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Hampden County, Massachusetts — County Report Card

MA

#14 in Massachusetts

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
32.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 67.7Water Quality 66.4Health 66.3

County Report Card

About Hampden County, Massachusetts

Hampden Faces Livability Challenges

Hampden County's composite score of 32.8 is significantly below the national median of 50.0. The county struggles with several core livability dimensions simultaneously.

Below the Massachusetts Baseline

Scoring 32.8 against a state average of 48.6, Hampden ranks lower than most of its neighbors. It faces a tougher economic and social landscape than the rest of the Commonwealth.

Income Levels and Water Quality

The income score of 67.7 is the county's strongest suit, with a median household income of $70,535. Water quality also performs reasonably well with a score of 66.4.

Tax, Safety, and Risk Concerns

Hampden struggles with high taxes (10.0 score) and a low safety score of 13.4. A risk score of 7.2 further suggests limited resilience to environmental or economic shocks.

Best for Budget-Conscious Residents

This county offers the lowest median home values in this group at $276,300. It suits those looking for a lower cost of entry to Massachusetts who can manage safety and tax trade-offs.

Score breakdown

Tax10Cost14.3Safety13.4Health66.3Schools57.4Income67.7Risk7.2Water66.4Weather50.5
🏛10
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.3
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

Hampshire County
Massachusetts
49.4
Capitol Planning Region
Connecticut
31
Franklin County
Massachusetts
46.2
Berkshire County
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Northwest Hills Planning Region
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Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
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Worcester County
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Deep Dives

Hampden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hampden County

via TaxByCounty

Hampden taxes significantly above national average

Hampden County's effective tax rate of 1.568% is the highest in Massachusetts and well above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in America's top 10% of tax-burdened counties. The median tax bill of $4,332 exceeds the national median of $2,690, though homes average $276,300, just slightly less than the national median of $281,900. For wealth relative to property value, Hampden homeowners face one of the nation's steepest tax loads.

Hampden bears Massachusetts' highest tax rate

At 1.568%, Hampden County has the single highest effective tax rate in Massachusetts, nearly half a percentage point above the state average of 1.065%. The median tax of $4,332 falls below the state median of $5,149, reflecting Hampden's lower home values averaging $276,300. Hampden's combination of the highest state rate and below-average property values creates the state's most severe tax-to-affordability mismatch.

Hampden's rate vastly exceeds all peers

Hampden's 1.568% rate exceeds every other Massachusetts county, towering above Franklin (1.514%), Hampshire (1.466%), and dramatically above all southern and eastern counties. When compared to neighboring Connecticut and New York, Hampden's rate represents one of the region's least competitive tax environments. The county's legacy industrial economy and legacy pension obligations drive rates far above those of surrounding regions.

A $276,300 home costs roughly $4,332 yearly

The median Hampden property—valued at $276,300—generates an annual tax bill of approximately $4,332, nearly identical for mortgaged and outright owners at $4,316 and $4,360 respectively. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $129,960 in property taxes. For a county with below-average home values and below-average incomes, this tax burden represents one of Massachusetts' most challenging affordability pictures.

Assessment relief could ease tax burden

Hampden County's economically challenged towns sometimes carry assessments that haven't adjusted downward with declining incomes and property values, leaving homeowners overpaying relative to peer communities. Assessment appeals are free and should be seriously considered, especially in Hampden's high-tax environment. Successful appeals could free up hundreds of dollars annually—meaningful money in a region where median household income lags the state.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hampden County

via CostByCounty

Hampden offers surprising affordability for region

Hampden County renters spend 18.8% of their income on housing, beating both the national average and Massachusetts' state median of 19.3%. With the lowest median household income ($70,535) among surveyed counties and rent at just $1,105 monthly, Hampden proves you don't need high income to achieve housing affordability.

Hampden punches above its weight on value

Hampden County ranks among the most affordable in Massachusetts despite having the state's lowest median household income at $70,535. Its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, and its $1,105 median rent ranks among the lowest statewide.

Springfield area undercuts all western counties

Hampden's $1,105 median rent edges out Berkshire ($1,042) as slightly pricier but beats Franklin ($1,169) and Hampshire ($1,332) by substantial margins. Home values ($276,300) are the state's lowest alongside Berkshire, making Hampden the ultimate affordability play.

