Worcester County, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Massachusetts
The population of Worcester County, Massachusetts is 861,664 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Massachusetts. The median household income is $93,561, the median home value is $390,700, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Worcester County has grown 10.1% since 2010 (800,404 → 881,248), a +0.69% annualized rate.
861,664
Population
+0.69%
Annual growth
570
People / sq mi
$93,561
Median Income
$390,700
Median Home Value
Worcester County covers 1,511 sq mi of land at 570.4 people per square mile.
About Worcester County, MA
What sets Worcester County apart is money: median household income runs $93,561, above the US median of $78,538. With 861,664 residents, Worcester County is a county in Massachusetts. It is the #2-largest of all counties in Massachusetts nationally.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $93,561, above the US median of $78,538. Only 7.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $390,700, with typical rent around $1,347.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 39.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. A solid 14.3% of workers are based at home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Worcester County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Worcester County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Worcester County had a population of 800,404 in 2010 and 881,248 in 2024, a 10.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 881,248 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.69%.
881,248
Population (2024)
800,404
Population (2010)
881,248
Peak (2024)
0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 800,404 |
| 2011 | 804,107 |
| 2012 | 807,047 |
| 2013 | 810,994 |
| 2014 | 815,707 |
| 2015 | 818,446 |
| 2016 | 820,447 |
| 2017 | 825,646 |
| 2018 | 828,644 |
| 2019 | 829,327 |
| 2020 | 857,092 |
| 2021 | 862,052 |
| 2022 | 865,735 |
| 2023 | 872,813 |
| 2024 | 881,248 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.5% |
| Black or African American | 5.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
16.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 16.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $93,561$-7,780 vs state |
| Mean household income | $122,104 |
| Per-capita income | $47,780 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Worcester County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.0% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
71.8%
Public transit
14.3%
Work from home
29.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$390,700$-135,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,347
Median rent
65.7%
Homeownership rate
353,405
Total housing units
94.3%
Occupied
5.7%
Vacant
34.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.4%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
17.1%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
12.9%
With a disability
77.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.3%
High School+
39.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Massachusetts
Other counties in Massachusetts
Part of Massachusetts
Metro areas in Massachusetts
County rankings
Common questions about Worcester County, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Worcester County, Massachusetts has a population of 861,664 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Massachusetts. Population density is 570 people per square mile.
The population of Worcester County has grown 10.1% since 2010 (800,404 → 881,248), a +0.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Worcester County, Massachusetts is $93,561, with mean (average) household income of $122,104 and per-capita income of $47,780. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Worcester County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.5%), Black or African American (5.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Worcester County, Massachusetts is 40.3 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Worcester County is $390,700 and median monthly rent is $1,347. 65.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 353,405 total housing units, 5.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Worcester County, Massachusetts is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Boston is among the largest cities associated with Worcester County, Massachusetts, with a population of 663,972.
Worcester County, MA Climate
Worcester County, MA has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 1185 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.7°C
Avg Temp
1185
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 93 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 86 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 96 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 102 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 101 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 102 mm |
| July | 20° / 69° | 97 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 101 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 94 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 100 mm |
| November | 4° / 40° | 111 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 102 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Worcester County, MA
The most comfortable months to visit Worcester County, MA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Worcester County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.