CountyScore

Dukes County

Massachusetts · MA

#1 in Massachusetts
70.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Dukes County, Massachusetts

Among America's most livable counties

Dukes County's composite score of 62.9 ranks at the 76th percentile nationally, outperforming the median of 50.0 by more than 25%. This places Martha's Vineyard and its surroundings among the nation's most livable regions.

Tied for first in Massachusetts

Dukes County shares the top livability ranking in Massachusetts with Barnstable, both scoring 62.9. These island and coastal communities represent the state's peak livability by composite metrics.

Exceptionally low taxes and strong incomes

Dukes excels with the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.498% (score of 88.3) and the highest median household income at $102,348. This combination provides maximum financial flexibility for wealthy residents.

Housing costs are extreme

The cost score of 47.1 reflects the harsh reality of island living: median home values of $1,104,100 are the highest in this county group. Median rents of $1,371 monthly are also substantially elevated, limiting accessibility to average earners.

Exclusively for the affluent

Dukes County is realistically accessible only to wealthy households seeking an island lifestyle with minimal tax burden. It's the premier destination for those who can afford Martha's Vineyard's premium pricing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.3Cost47.1SafetyComing SoonHealth85.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome50.2Risk83.2WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤85.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.2
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 Dukes County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Johnson County
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Pulaski County
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Webster County
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Median income: $40,764

Deep Dives

Dukes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dukes County

via TaxByCounty

Dukes County offers rare low-tax luxury living

Dukes County's effective tax rate of 0.498% is among the lowest in America, far below the national median of 1.1% and among the most affordable in the country. The median property—worth a remarkable $1,104,100—carries a median tax of $5,503 annually, reflecting Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket's ultrawealthy demographics. Despite high absolute taxes, the rate places wealthy Dukes homeowners in the most tax-favored quartile nationwide.

Dukes' rate is Massachusetts' lowest by far

At 0.498%, Dukes County has the single lowest effective tax rate in Massachusetts, nearly half the state average of 1.065%. The median tax of $5,503 exceeds the state median of $5,149, but only because homes average $1,104,100—nearly double the state median. Dukes represents an exclusive enclave where America's wealthy minimize property tax burden while owning some of the nation's most valuable residential real estate.

Dukes dramatically outpaces every nearby county

Dukes' 0.498% rate is less than half that of Barnstable (0.710%), the second-lowest in Massachusetts, and a fraction of inland rates like Franklin (1.514%) and Hampden (1.568%). The island counties benefit from unique tax structures that favor high-value properties and limit municipal services' scope compared to mainland regions. No other Massachusetts county comes close to Dukes' combination of ultra-low rates and ultra-high property values.

A $1.1M home costs roughly $5,503 yearly

The median Dukes property—valued at an extraordinary $1,104,100—triggers a median annual tax of $5,503, though this varies sharply between mortgaged ($4,369) and outright ownership ($6,538). Over 30 years, that amounts to roughly $165,090 in total property taxes on a property that likely appreciated many millions. Despite the high absolute tax, Dukes' ultra-low rate means homeowners pay far less tax per dollar of value than anywhere else in Massachusetts.

Even here, assessments deserve scrutiny

Even in Dukes County's exclusive real estate markets, assessment errors can occur, particularly when comparing island properties to mainland comps or overvaluing during downturns. A formal assessment appeal costs nothing and is your right, regardless of property value. Given Dukes' ultra-high home values, even a 1% assessment reduction could save thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dukes County

via CostByCounty

Martha's Vineyard premium costs less to justify

Despite the nation's highest median home values at $1.1 million, Dukes County renters spend just 16.1% of their income on housing—better than the national average. This is possible because median household income ($102,348) is among the country's highest, allowing residents to absorb premium coastal costs more easily.

Most expensive homes, smartest affordability ratio

Dukes County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Massachusetts (16.1%), despite having the state's highest median home values at $1.1 million and median rents of $1,371. This paradox reflects Dukes' wealthy resident base and strong household incomes of $102,348—the second-highest statewide.

Martha's Vineyard commands island premium

Dukes' median rent of $1,371 falls between nearby Barnstable ($1,596) and Hampshire ($1,332), but its home values of $1.1 million dwarf all other surveyed counties—more than double Barnstable's $575,900. Island exclusivity and limited housing supply drive Dukes' unparalleled property values.

Renters enjoy relative bargain, buyers invest heavily

Renters allocate just 16.1% of their $102,348 income to $1,371 monthly rent, an excellent ratio for a resort community. However, homeowners dedicate 27.9% to a $2,379 monthly payment for homes worth $1.1 million—the steepest ownership burden across all surveyed counties.

