CountyScore

Barnstable County

Massachusetts · MA

#3 in Massachusetts
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Barnstable County, Massachusetts

Well above the national average

Barnstable County's composite score of 62.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a livability profile that works well for most residents across major economic dimensions.

Second-best in Massachusetts

Barnstable ranks among the top performers statewide with a score of 62.9, slightly ahead of the state average of 57.1. The county competes closely with Dukes County for the top position in Massachusetts livability.

Low taxes and solid income levels

The county excels in tax burden with a score of 82.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.710%, one of the lowest in the state. Median household income of $94,452 reflects a prosperous population, though housing costs present a more mixed picture.

Housing affordability lags behind

The cost score of 52.9 reflects the reality of Cape Cod living: median home values of $575,900 and median rents of $1,596 monthly challenge affordability for middle-income households. Health, safety, and school performance data remain unavailable, leaving important dimensions of livability unmeasured.

Ideal for affluent retirees and remote workers

Barnstable suits established professionals and retirees who prioritize low taxes and can afford premium coastal living. The strong income base and favorable tax environment make it particularly attractive to those already financially secure.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.3Cost52.9SafetyComing SoonHealth84.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome45Risk10.9WaterComing Soon
🏛82.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Barnstable County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Mariposa County
California
63.9
Median income: $65,378
Tehama County
California
63.9
Median income: $61,834
Bond County
Illinois
63.9
Median income: $61,603
Bay County
Michigan
63.9
Median income: $60,523
Sunflower County
Mississippi
63.9
Median income: $40,265

Deep Dives

Barnstable County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barnstable County

via TaxByCounty

Barnstable taxes well below national average

Barnstable's effective tax rate of 0.710% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, making it one of the more affordable property tax regions in the country. Homeowners here pay a median of $4,090 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—but that's because homes are worth significantly more, averaging $575,900 versus $281,900 nationally. When adjusted for home value, Barnstable ranks in the bottom quarter for tax burden nationwide.

Barnstable is Massachusetts' tax-friendliest county

At 0.710%, Barnstable's effective rate is the lowest in Massachusetts—nearly 0.4 percentage points below the state average of 1.065%. This means Barnstable homeowners pay $1,059 less in annual property taxes than the state median of $5,149, despite owning pricier properties. Barnstable's lower burden reflects deliberate town-level tax policy choices across the Cape.

Cape outpaces nearby New England regions

Barnstable's 0.710% rate significantly undercuts nearby Dukes County (0.498%, though on much pricier homes) and beats the state average by a wide margin. When compared to nearby Connecticut and Rhode Island counties with similar coastal economies, Barnstable's tax climate remains competitive for retirees and wealthy homebuyers seeking lower burdens. The county's advantage is most pronounced against inland Massachusetts counties like Hampden (1.568%) and Franklin (1.514%).

A $575,900 home costs roughly $4,090 yearly

The median Barnstable property—valued at $575,900—triggers an annual tax bill of approximately $4,090, split between $3,960 for mortgaged homes and $4,275 for outright owners. Over a 30-year mortgage, that's roughly $122,700 in total property taxes alone. For context, that yearly tax is 45% less than what homeowners pay on the state median property.

Overassessments may be costing you money

Many Barnstable homeowners are overassessed relative to fair market value, particularly in high-appreciation areas where assessments lag behind rapid price growth. You have the right to appeal your assessment if you believe it exceeds your property's true value—a process that typically costs nothing to initiate. Towns must reassess regularly, but errors happen; reviewing your assessment and comparable sales could unlock meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barnstable County

via CostByCounty

Barnstable's rent burden tops national average

Renters in Barnstable County spend 20.3% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average of roughly 18%. This means a typical household earning $94,452 annually dedicates over $1,596 monthly to rent—a meaningful premium compared to most American counties.

Less affordable than Massachusetts neighbors

Barnstable ranks among the least affordable counties in Massachusetts, with a rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% versus the state average of 19.3%. Its median rent of $1,596 exceeds the state median by just $38, but higher housing costs relative to local income make affordability tighter here.

Cape Cod premium over nearby counties

Barnstable's median rent of $1,596 significantly outpaces nearby Bristol County ($1,181) and Hampshire County ($1,332), reflecting Cape Cod's seasonal tourism and beach proximity. However, home values in Barnstable ($575,900) remain well below those in neighboring Essex County ($584,000).

Ownership costs climb faster than rent

Renters here pay $1,596 monthly (20.3% of income), while homeowners shoulder $1,717 (21.8% of income) for a median home valued at $575,900. Housing—whether renting or buying—claims over one-fifth of typical household budgets in Barnstable.

