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Jefferson, MA Utility & Living Guide

Holden is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The town was founded in 1741, on All Hallow’s Eve and the Town Square was donated by John Hancock, former Governor of Massachusetts. The population was 19,905 at the 2020 census. It includes the village of Jefferson.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$290/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax6.25%

COL Index110 (+10% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$340,000

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

National Grid

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Jefferson Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1900/mo
Median Home Price	$340,000
Property Tax Rate	1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Jefferson is characterized by a mix of older and newer homes, with a moderate supply of rentals available. Home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years, but remain relatively affordable compared to other areas in Massachusetts. The town has a strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local events and organizations.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6.25%
Property Tax Rate	1.25%
<p>State 5.2% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income taxes.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views represented in the community.

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Top Local Concerns

Traffic and road maintenance, preserving rural character, and managing growth and development

🚌 Transit for Families

Jefferson has a limited public transit system, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with many amenities and services accessible on foot or by bike.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
🎯
Lake Quinsigamond
🎯
and the Worcester Art Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The areas around the town center and the nearby lake are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes, as well as easy access to local parks and amenities. The town's rural outskirts also offer a more secluded, country-like setting, with larger properties and a stronger sense of community.

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Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Jefferson based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Jefferson has regulations in place to preserve its rural character, including restrictions on commercial development and a strong emphasis on environmental conservation.

Financial Tools

Calculators

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📊 Jefferson — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Jefferson tend to be higher in the winter months, due to the need for heating, with average monthly electricity bills increasing by around 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a smaller increase in utility costs, primarily due to air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01522 has a property tax millage rate of 18.5, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Jefferson has a relatively small town center with sidewalks and crosswalks, but the town's rural areas can be more challenging to navigate with a stroller, due to limited sidewalk infrastructure and heavier traffic.

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