List of Counties in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 14 counties, though several have lost their governmental functions. The most populous counties are Middlesex County (Cambridge), Worcester County, Suffolk County (Boston), Essex County, Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Bristol County, Hampden County, Barnstable County, and Hampshire County. Middlesex County, which includes Cambridge and parts of Boston’s suburbs, is the largest by population. Suffolk County is home to Boston, the state capital and largest city. These counties are critical to the state’s economy, driven by education, healthcare, finance, and technology.
List of All Counties in Massachusetts
- Barnstable County, Massachusetts
- Berkshire County, Massachusetts
- Bristol County, Massachusetts
- Dukes County, Massachusetts
- Essex County, Massachusetts
- Franklin County, Massachusetts
- Hampden County, Massachusetts
- Hampshire County, Massachusetts
- Middlesex County, Massachusetts
- Nantucket County, Massachusetts
- Norfolk County, Massachusetts
- Plymouth County, Massachusetts
- Suffolk County, Massachusetts
- Worcester County, Massachusetts
1. Worcester County
Overview
Worcester County is the largest county in Massachusetts by land area, located in the central part of the state. It borders Middlesex County to the east and Connecticut to the south. The county seat is shared between the cities of Worcester, the second-largest city in Massachusetts, and Fitchburg. Worcester County has a diverse economy, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. Worcester itself is a major educational center, home to several universities, including Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Established in 1731, Worcester County played a key role in the early industrialization of New England, particularly in textiles and machinery.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 860,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Worcester and Fitchburg (shared)
- Major Airports: Worcester Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), I-290, I-395, I-190, US-20
2. Middlesex County
Overview
Middlesex County is located in eastern Massachusetts and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by Suffolk County to the southeast and Worcester County to the west. The county seat is shared between Cambridge and Lowell. Middlesex County is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. The economy is driven by education, technology, biotechnology, and healthcare. Established in 1643, Middlesex County has played a significant role in the history of Massachusetts, including its involvement in the American Revolution.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 1.6 million (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Cambridge and Lowell (shared)
- Major Airports: Logan International Airport (nearby in Boston)
- Major Highways: I-90, I-93, I-95, US-3, MA-2
3. Plymouth County
Overview
Plymouth County is located in southeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Norfolk County to the west and Barnstable County to the southeast. The county seat is shared between Plymouth and Brockton. Plymouth County is historically significant as the site of the Pilgrims’ landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The economy of the county is diverse, with sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. Plymouth’s rich history attracts many visitors, particularly to sites such as Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Plymouth Harbor. Established in 1685, Plymouth County is one of the oldest in the United States.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 530,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Plymouth and Brockton (shared)
- Major Airports: Logan International Airport (nearby in Boston)
- Major Highways: I-495, US-44, US-6, MA-3
4. Essex County
Overview
Essex County is located in northeastern Massachusetts, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Middlesex County to the west. The county seat is shared between Salem and Lawrence. Essex County has a rich maritime history, with the city of Salem playing a crucial role during the colonial period as a major shipping and trade center. The economy of Essex County is driven by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism, with Salem being a popular destination for its witch trial history and historic architecture. Established in 1643, Essex County is one of the oldest counties in Massachusetts and has a long history tied to fishing, shipbuilding, and trade.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 810,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Salem and Lawrence (shared)
- Major Airports: Logan International Airport (nearby in Boston)
- Major Highways: I-95, I-495, US-1, MA-128
5. Norfolk County
Overview
Norfolk County is located in eastern Massachusetts, bordered by Suffolk County to the northeast and Plymouth County to the south. The county seat is Dedham. Norfolk County is part of the greater Boston metropolitan area and is known for its affluent suburban communities, such as Brookline and Quincy. The county’s economy is heavily influenced by its proximity to Boston, with key sectors including education, healthcare, and professional services. Norfolk County was established in 1793, and its history includes being the birthplace of President John Adams, whose home is preserved as a national historic site in Quincy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 725,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Dedham
- Major Airports: Logan International Airport (nearby in Boston)
- Major Highways: I-95, I-93, US-1, MA-24
6. Bristol County
Overview
Bristol County is located in southeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Rhode Island to the west and Plymouth County to the north. The county seat is shared between Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford. Bristol County has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from healthcare, education, manufacturing, and fishing. The cities of Fall River and New Bedford were historically major textile manufacturing centers and remain important for their fishing industries, especially in New Bedford, which is one of the leading commercial fishing ports in the U.S. Established in 1685, Bristol County has a rich history tied to maritime industries and manufacturing.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 580,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford (shared)
- Major Airports: T.F. Green Airport (nearby in Rhode Island)
- Major Highways: I-195, US-6, MA-24, MA-79
7. Barnstable County
Overview
Barnstable County is located in southeastern Massachusetts and encompasses all of Cape Cod. It is bordered by Plymouth County to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The county seat is Barnstable. Barnstable County is a major tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming towns like Provincetown, Chatham, and Hyannis. The economy is largely driven by tourism, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. Cape Cod’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a popular summer destination. Established in 1685, Barnstable County has a long maritime history, with many towns founded as early fishing and whaling ports.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 220,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Barnstable
- Major Airports: Barnstable Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-6, MA-28, MA-6A
8. Hampden County
Overview
Hampden County is located in western Massachusetts, bordered by Hampshire County to the north and Connecticut to the south. The county seat is Springfield, the third-largest city in Massachusetts and the economic center of the region. Hampden County’s economy is diverse, with industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance playing key roles. Springfield is known for being the birthplace of basketball and is home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Established in 1812, Hampden County has a long industrial history, particularly in the production of firearms and precision manufacturing.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 470,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Springfield
- Major Airports: Bradley International Airport (nearby in Connecticut)
- Major Highways: I-90, I-91, US-20, MA-21
9. Hampshire County
Overview
Hampshire County is located in western Massachusetts, bordered by Franklin County to the north and Hampden County to the south. The county seat is Northampton, a vibrant town known for its arts scene and historic charm. Hampshire County is home to several prestigious colleges, including Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, making education a key part of its economy. The county is largely rural, with agriculture and small-scale manufacturing also playing important roles. Established in 1662, Hampshire County is one of the oldest in Massachusetts and has a rich history of early settlement and academic development.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 160,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Northampton
- Major Airports: Bradley International Airport (nearby in Connecticut)
- Major Highways: I-91, US-5, MA-9
10. Franklin County
Overview
Franklin County is located in the northwestern part of Massachusetts, bordered by Vermont to the north and Hampshire County to the south. The county seat is Greenfield, a small town known for its agricultural fairs and historic downtown. Franklin County is largely rural, with an economy based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The county’s natural beauty, including the Mohawk Trail and the Connecticut River, makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Established in 1811, Franklin County was named after Benjamin Franklin and has a long history tied to farming and early American industries.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 70,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Greenfield
- Major Airports: Bradley International Airport (nearby in Connecticut)
- Major Highways: I-91, US-5, MA-2