Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Somerville

Affordability in Somerville, MA

Somerville is a majority-renter city, with 66% of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024). At a median gross rent of $2,517 per month and a median household income of $132,572 per year, market-rate housing in Somerville is a significant expense, making income-restricted options an important resource for many residents.

• Lease Lantern lists 19 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in Somerville, covering 1,379 units.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Somerville Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 221 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

Getting Around Somerville

According to Walk Score, the areas around assisted properties in Somerville rate 89 (Very Walkable), 81 for Transit (Excellent Transit), and 84 for Biking.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 11 public schools serve Somerville across 1 district, including 8 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high schools. Ratings and programs vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a decision.

Cost of Renting in Somerville

Somerville is one of the higher-cost rental markets in Massachusetts. The median gross rent is $2,517 per month and the median household income is $132,572, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

Affordable and income-based housing in Somerville can offer significant savings for eligible renters. Rents at HUD-assisted and income-restricted properties are typically set as a percentage of your income or the area's median income, rather than the open market rate.

• Median market rent: $2,517/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median household income: $132,572/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 66% (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Affordable housing properties tracked: 19 buildings, 1,379 total units

Environment

All 19 HUD-assisted properties in Somerville have been mapped for flood risk, and none fall within a high-risk flood zone. Flood exposure for income-based housing in this city is currently very low.