Trading Cape Cod for value elsewhere

If you're considering relocating, Berkshire or Hampden counties offer substantially lower housing costs while maintaining healthy median incomes. Barnstable's premium reflects lifestyle and location—weigh whether Cape Cod's appeal justifies paying significantly more for housing than similar Massachusetts communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barnstable County

via IncomeByCounty

Barnstable earns well above U.S. average

Barnstable County's median household income of $94,452 runs 26% higher than the national median of $74,755. This strong earnings position ranks the county in the top tier nationally, reflecting a prosperous regional economy driven by tourism, healthcare, and professional services.

Second-tier income among Massachusetts counties

While Barnstable's $94,452 median trails Massachusetts's state average of $96,546 by just 2%, it ranks fourth among the state's 14 counties. The county's income stability reflects its established role as a regional economic hub on Cape Cod.

Competitive with affluent eastern Massachusetts

Barnstable's $94,452 median sits between Essex County ($99,431) and Bristol County ($84,198), positioning it as a solidly upper-income region. The county earns $22,000 more per household than western Massachusetts counterparts like Berkshire and Franklin counties.

Housing costs manageable despite high home values

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% and median home values at $575,900, Barnstable residents spend a modest but meaningful share of earnings on housing. The county's strong income relative to national standards helps offset Cape Cod's elevated property costs.

Build long-term wealth on Cape Cod's foundation

Barnstable's above-average household income creates real opportunity for retirement savings and investment growth. With median earnings exceeding national benchmarks, residents should prioritize building emergency funds and diversified portfolios to capitalize on their income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Barnstable County

via HealthByCounty

Barnstable lives as long as America

At 79.5 years, Barnstable County's life expectancy matches the U.S. national average, a solid showing for a Massachusetts county. Just 11.9% of residents report poor or fair health—better than the national rate of 17.8%—suggesting relatively good day-to-day health status.

Slightly below Massachusetts average

Barnstable trails the state's 79.7-year life expectancy by just 0.2 years, placing it in the middle tier of Massachusetts counties. The county's 11.9% poor/fair health rate ranks better than five of its peers, indicating residents experience fewer chronic conditions than most state counties.

Healthier than Bristol, comparable to Berkshire

Barnstable's 79.5-year life expectancy beats Bristol County (77.4 years) but trails the exceptional Hampshire County (80.2 years). Its 11.9% poor/fair health rate sits between Berkshire (14.6%) and Franklin (11.6%), positioning it as a mid-performing region.

Adequate providers, tight insurance access

Barnstable has 90 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 546 mental health providers per 100,000, well-above national averages. The uninsured rate of 3.0%—matching the state average—means nearly all residents have coverage, though some may face affordability challenges.

Check your coverage today

Even with a 3.0% uninsured rate, 3,000 Barnstable County residents likely lack health coverage. Visit MassHealth or Healthcare.gov to explore plans that fit your budget and needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barnstable County

via RiskByCounty

Barnstable's risk exceeds national norms

Barnstable County scores 89.09 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly above the national average and marking it as relatively moderate in overall disaster risk. This elevated score reflects the county's coastal geography and vulnerability to Atlantic weather systems. Residents here face meaningfully higher hazard exposure than the typical American county.

Fourth-highest risk in Massachusetts

With a composite risk score of 89.09, Barnstable ranks among the state's riskier counties—above the Massachusetts average of 78.84. Only Essex, Hampden, and Bristol counties face higher composite risk in the state. This positioning reflects Barnstable's peninsula location and storm-prone Atlantic exposure.

Higher risk than western neighbors

Barnstable's 89.09 score significantly outpaces nearby Franklin County (60.72) and Hampshire County (69.88), though it runs roughly even with Bristol County (89.85) to the south. The gap widens dramatically when compared to Dukes County (16.79), which enjoys exceptional shelter despite its island geography. Coastal position, not distance, drives Barnstable's elevated risk profile.

Hurricanes and floods dominate here

Barnstable residents confront extreme hurricane risk (94.53) and severe flood risk (94.60)—the two hazards most likely to impact daily life and property. Earthquake risk (78.12) represents a secondary but meaningful threat, while tornado (45.52) and wildfire (53.21) risks remain moderate. Coastal storms and rising water represent your county's defining disaster challenges.

Flood and wind coverage are essential

With hurricane and flood risks both in the 94+ range, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program and enhanced wind/hurricane riders are critical. Review your policy annually, especially before hurricane season, and consider elevation or flood-proofing improvements if you're in a mapped risk zone. Your coastal location demands active, layered protection strategies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.