Modest income stretched across reasonable costs

Renters allocate 18.8% of their $70,535 income to $1,105 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 25.9% to a $1,525 monthly payment on homes worth $276,300. Hampden achieves impressive affordability despite lower household incomes than most other surveyed counties.

Maximum affordability for budget-conscious relocators

Moving to Hampden County means accessing the state's lowest home values ($276,300) and some of the lowest rents ($1,105) while maintaining reasonable household economics. If affordability is paramount and you're willing to embrace Springfield's urban revitalization, Hampden delivers unmatched housing value in Massachusetts.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hampden County

via IncomeByCounty

Hampden falls short of national income median

Hampden County's median household income of $70,535 lags the national median of $74,755 by 6%, placing it slightly below middle-class earnings nationally. The county's economy, centered on Springfield and smaller industrial cities, reflects the challenges of traditional manufacturing-dependent regions.

Lowest-income county in Massachusetts

Hampden's $70,535 median ranks last among all 14 Massachusetts counties, trailing the state average of $96,546 by 27%. The income gap reflects broader struggles in the region's traditional industrial base and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Significantly trails surrounding counties

Hampden's $70,535 median trails Franklin County ($72,584) and Berkshire County ($72,565), with even larger gaps compared to Hampshire County ($86,391). The county faces the steepest income challenges across the entire region.

Affordable housing eases financial pressure

Hampden's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of just $276,300 provide genuine affordability relief, the lowest housing costs statewide. While incomes lag, residents benefit from manageable property costs that preserve resources for other essentials.

Maximize modest earnings through smart planning

Hampden County residents must prioritize every dollar to build wealth, starting with emergency funds and then taking full advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Low housing costs create the opportunity for savings; discipline and strategic planning can overcome the income disadvantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hampden County

via CrimeByCounty

Hampden County Above National Crime Average

Hampden County reports 2,492.2 total crimes per 100K, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county has a safety score of 96.1, reflecting its active policing environment.

Facing Challenges within Massachusetts

The county’s safety score of 96.1 is below the Massachusetts state average of 97.7. Its crime rate of 2,492.2 is also nearly double the statewide average of 1,458.6 per 100K.

Higher Crime Than Its Immediate Neighbors

Hampden County sees more crime than neighboring Hampshire County, which reports a rate of only 1,197.9. The 29 reporting agencies in Hampden work to manage safety in a more urbanized setting.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is the primary driver at 1,936.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 556.2. Both figures are above the national averages of 2,015.7 for property and 369.8 for violent crime.

Prioritizing Home Security in Hampden

Residents should prioritize high-quality security systems and surveillance cameras to deter property-related crimes. Staying connected with local law enforcement and community groups helps improve neighborhood safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hampden County

via HealthByCounty

Hampden faces a public health crisis

Hampden County's 76.3-year life expectancy ranks lowest in Massachusetts and 3.2 years below the U.S. average of 79.5. At 20.6% reporting poor or fair health—the highest statewide—residents face the heaviest health burdens in the region.

Worst health outcomes in state

Hampden County's 76.3-year life expectancy trails Massachusetts' 79.7-year average by 3.4 years, the steepest gap of any county studied. Its 20.6% poor/fair health rate stands alone as the highest in the state, signaling a severe health crisis.

Significantly worse than all peers

Hampden's 76.3-year life expectancy lags Bristol (77.4 years), Berkshire (77.7 years), and every other county in the dataset. Its 20.6% poor/fair health rate dwarfs even Bristol's 16.7%, marking Hampden as a region in acute health distress.

Good mental health access amid crisis

Hampden County offers 1,167 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest statewide—yet has just 67 primary care physicians per 100,000. The 3.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, complicating access despite mental health resources.

Coverage opens the path to health

Hampden County's 3.3% uninsured rate means 3,300 residents lack coverage, a barrier to managing the chronic diseases driving low life expectancy. Enroll in MassHealth or a marketplace plan immediately to access preventive and ongoing care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hampden County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Mix of Urban and Suburban Schools

Hampden County hosts a large network of 167 public schools serving over 68,000 students. With 29 districts, the county features a balanced mix of 90 elementary, 32 middle, and 34 high schools. This system is designed to handle both high-density urban populations and growing suburban neighborhoods.

