First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Worcester County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loans
Living in Spencer, Massachusetts
Spencer is a town in Worcester County that split off from Leicester and was incorporated in 1753. First settled in 1721, it grew as a stopping place on the Old Boston Post Road stage route between Boston and Hartford, and it is the birthplace of Elias Howe, inventor of the lockstitch sewing machine. Routes 9 and 31 cross the roughly rectangular town, which includes the Seven Mile River and preserved parkland such as Spencer State Forest.
Spencer at a glance
- $10.98Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $4,671Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 20-25 minDrive to Worcester
- WorcesterCounty
Spencer's zip code
Spencer uses a single ZIP code, 01562, for the whole town.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer center | 01562 | Along Main Street, where Town Hall and the Richard Sugden Library are located. |
Things to do in Spencer, MA
Start with Spencer State Forest / Howe State Park and Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, then 2 more below.
Spencer State Forest / Howe State Park
A state forest and park marking the birthplace of Elias Howe, the Spencer-born inventor credited with perfecting the lockstitch sewing machine.
Spencer, MA
Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
A Massachusetts Audubon Society sanctuary in Spencer with trails around Burncoat Pond.
Spencer, MA
Saint Joseph's Abbey
A Trappist monastery that produced Spencer Brewery beer until closing production in May 2022; the monastery continues to make liturgical vestments through the Holy Rood Guild and preserves through Trappist Preserves.
Spencer, MA
Richard Sugden Library
Spencer's public library, operating since 1870.
Spencer, MA
A little history
Spencer was first settled in 1721 by Samuel Bemis and was set off from Leicester and incorporated in 1753, taking its name from Lieutenant Governor Spencer Phips.
In 1784 Spencer was a major stopping place on the Old Boston Post Road stage route between Boston and Hartford; travelers including George Washington stopped there.
Spencer is the birthplace of inventor Elias Howe, who perfected the lockstitch sewing machine; fellow local inventors William Howe and Tyler Howe developed the wooden truss bridge and box spring.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Spencer
Spencer's outdoor recreation includes the Seven Mile River, Spencer State Forest, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Spencer State Forest / Howe State ParkState forest and park land associated with Elias Howe's birthplace.
- Burncoat Pond Wildlife SanctuaryA Mass Audubon sanctuary with trails around Burncoat Pond.
Walkability and getting around Spencer
Spencer center along Main Street has sidewalks connecting Town Hall, the library, and nearby businesses, but most of the town is built around driving between its rural sections.
Drive times
- Worcester, about 13 miles20-25 min
- Worcester Regional Airport, about 15 miles20-25 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
No fixed-route public transit information for Spencer was confirmed from town or Wikipedia sources.
Spencer property taxes
Spencer's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.98 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,098 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $4,671, on an average assessed value of $425,450.
Spencer's FY2026 tax rates
$10.98per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.98 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$425,450
- Average single-family tax bill$4,671
- 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 | $13.16 |
| FY2023 | $12.06 |
| FY2024 | $11.44 |
| FY2025 | $11.74 |
| FY2026 | $10.98 |
Look up a Spencer property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-885-7500
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Spencer
What we check on a Spencer purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, foundations, trash by permit, septic & wells.
Check the flood zone first
The Seven Mile River runs through Spencer, putting low-lying parcels near it in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for SpencerSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Spencer Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 508-885-3555 to schedule.
Spencer Fire Department pageAsk about foundation testing
The Massachusetts Geological Survey at UMass Amherst lists Spencer among the towns at moderate risk from pyrrhotite, a mineral linked to crumbling concrete foundations, based on distance from the Connecticut quarry that supplied the concrete. On a home with a poured concrete foundation, ask whether it has been tested.
UMass pyrrhotite guideTrash goes through the transfer station, not curbside pickup
Spencer residents use the town transfer station at 17 South Spencer Road, which requires a purchased sticker ($10 day pass or $75 per year) and Pay-As-You-Throw bags. Confirm the current permit process before closing.
Spencer Transfer StationBoard of Health handles septic and well permitting
Spencer's Board of Health issues permits and inspections related to septic systems and wells for properties outside town sewer and water service. Buyers should confirm septic and well status before making an offer.
Spencer Board of HealthAll 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 Spencer?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Spencer address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Spencer: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Spencer: National Grid for power.
- ElectricNational Grid
- Trash and recyclingSpencer operates a transfer station at 17 South Spencer Road (open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 AM-5 PM) that requires a purchased sticker; a one-day pass costs $10 and a yearly sticker costs $75. Pay-As-You-Throw bags are required for use and are sold at Big Y, Price Chopper, Klem's, and Laney's Variety.
- 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
Spencer Transfer Station
17 South Spencer Road, Spencer, MA 01562 Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM
$10 day pass or $75 per year
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
Spencer Town Hall is at 157 Main Street, Spencer, MA 01562. Hours: Mon-Wed 7:30 AM-4:30 PM; Thu 7:30 AM-12 PM; Fri closed. Main line: 508-885-7500.
- Town HallMain line and website508-885-7500
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.508-885-7500
- AssessorsProperty values and assessments.508-885-7500
- Treasurer/CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.508-885-7500
- Building/ConstructionBuilding permits and inspections.508-885-7500
- Development & InspectionsPlanning, zoning, and land-use review.508-885-7500
- Highway DepartmentRoad maintenance and public works.508-885-7500
- Richard Sugden LibraryThe town's public library, operating since 1870.
- David Prouty High School / Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School DistrictThe town's regional public school district, shared with East Brookfield.
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic, wells and permits508-885-7500 ext. 180
Spencer, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Spencer, MA?
Spencer's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.98 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Spencer?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,392 a year at $10.98 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Spencer have a split tax rate?
No. Spencer uses a single rate of $10.98 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Spencer?
The average single-family tax bill in Spencer was $4,671 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $425,450.
What ZIP code does Spencer use?
Spencer uses a single ZIP code, 01562, for the whole town.
Is trash pickup curbside or pay-as-you-throw in Spencer?
Spencer residents use a town transfer station on South Spencer Road that requires a purchased sticker and Pay-As-You-Throw bags; the page reviewed does not describe curbside pickup.
Who supplies electricity in Spencer?
National Grid provides electric service in Spencer.
Which towns border Spencer?
Spencer borders Leicester, Charlton, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, New Braintree, Oakham, and Paxton.
How far is Spencer from Worcester?
Spencer is about 13 miles from Worcester, roughly a 20-25 minute drive.
What is Town Hall's address and hours?
Spencer Town Hall is at 157 Main Street. Hours are Monday-Wednesday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM and Thursday 7:30 AM-12 PM; closed Friday.
Towns near Spencer
Neighbors of Spencer, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Spencer, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Spencer official website: spencerma.gov
- Departments - Spencer, MA: spencerma.gov
- Transfer Station - Spencer, MA: spencerma.gov
- Fire Department - Spencer, MA: spencerma.gov
- Board of Health - Spencer, MA: spencerma.gov
- National Grid Energy Choice Information - Spencer, MA: spencerma.gov
- Spencer town hall photo, Wikimedia Commons: 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: Pmeleski, English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Checked September 25, 2026.