WORCESTER, MA — A new national study suggests the Worcester metro area is becoming one of the better places in the country for working mothers.
Worcester was ranked the No. 10 best mid-sized U.S. metro area for working moms in 2026, according to a new study released by CoworkingCafe. The study cites high incomes, solid employment rates, and access to healthcare as major strengths for more than 70,000 mothers across the metro area.
The study evaluated metro areas across three categories: Work, Education & Childcare, and Health & Environment; and used 14 metrics including income, employment, childcare affordability, commute times and healthcare access.
Worcester performed especially well in employment and earnings. According to the report, 79.6 percent of mothers in the workforce are employed, ranking seventh among mid-sized metros nationwide and well above the national average of 73.6 percent. That translates to more than 70,000 working mothers out of roughly 88,000 moms living in the metro area.
The metro also ranked third nationally for median income among working moms at $55,000 annually.
Still, researchers noted that those earnings are tempered by higher living expenses. Worcester’s overall cost of living is about 2.5 percent above the national average, while annual childcare costs average $15,303, roughly 12.7 percent of family income.
The report also highlighted Worcester’s relatively manageable work-life balance indicators. Working mothers average 36.6 hours per week on the job, while commutes average 26.2 minutes daily. About 17.6 percent of working moms work remotely, placing Worcester 14th among comparable metros for remote work participation.
Healthcare access emerged as another major strength for the region. Massachusetts led the nation in pediatrician access with 224.6 pediatricians per 100,000 children under 21, helping push Worcester near the top of the rankings for healthcare support. The metro also scored well for air quality, posting an Air Quality Index score of 42.
Education infrastructure also boosted Worcester’s standing. The metro has 144 public schools per 100,000 children, ranking sixth among mid-sized metros. Childcare availability was more moderate, however, with 742 providers per 100,000 children.
The study additionally pointed to Worcester’s growing coworking footprint as a benefit for parents navigating hybrid schedules and flexible work arrangements. The metro currently has 12 coworking locations, equal to about 2.1 spaces per 100,000 residents.
Worcester was not the only Massachusetts metro recognized in the report.
Boston ranked seventh among large metros nationwide, while Springfield placed 20th among small metros, reinforcing the state’s broader reputation for strong healthcare, education access and earning potential for families.
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