GENERAL INFORMATION County: Essex Location: Northeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Dracut to the west; Pelham & Salem, NH to the northwest and north; Haverhill to the north and northeast; North Andover to the southeast; and Lawrence and Andover to the south. Methuen is 27 miles north of Boston, 11 miles from Lowell and 236 miles from New York City. Population 1980: 36,701 1990: 39,990 2000: 43,789 Area Land - 22.41 sq. miles Water - 0.64 sq. miles Total - 23.05 sq. miles Density 1990: 1784 persons per sq. mile | 2000: 1954 persons per sq. mile Climate Normal January Temperature: 26 F Normal July Temperature: 73 F Normal annual precipitation: 40.96 in. Elevation at Municipal Bldg. 100 feet above mean sea level. Established as a Town December 8, 1725 (Resumed as a town--1921) Obtained City Charter 1917, and again in 1972. Type of Government Mayor / City Council