Best Counties for Families in Massachusetts 2026
14 counties ranked with the Family lens of the County Fit Score.
All 14 Family-Ranked Counties in Massachusetts
| Rank | County | County Fit Score | baseline CountyScore | Delta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barnstable County, MA | 63.1 | 58 | +5.1 |
| 2 | Dukes County, MA | 63 | 61.3 | +1.7 |
| 3 | Norfolk County, MA | 58.9 | 51.1 | +7.8 |
| 4 | Middlesex County, MA | 58.7 | 50.7 | +8 |
| 5 | Hampshire County, MA | 58.4 | 49.4 | +9 |
| 6 | Plymouth County, MA | 57 | 48.7 | +8.3 |
| 7 | Worcester County, MA | 54.8 | 46.8 | +8 |
| 8 | Essex County, MA | 54.1 | 48.3 | +5.8 |
| 9 | Nantucket County, MA | 53.5 | 55.7 | -2.2 |
| 10 | Bristol County, MA | 51.1 | 45 | +6.1 |
| 11 | Franklin County, MA | 51 | 46.2 | +4.8 |
| 12 | Berkshire County, MA | 49.5 | 44.1 | +5.4 |
| 13 | Suffolk County, MA | 42 | 43 | -1 |
| 14 | Hampden County, MA | 37.2 | 32.8 | +4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best county for families in Massachusetts?
Based on the Family lens, Barnstable County ranks as the top family county in Massachusetts with a County Fit Score of 63.1. The baseline CountyScore remains visible for context.
How many counties in Massachusetts are ranked for families?
We rank 14 counties in Massachusetts with the Family lens, using independent importance values for schools, safety, affordability, health, income, taxes, and disaster risk.
Also Browse Massachusetts Counties For
Family Rankings by State
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, 2019-2023 ACS — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.