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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.