The state of Massachusetts is divided into 14 counties, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. A county map of Massachusetts can be a valuable tool for navigating the state, whether you're a resident or a visitor. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the counties of Massachusetts, including their geography, demographics, and points of interest.
Counties of Massachusetts
Massachusetts is located in the northeastern United States, bordering the states of New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The state’s 14 counties are: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester. Each county has its own county seat, which serves as the administrative center for local government.
Geography of Massachusetts Counties
The geography of Massachusetts varies significantly from county to county. The eastern part of the state, including Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties, is densely populated and urbanized, with many cities and towns located along the coastline. In contrast, the western part of the state, including Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, is more rural and mountainous, with the Berkshire Mountains stretching across the northwest corner of the state.
The coastal counties, including Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth, offer beautiful beaches, scenic coastline, and popular tourist destinations such as Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The interior counties, including Worcester and Norfolk, are home to numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
| County | Population (2020) | County Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable | 228,996 | Barnstable |
| Berkshire | 129,026 | Pittsfield |
| Bristol | 579,200 | Taunton |
| Dukes | 20,600 | Edgartown |
| Essex | 807,074 | Salem |
| Franklin | 71,092 | Greenfield |
| Hampden | 470,690 | Springfield |
| Hampshire | 162,308 | Northampton |
| Middlesex | 1,632,001 | Cambridge |
| Nantucket | 11,399 | Nantucket |
| Norfolk | 725,981 | Dedham |
| Plymouth | 530,191 | Plymouth |
| Suffolk | 797,936 | Boston |
| Worcester | 852,995 | Worcester |
Demographics of Massachusetts Counties
The demographics of Massachusetts counties vary significantly, with some counties having much larger populations than others. Middlesex County, which includes the cities of Cambridge and Lowell, is the most populous county in the state, with over 1.6 million residents. Suffolk County, which includes the city of Boston, is the second most populous county, with over 797,000 residents.
The coastal counties, including Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth, tend to have higher median incomes and lower poverty rates than the interior counties. However, the interior counties, including Worcester and Norfolk, have seen significant economic growth in recent years, driven by the expansion of the high-tech and biotech industries.
Points of Interest in Massachusetts Counties
Each of Massachusetts’ 14 counties has its own unique attractions and points of interest. Some popular destinations include:
- Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, located in Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties
- The Berkshire Mountains, located in Berkshire County
- The city of Boston, located in Suffolk County
- The historic city of Plymouth, located in Plymouth County
- The scenic coastline of Essex County, including the towns of Gloucester and Rockport
What is the most populous county in Massachusetts?
+Middlesex County is the most populous county in Massachusetts, with over 1.6 million residents.
Which counties in Massachusetts have abolished their county governments?
+Eight counties in Massachusetts have abolished their county governments: Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester.
What is the largest city in Massachusetts?
+The largest city in Massachusetts is Boston, which is located in Suffolk County and has a population of over 694,000 residents.
