.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$60,433 median income

Cost of Living in Lawrence, MA

The median household income in Lawrence is $60,433 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median market rent in the city is $1,662 per month, which helps illustrate why income-based housing can make a significant difference for renters here.

The 1,525 income-restricted units across Lawrence's 13 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties offer rents tied to your income rather than the open market, helping to close the gap between what renters earn and what the local rental market charges.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 13 assisted properties in Lawrence have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. The remaining 12 carry low or minimal flood exposure based on available flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 93/100(12 of 36 scored)
90+ (9)70–89 (3)No score (24)

36 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 36 affordable apartments in Lawrence→

Other cities in MA

› Affordable housing in Boston› Cambridge income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Chelsea› Chicopee affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Dorchester› Affordable housing in Fall River› Framingham income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Haverhill› Holyoke affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Jamaica Plain› Affordable housing in Lowell› Lynn income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in MA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Affordable Housing in Lawrence, MA

Lawrence is a heavily renter-majority city -- 72% of households rent, according to Census ACS 5-Year data -- and with a median asking rent of $1,662 per month, the 1,525 income-restricted units across 13 HUD-assisted properties here represent real relief for budget-conscious renters.

Of the 12 properties with inspection scores on file, 9 earned an excellent rating and 3 a good rating, with none falling into fair or poor territory, according to HUD inspection data. Only 1 of the 13 mapped properties carries a high flood risk designation.

Getting around without a car is notably practical here. Lawrence scores a 94 ("Walker's Paradise") and 51 ("Good Transit") according to Walk Score.

The city is served by 29 public schools across 4 districts -- including 16 elementary, 8 middle, and 5 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Median household income in Lawrence stands at $60,433 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data, making income-restricted housing an important resource for many families here.

A Closer Look at Lawrence Is Coming

Eligibility & how to apply

Massachusetts income limits (2026)Massachusetts public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Massachusetts

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →