Best Counties for Retirement in Massachusetts 2026
14 counties ranked by health care, safety, tax burden, and affordability.
Top 5 Retirement Counties in Massachusetts
All 14 Retirement-Ranked Counties in Massachusetts
| Rank | County | Persona Score | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barnstable County, MA | 64 | 58 |
| 2 | Dukes County, MA | 63 | 61.3 |
| 3 | Nantucket County, MA | 60 | 55.7 |
| 4 | Norfolk County, MA | 57 | 51 |
| 5 | Middlesex County, MA | 56 | 50.7 |
| 6 | Essex County, MA | 55 | 48.3 |
| 7 | Franklin County, MA | 54 | 46.2 |
| 8 | Plymouth County, MA | 53 | 48.7 |
| 9 | Hampshire County, MA | 52 | 49.4 |
| 10 | Worcester County, MA | 50 | 46.8 |
| 11 | Suffolk County, MA | 48 | 43 |
| 12 | Berkshire County, MA | 47 | 44.1 |
| 13 | Bristol County, MA | 46 | 45 |
| 14 | Hampden County, MA | 31 | 32.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best county for retirement in Massachusetts?
Based on our analysis of health care access, safety, property taxes, and cost of living, Barnstable County ranks as the top retirement county in Massachusetts with a retirement score of 64.
How many counties in Massachusetts are ranked for retirement?
We rank 14 counties in Massachusetts for retirement suitability, scoring each on health care access (35%), safety (30%), property tax (20%), and cost of living (15%).
Also Browse Massachusetts Counties For
Retirement 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.