2026 Rankings

Environmental Justice Concern Areas…

Last updated: April 13, 2026

436 ZIP codes ranked by EJ Index #1: ZIP 01821 (Billerica, MA) - 70/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 436 ZIP codes with data in Massachusetts, these are the highest-ranked areas for ej index. See also: National ZIP Codes with Highest Environmental Justice Concern | All Massachusetts Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 436
Highest value 70/100
Median value 20/100
State Massachusetts

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State EJ Index Safety Score
1 01821 Billerica MA 70/100 43/100
2 02703 Attleboro MA 70/100 59/100
3 01810 Andover MA 64/100 47/100
4 01876 Tewksbury MA 64/100 58/100
5 01069 Palmer MA 60/100 75/100
6 02343 Holbrook MA 60/100 68/100
7 02540 Falmouth MA 60/100 63/100
8 01840 Lawrence MA 54/100 65/100
9 01005 Barre MA 50/100 56/100
10 01103 Springfield MA 50/100 82/100
11 01105 Springfield MA 50/100 82/100
12 01107 Springfield MA 50/100 82/100
13 01201 Pittsfield MA 50/100 73/100
14 01719 Boxborough MA 50/100 65/100
15 01730 Bedford MA 50/100 59/100
16 01901 Lynn MA 50/100 65/100
17 01921 Boxford MA 50/100 49/100
18 02019 Bellingham MA 50/100 74/100
19 02066 Scituate MA 50/100 51/100
20 02093 Wrentham MA 50/100 58/100
21 02324 Bridgewater MA 50/100 70/100
22 02325 Bridgewater MA 50/100 73/100
23 02330 Carver MA 50/100 78/100
24 01540 Oxford MA 48/100 68/100
25 01543 Rutland MA 48/100 61/100
26 01850 Lowell MA 48/100 68/100
27 02108 Boston MA 48/100 84/100
28 02720 Fall River MA 48/100 64/100
29 02115 Boston MA 46/100 84/100
30 02719 Fairhaven MA 46/100 66/100
31 02740 New Bedford MA 46/100 78/100
32 01610 Worcester MA 45/100 60/100
33 01230 Great Barrington MA 44/100 74/100
34 01527 Millbury MA 44/100 53/100
35 01581 Westborough MA 44/100 61/100
36 01742 Concord MA 44/100 56/100
37 02043 Hingham MA 44/100 70/100
38 02715 Dighton MA 44/100 65/100
39 02725 Somerset MA 44/100 42/100
40 02726 Somerset MA 44/100 37/100
41 02764 North Dighton MA 44/100 70/100
42 02766 Norton MA 44/100 53/100
43 02723 Fall River MA 43/100 58/100
44 02339 Hanover MA 42/100 74/100
45 01505 Boylston MA 40/100 59/100
46 01524 Leicester MA 40/100 54/100
47 01611 Cherry Valley MA 40/100 55/100
48 01720 Acton MA 40/100 64/100
49 01757 Milford MA 40/100 57/100
50 02026 Dedham MA 40/100 72/100
51 02030 Dover MA 40/100 68/100
52 02301 Brockton MA 40/100 68/100
53 02347 Lakeville MA 40/100 67/100
54 02451 Waltham MA 40/100 59/100
55 01104 Springfield MA 38/100 82/100
56 01106 Longmeadow MA 38/100 78/100
57 01108 Springfield MA 38/100 82/100
58 01109 Springfield MA 38/100 82/100
59 01605 Worcester MA 38/100 65/100
60 01608 Worcester MA 38/100 65/100
61 01721 Ashland MA 38/100 63/100
62 01801 Woburn MA 38/100 58/100
63 01803 Burlington MA 38/100 63/100
64 01830 Haverhill MA 38/100 58/100
65 01913 Amesbury MA 38/100 58/100
66 01923 Danvers MA 38/100 63/100
67 02215 Boston MA 38/100 84/100
68 02420 Lexington MA 38/100 63/100
69 02542 Buzzards Bay MA 38/100 53/100
70 02155 Medford MA 36/100 36/100
71 02338 Halifax MA 36/100 72/100
72 02368 Randolph MA 36/100 70/100
73 02554 Nantucket MA 36/100 59/100
74 02667 Wellfleet MA 36/100 69/100
75 02721 Fall River MA 36/100 64/100
76 02724 Fall River MA 36/100 64/100
77 01011 Chester MA 34/100 74/100
78 01450 Groton MA 34/100 70/100
79 01887 Wilmington MA 34/100 64/100
80 02143 Somerville MA 34/100 70/100
81 02169 Quincy MA 34/100 54/100
82 02474 Arlington MA 34/100 55/100
83 02762 Plainville MA 34/100 75/100
84 02746 New Bedford MA 33/100 83/100
85 01519 Grafton MA 32/100 53/100
86 01749 Hudson MA 32/100 56/100

Methodology

The Environmental Justice Index combines environmental risk factors (water violations, lead, flooding) with socioeconomic vulnerability indicators. Higher values indicate communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. This metric highlights areas where infrastructure investment and policy attention are most needed.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Environmental Justice Index?

The EJ Index identifies communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards relative to their socioeconomic resilience. Areas with high violation counts, aging infrastructure, AND vulnerable populations score highest. These areas need the most infrastructure investment.

Why does environmental justice matter for homebuyers?

High EJ Index areas often have deferred infrastructure maintenance, slower violation resolution, and less access to clean water alternatives. For homebuyers, this means potential hidden costs for water filtration, flood insurance, and home remediation.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

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Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead service-line indicators and system-level action-level exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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