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Barnstable County, Massachusetts — County Report Card

MA

#2 in Massachusetts

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58
County Score
Health 96.1Income & Jobs 93.6Schools 85.3

County Report Card

About Barnstable County, Massachusetts

Barnstable Exceeds the National Average

Barnstable County earns a composite score of 58.0, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a high quality of life relative to most U.S. counties.

A Top Performer in Massachusetts

The county's score of 58.0 significantly outpaces the Massachusetts state average of 48.6. It stands out as one of the more livable regions within the Commonwealth.

Elite Health and High Incomes

Barnstable excels with a health score of 96.1 and a robust income score of 93.6. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $94,452 and excellent access to wellness resources.

High Costs and Environmental Risk

The cost of living is high, reflected in a low cost score of 5.2 and a median home value of $575,900. Additionally, the risk score of 10.9 suggests vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards.

The Ideal Coastal Choice

This county is perfect for high-earning professionals and retirees who value health and education. It suits those willing to pay a premium for coastal amenities and top-tier services.

Score breakdown

Tax62Cost5.2Safety55.7Health96.1Schools85.3Income93.6Risk10.9Water71.5Weather67.7
🏛62
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤96.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Dukes County
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61.3
Nantucket County
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55.7
Plymouth County
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48.7
Bristol County
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Newport County
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Deep Dives

Barnstable County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Barnstable County

via CrimeByCounty

Barnstable County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Barnstable County reports a total crime rate of 1,011.6 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.4 out of 100.

A Leader in Massachusetts Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.4, Barnstable outperforms the Massachusetts state average of 97.7. Its crime rate sits significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,458.6 incidents per 100K residents.

Outperforming Its Coastal Neighbors

Barnstable is considerably safer than nearby Bristol County, which has a higher crime rate of 1,502.6 per 100K. The 17 reporting agencies on the Cape maintain one of the lowest crime profiles in the region.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for 740.5 incidents per 100K, while the violent crime rate remains low at 271.1. These figures are well below the national violent crime average of 369.8 and the national property crime average of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a Secure Coastal Community

Residents can help keep these numbers low by investing in smart home technology and motion-sensor lighting. While the county is very safe, staying proactive about home security preserves the area's high quality of life.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Barnstable County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Education Network Across the Cape

Barnstable County manages an extensive education infrastructure featuring 49 public schools across 18 districts. The network serves 22,494 students and consists of 28 elementary, 9 middle, and 11 high schools. This structured system ensures comprehensive coverage from primary education through graduation for the region's families.

High Graduation Rates and Strong Investment

The county boasts a 92.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.1%. Local districts invest $14,760 per pupil, which is well above the national median of $13,000. These investments translate to a strong 71.5 school score, exceeding the Massachusetts average of 66.7.

Large Districts and Specialized Charter Options

The Barnstable district leads the county with 4,838 students across 9 schools, followed by Falmouth and Dennis-Yarmouth. Charter schools like Sturgis Charter Public School represent 4.1% of the county's schools, offering specialized pathways for 830 students. These major districts form the backbone of the Cape's academic community.

Suburban Learning with a Coastal Feel

With 33 schools in suburban settings and an average size of 459 students, the county offers a balanced learning environment. Barnstable High stands as the largest institution with 1,763 students, contrasting with the smaller, more intimate elementary schools. The mix of 10 city-based and 5 rural schools provides diverse options for every lifestyle.

Invest in a Future Near Top-Tier Schools

Strong school performance is a primary driver of property value and community stability throughout Barnstable County. Families looking for high graduation rates and healthy per-pupil spending should explore the diverse housing options near these top districts. Your next home on the Cape offers both a scenic lifestyle and elite educational opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Barnstable County

via WeatherByCounty

Barnstable’s Coastal Maritime Climate

Barnstable’s 50.8°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median but warmer than the state average. This coastal region enjoys a humid continental climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean.

Warmest in the Commonwealth

Barnstable ranks among the warmest counties in Massachusetts, exceeding the state average of 49.5°F. Its coastal location keeps it significantly milder than inland peers during the winter months.

