First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Essex County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Peabody, Massachusetts
Peabody is a city in Essex County on the North Shore, about 15 miles northeast of Boston and 2 miles from Salem. Named for philanthropist George Peabody in 1868, it was incorporated as a town in 1855 and became a city in 1916, growing into a center of the leather-tanning industry through the 20th century; its municipally owned light plant still supplies the city's electricity.
Peabody at a glance
- $9.47Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $6,411Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- EssexCounty
- 1916Year incorporated
Peabody's villages and zip codes
Most of Peabody uses ZIP codes 01960 and 01961; the West Peabody/Lynnfield area edge uses 01940.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Peabody Square | 01960 | The city's downtown center, with City Hall and Peabody Institute Library. |
| West Peabody | 01960 | A suburban, mostly residential area in the western part of the city. |
| South Peabody | 01960 | A residential section in the southern part of the city, toward the Lynn line. |
Things to do in Peabody, MA
Start with Brooksby Farm and George Peabody House Museum, then 2 more below.
Brooksby Farm
A 275-acre city-owned conservation area and working farm with apple orchards, a farm stand, and walking trails.
Peabody, MA
George Peabody House Museum
A museum on the life of philanthropist George Peabody, the city's namesake.
Peabody, MA
Independence Greenway
A 5.25-mile paved rail-trail through Peabody used for walking and biking.
Peabody, MA
North Shore Children's Museum
A hands-on children's museum in Peabody.
Peabody, MA
More worth a visit
- Salem Country ClubA private golf club in Peabody that has hosted U.S. Open championships.
A little history
The city was named in 1868 for philanthropist George Peabody, who funded the Peabody Institute Library.
After a fatal 1915 fire at St. John's School, Peabody became the first city in the United States to require that public-building doors be push-open exits.
Peabody was a major center of the leather-tanning industry through the 20th century.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Peabody
Peabody's outdoor recreation runs from the working farm and orchards at Brooksby Farm to the paved Independence Greenway rail-trail.
- Brooksby Farm275-acre conservation area and orchard with trails.
- Independence Greenway5.25-mile paved rail-trail for walking and cycling.
Walkability and getting around Peabody
Peabody Square and the area around the Peabody Institute Library are walkable, but much of the city, including its shopping areas along Route 1 and Route 128, is built for driving.
Drive times
- Boston, about 15 miles
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
Several MBTA bus routes serve Peabody. The nearest MBTA Commuter Rail station is in neighboring Salem, on the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Boston's North Station.
Peabody property taxes
Peabody's FY2026 residential tax rate is $9.47 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $18.85. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $947 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $6,411, on an average assessed value of $676,944.
Peabody's FY2026 tax rates
$9.47per $1,000, residential
- Residential$9.47 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$18.85 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$676,944
- Average single-family tax bill$6,411
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $10.10 |
| FY2023 | $9.52 |
| FY2024 | $9.12 |
| FY2025 | $9.26 |
| FY2026 | $9.47 |
Look up a Peabody property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- City ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-538-5900
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Peabody
What we check on a Peabody purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, municipal utility, river flood zone.
Check the flood zone first
Peabody's northwestern border along the Ipswich River, plus the Waters River and several ponds in town, put some low-lying parcels in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for PeabodySmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Peabody Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-538-5900 to schedule.
Peabody Fire Department pageMunicipal electric light plant
Peabody is one of a number of Massachusetts cities with its own municipal electric utility, the Peabody Municipal Light Plant, rather than an investor-owned company. Rates and service policies can differ from surrounding towns.
Check flood maps near the Ipswich and Waters rivers
Peabody's border along the Ipswich River and its Waters River corridor put some parcels within FEMA flood zones. Ask about flood zone status before making an offer on a property near these waterways.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in Peabody?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Peabody address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Peabody: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in Peabody: Peabody Municipal Light Plant for power.
- ElectricPeabody Municipal Light Plant
- Natural gasNational Grid
- Trash and recyclingPeabody provides curbside trash and recycling collection and also operates a transfer station ("Dumping Days") for residents; pay-as-you-throw stickers for white goods and bulky items are sold separately ($20 per item), and mattresses and box springs are recycled separately from regular trash.
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
City Hall offices and contacts
Peabody City Hall is at 24 Lowell St, Peabody, MA 01960. Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM; Thursday 8:30 AM-7:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. Main line: 978-538-5900.
- City HallMain line and website978-538-5900
- City ClerkVital records, elections, licensing978-538-5900
- AssessorProperty values and assessments978-538-5900
- Tax CollectorProperty tax billing and payment978-538-5900
- Building/Inspectional ServicesPermits and inspections978-538-5900
- PlanningZoning and development978-538-5900
- Parks & RecreationParks, programs, and facility reservations978-538-5900
- Department of Public WorksRoads, trash/recycling, and infrastructure978-538-5900
- Peabody Institute LibraryMain library
- Peabody Public SchoolsSchool district
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic, wells and permits978-538-5900
Peabody, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Peabody, MA?
Peabody's FY2026 residential tax rate is $9.47 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $18.85. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Peabody?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,788 a year at $9.47 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Peabody have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $9.47 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $18.85.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Peabody?
The average single-family tax bill in Peabody was $6,411 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $676,944.
What county is Peabody in?
Peabody is in Essex County, Massachusetts.
What ZIP codes does Peabody use?
Most of Peabody uses 01960 and 01961; a western edge near Lynnfield uses 01940.
Who supplies electricity in Peabody?
Peabody has its own municipal utility, the Peabody Municipal Light Plant, rather than an investor-owned electric company.
Is trash pickup curbside in Peabody?
Yes, Peabody provides curbside trash and recycling collection, and also runs a transfer station for bulky items and white goods, which require a paid sticker.
Is there a train station in Peabody?
Peabody has no commuter rail station of its own; the nearest MBTA Commuter Rail stop is in neighboring Salem on the Newburyport/Rockport Line.
How far is Peabody from Boston?
Peabody is about 15 miles northeast of Boston.
Towns near Peabody
Neighbors of Peabody, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Peabody, Massachusetts: en.wikipedia.org
- City of Peabody official website: peabody-ma.gov
- Wikimedia Commons: Peabody City Hall, February 2021.jpg: commons.wikimedia.org
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score®, provided live by Walk Score.
- Photo: Fletcher, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.