Founded: 1673 (incorporated, 1722)
Head Official: City Manager Michael V. O'Brien (since 2004)
City Population
1980: 161,799
1990: 169,759
2000: 172,648
2003 estimate: 175,706
Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.7%
U.S. rank in 1980: 91st
U.S. rank in 1990: 101st
U.S. rank in 2000: 139th (State rank: 2nd)
Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)
1990: 478,384
2000: 511,389
Percent change, 1990–2000: 6.9%
U.S. rank in 1990: 7th (MSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 7th (MSA)
Area: 38 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 473 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 46.8° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 47.60 inches of rain; 67.4 inches of snow
Major Economic Sectors: Services, trade, manufacturing, government
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% (March 2005)
Per Capita Income: $18,614 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: Not reported
Major Colleges and Universities: University of Massachusetts Medical School; Clark University; Worcester Polytechnic Institute; College of the Holy Cross; Worcester State College; Assumption College; Becker College
Daily Newspaper: Telegram & Gazette