A Milder Coastal Neighbor

Barnstable shares a similar maritime profile with Dukes County, which is slightly warmer at 51.3°F. It remains notably warmer than Bristol County’s inland sections during the peak of winter.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county experiences only one extreme heat day per year, with July averages staying a comfortable 71.2°F. Residents see about 23.0 inches of annual snowfall, which is lower than many of its mainland neighbors.

Planning for Island Life

Because the ocean regulates temperatures, residents can focus less on extreme heat cooling and more on moisture control from the 45.4 inches of annual rain. Winter gear is essential, but the 31.6°F January average is gentler than the state's interior.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barnstable County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Coastal Soils of the Cape

Barnstable County features an extremely acidic soil profile with an average pH of 3.57, sitting slightly below the state average of 3.61. This measurement is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a highly specialized growing environment. The dominant texture is classified as water-influenced, reflecting the county’s extensive coastal and wetland geography.

Sand Dominates the Sandy Hook

The soil contains 47.0% sand, 19.0% silt, and 4.1% clay. This high sand content promotes rapid drainage but often results in lower nutrient retention compared to heavier inland soils. Gardeners find the ground easy to work, though it requires frequent irrigation and organic amendments to thrive.

High Organic Content in Porous Ground

Organic matter levels reach a high 22.06%, which dwarf the national average of 2.0% but trail the Massachusetts state average of 29.25%. The available water capacity of 0.166 inches per inch indicates the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state average of 0.184. These conditions favor acid-loving plants that can handle slightly drier, organic-rich beds.

Fast Drainage Across the Peninsula

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for this coastal region in the current dataset. However, the sandy composition suggests that water moves through the soil profile very quickly, preventing pooling but requiring careful moisture management. Residents must manage this high permeability to prevent nutrient runoff into local coastal waters.

Coastal Favorites Thrive in Zone 7a

Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Barnstable is ideal for salt-tolerant and acid-loving species like blueberries and hydrangeas. The milder coastal winters allow for a longer growing season than much of inland Massachusetts. Grab a trowel and take advantage of these unique, organic-heavy coastal conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barnstable County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Coastal Conditions in Barnstable

Maintaining a lawn here is more difficult than the national median, with a score of 46.9 out of 100. This falls significantly below the Massachusetts state average of 56.8 despite the relatively mild Hardiness Zone 7a climate. Residents must work harder to keep grass green in this sandy, maritime environment.

Stable Temperatures but High Maintenance

The county receives 45.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is close to the ideal range for cool-season grasses. With only 1 extreme heat day per year and 2,557 growing degree days, the climate favors steady growth rather than heat-induced dormancy. However, the coastal breeze and high light levels necessitate a consistent mowing and watering schedule.

Managing Highly Acidic Sandy Soil

Barnstable's soil pH of 3.57 is far below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, requiring significant lime applications to neutralize acidity. The high sand content of 47.0% ensures fast drainage but prevents the soil from holding onto vital nutrients. Lawns here typically need frequent, light fertilization to thrive in the porous ground.

Constant Vigilance Against Drought

The county spent 49 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Gardeners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to encourage deep root systems. Mulching and allowing grass to grow taller can help retain moisture in these dry periods.

Success with Salt-Tolerant Varieties

Tall fescue and fine fescues are excellent choices for this 7a zone because they tolerate sandy soil and salt spray. For the best results, start your lawn after the last frost on April 16 or in early fall. Aim to finish all seeding before the first frost arrives on November 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barnstable County's county score?
Barnstable County, Massachusetts has a composite county score of 58 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Barnstable County rank among counties in Massachusetts?
Barnstable County ranks #2 among all counties in Massachusetts on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Barnstable County, Massachusetts?
The median annual property tax in Barnstable County is $4,090, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Barnstable County a tax score of 62/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barnstable County?
The median household income in Barnstable County, Massachusetts is $94,452 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barnstable County earns an income score of 93.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barnstable County, Massachusetts a good place to live?
Barnstable County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Massachusetts. The best way to evaluate Barnstable County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Barnstable County with other counties side by side.

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