Island living for the exceptionally affluent

Dukes County is accessible only to households with exceptional incomes—the $1.1 million median home value means even 20% down payments exceed $220,000. If you're relocating to Martha's Vineyard, expect to be among the state's wealthiest residents; for most others, Berkshire or Bristol offer far better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dukes County

via IncomeByCounty

Dukes County ranks among America's richest

Dukes County's median household income of $102,348 towers 37% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the nation's top income tier. This exceptional wealth reflects the county's status as a premier destination for affluent residents and seasonal homeowners on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Massachusetts's wealthiest county by far

Dukes County's $102,348 median exceeds the state average of $96,546 by 6%, ranking it first among all 14 Massachusetts counties. The county's exclusive island location and high property values create an economic environment fundamentally different from mainland Massachusetts.

Significantly outearns all comparable regions

Dukes County's $102,348 median surpasses nearest competitors Essex County ($99,431) and Barnstable County ($94,452) by substantial margins. No other Massachusetts county approaches Dukes's income levels, reflecting the unique wealth concentration on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

High income essential amid extreme housing costs

Despite strong median income, Dukes County's median home values of $1,104,100 create genuine affordability challenges, with a 16.1% rent-to-income ratio representing compression at the top. Even above-average earners face substantial housing costs relative to most other American regions.

Preserve and grow extraordinary wealth strategically

Dukes County households earning well above national medians face sophisticated financial planning challenges, including estate planning, tax optimization, and diversification. Working with qualified advisors to structure investments, minimize taxes, and preserve family wealth across generations becomes essential at this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dukes County

via HealthByCounty

Dukes County's exceptional longevity

Dukes County residents live to 83.1 years on average—3.6 years above the U.S. average of 79.5, the highest of all counties studied. With 12.7% reporting poor or fair health, below the national 17.8%, Dukes demonstrates strong overall health despite geographic isolation.

Highest life expectancy statewide

Dukes County's 83.1-year life expectancy far exceeds Massachusetts' 79.7-year average, the best in the state by a wide margin. Its 12.7% poor/fair health rate ranks among the lowest statewide, reflecting an unusually healthy population.

Far healthier than nearby counties

Dukes County's 83.1-year life expectancy towers above Barnstable (79.5 years), Essex (79.7 years), and all other regions examined. The 12.7% poor/fair health rate is significantly lower than Barnstable (11.9%), suggesting Dukes' residents enjoy exceptional wellness.

Island life challenges healthcare access

Despite excellent health outcomes, Dukes County has only 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest statewide. The 4.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 3.0%, a higher-than-expected figure for such a wealthy, healthy county.

Maintain insurance for island health

Dukes County's 4.1% uninsured rate means 410 residents likely lack coverage, a concern on an island with limited provider options. Confirm your health insurance and consider a marketplace plan if uninsured to ensure continuity of care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dukes County

via RiskByCounty

Dukes enjoys exceptional national safety standing

Dukes County's composite risk score of 16.79 places it among the safest counties in America, far below both the national average and typical disaster-prone regions. This very low rating reflects Dukes' island geography and relative isolation from mainland disaster pathways. Residents here enjoy significantly lower overall disaster exposure than most Americans.

Safest county in Massachusetts by far

Dukes County's 16.79 composite score dramatically outperforms all other Massachusetts counties and sits far below the state average of 78.84. Franklin County (60.72), the second-safest in the state, scores more than 3.5 times higher than Dukes. Island geography and distance from major hazard corridors make Dukes an exceptional outlier.

Dramatically safer than mainland counterparts

Dukes County's 16.79 score stands in stark contrast to every nearby or comparable Massachusetts county—Franklin (60.72), Hampshire (69.88), Berkshire (84.00), and Barnstable (89.09) all carry substantially higher risk. Even the state average (78.84) is nearly five times Dukes' score. Island location provides unmatched protection from tornadoes, earthquakes, and wind hazards.

Hurricane risk still registers; tornadoes rare

Despite overall safety, Dukes residents do face moderate hurricane risk (80.77), reflecting Atlantic exposure even on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Tornado (10.66) and earthquake (33.49) risks remain exceptionally low, and flood (55.40) and wildfire (27.86) threats are manageable. Hurricanes are your only significant hazard; most other county concerns barely register here.

Focus coverage narrowly on hurricane risk

While flood and earthquake insurance might feel unnecessary here, hurricane coverage should remain a priority given the 80.77 risk score and Atlantic exposure. Your homeowners policy should include robust wind/hurricane riders to cover storm damage. Compared to mainland counties, your insurance needs are refreshingly straightforward.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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