We’re the pulse of the Life Sciences for all the right reasons.
The City of Marlborough, MA has established itself as a significant life sciences hub, attracting major biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Located at the heart of New England, Marlborough has direct access to several major interstate highways, a vastly educated talent pool, and is backed by a supportive business environment. Designated a Platinum BioReady™ community, including Cambridge, Woburn, and Lexington, MassBio considers Marlborough among the most favorable biotech destinations in the state—just 7% of Massachusetts communities have achieved “Platinum” status.

Infrastructure
Marlborough offers modern lab-ready and build-to-suit facilities with reliable utilities, high-capacity infrastructure, and access to a skilled biotech workforce from the MetroWest and Greater Boston area. The city’s business-friendly climate includes strong local support and incentives like Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Central Location
Strategically located with direct access to I-495, I-290, and the Mass Pike, Marlborough provides easy connections to Boston, Worcester, and regional markets—making it a prime hub for talent, suppliers, and industry partners.

Commercial Space
Marlborough delivers affordable, scalable commercial space tailored to life sciences companies, with lease rates 30–60% lower than Boston and Cambridge. There’s greater availability of lab-ready and flexible facilities, plus streamlined permitting and business incentives to support growth.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Fueling Growth in Marlborough
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a key economic development tool that helps Marlborough attract major businesses and drive long-term growth. Through a TIF agreement, companies receive a temporary property tax reduction in exchange for significant investment and job creation.
Recent TIF-supported projects by companies like Sartorius, Moderna, and Cytiva have brought $375 million in investment and hundreds of jobs to the city—strengthening our commercial tax base, improving infrastructure, and enhancing quality of life.
By raising property values and boosting city revenues, TIFs benefit both businesses and residents. Marlborough continues to be a premier destination for innovation and opportunity.
MARLBOROUGH DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 41,194
Households: 16,859
Families: 54%
Median age: 39
College degree or ↑: 48%
INCOME
Median household: $99,176
Households: >$100K: 8,378
LABOR FORCE
Establishments: 2,574
Employees: 34,204
Labor force size: 24,478
Unemployment rate: 3.6%
HOTELS
Number of hotels: 9
Number of rooms: 1,463
Meeting space: 93,153 SF
I-495 CORRIDOR/METRO WEST DEMOGRAPHICS
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population: 646,148
Bachelor’s degree or ↑: 62%
INCOME
Total payroll in 2024: $29.5B
LABOR FORCE
Establishments: 24,402
Employees: 295,000
Sources: Mass Econ 2024; 495/MetroWest Partnership 2024; MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Sartorius
5 Years
120 Jobs Retained/New
$100 Million Investment
Moderna
20 Years
200 Jobs – New
$250 Million Investment
Cytiva
10 Years
131 Jobs Retained/New
$25 Million Investment
Success Grows Here.
Employers have and continue to choose Marlborough!
The city is home to a dynamic roster of leading innovative companies:
Here’s how MEDC can help:
Offer Incentives
Expedited Permitting
Navigate the city’s permitting process with ease
Provide Access
Make time-saving connections to decision makers, strategic partners, properties, and information