Best Counties for Families in Massachusetts 2026
14 counties ranked by schools, safety, income, and affordability.
Top 5 Family Counties in Massachusetts
All 14 Family-Ranked Counties in Massachusetts
| Rank | County | Persona Score | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barnstable County, MA | 66 | 58 |
| 2 | Norfolk County, MA | 63 | 51 |
| 3 | Middlesex County, MA | 63 | 50.7 |
| 4 | Plymouth County, MA | 62 | 48.7 |
| 5 | Hampshire County, MA | 62 | 49.4 |
| 6 | Dukes County, MA | 60 | 61.3 |
| 7 | Worcester County, MA | 60 | 46.8 |
| 8 | Essex County, MA | 58 | 48.3 |
| 9 | Bristol County, MA | 55 | 45 |
| 10 | Franklin County, MA | 51 | 46.2 |
| 11 | Berkshire County, MA | 51 | 44.1 |
| 12 | Nantucket County, MA | 49 | 55.7 |
| 13 | Suffolk County, MA | 41 | 43 |
| 14 | Hampden County, MA | 40 | 32.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best county for families in Massachusetts?
Based on our analysis of school quality, safety, income, and cost of living, Barnstable County ranks as the top family county in Massachusetts with a family score of 66.
How many counties in Massachusetts are ranked for families?
We rank 14 counties in Massachusetts for family suitability, scoring each on school quality (35%), safety (30%), income (20%), and cost of living (15%).
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.