Focused Spending in a Competitive Landscape

The county maintains an 84.1% graduation rate while investing $11,670 per pupil in its diverse student body. The school score of 60.5 highlights the ongoing efforts to improve outcomes in a region with significant economic variety. These metrics show a system that provides essential services to a large, multifaceted population.

Springfield: The Heart of the School System

Springfield is the dominant district, managing 66 schools and 23,721 students, making it one of the largest in the state. The county also features 11 charter schools, which provide unique educational pathways to 6.6% of the student population. Chicopee and Holyoke also maintain substantial districts with over 11,000 students combined.

Urban Centers and Large High School Campuses

The county's schools are split between suburban (84) and city (72) locales, with an average size of 409 students. Springfield Central High is the largest school, enrolling 2,095 students in a bustling urban environment. Specialized options like the Springfield International Charter School offer K-12 education on a single campus for over 1,500 students.

Endless Options for Growing Families

With 29 districts to choose from, Hampden County offers a home for every educational priority, from large urban vocational academies to quiet suburban elementary schools. The variety of charter and traditional public options makes this a versatile market for home buyers. Look into these diverse districts to find the perfect fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hampden County

via RiskByCounty

Hampden carries elevated national disaster risk

Hampden County's composite risk score of 92.78 places it well above the national average, in the relatively high tier of American disaster exposure. This elevated score reflects Hampden's concentration of multiple overlapping hazards, from floods to tornadoes to earthquakes. Residents here face significantly greater disaster risk than Americans in most other regions.

Second-highest risk in Massachusetts

Hampden County ranks second-riskiest in Massachusetts with a 92.78 composite score, trailing only Essex County (95.58) and running well above the state average of 78.84. Bristol County (89.85) and Barnstable (89.09) follow, but Hampden's 92.78 marks it clearly in the state's highest-risk tier. Hampden's central location and urban density drive substantial compound risk.

Higher risk than inland peers; similar to coast

Hampden's 92.78 score dramatically outpaces inland Franklin (60.72) and Hampshire (69.88), yet runs nearly even with coastal Bristol (89.85) and Barnstable (89.09). This positioning reflects Hampden's dense population concentration and multi-hazard exposure despite its inland geography. Urban development, not coastal location, drives Hampden's elevated risk profile.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes dominate

Hampden residents face extreme tornado risk (82.73)—among the state's highest—along with severe flood risk (95.87) and significant earthquake exposure (90.59). Hurricane risk (93.20) and wildfire risk (39.31) round out the hazard picture. This county's risk stems from a unique combination of severe weather pathways, river systems, and seismic zones.

Multi-hazard protection strategy required

With flood (95.87), hurricane (93.20), earthquake (90.59), and especially tornado (82.73) risks all critically high, you need layered insurance coverage including federal flood insurance, earthquake protection, and enhanced wind/tornado riders. Structural hardening—from reinforced rooms to elevated utilities—should be a priority if you're in a high-risk zone. Hampden requires active, comprehensive disaster preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hampden County

via WeatherByCounty

Pioneer Valley Warmth Trends

Hampden County averages 49.0°F annually, staying just below the state average and the national median. Its location in the Connecticut River Valley creates a distinct microclimate for the region.

Near the State Norm

Hampden’s average temperature is nearly identical to the state average of 49.5°F. It is significantly warmer than neighboring Hampshire County, which averages 47.1°F.

The Heat of the Valley

Hampden experiences 16 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than any other county in this group. This is 11 more heat days than Berkshire County and 6 more than Franklin County.

Hot Summers and Cold Januaries

July reaches an average of 72.6°F, though the county also faces a chilly January average of 24.9°F. While specific annual snowfall data is currently unavailable, the winter average sits at a brisk 27.5°F.

Cooling is a Priority

Residents should invest in high-capacity air conditioning to manage the 16 days of extreme heat. Although specific snow data is missing, the 48.8 inches of annual rain suggest a need for robust storm management.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hampden County

via SoilByCounty

Pioneer Valley Soil Identities

Detailed soil data, including pH and taxonomic classification, are not currently available for Hampden County. While the state average pH of 3.61 serves as a general guide, local conditions near the Connecticut River vary significantly. Testing your own soil remains the best way to determine its specific chemical identity.

River Silts and Glacial Mixes

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this county in the standardized dataset. The region's geography suggests a mix of river-deposited silts and upland glacial till, offering varied workability for farmers. Gardeners should observe how the soil clumps when wet to gauge its clay and silt content.

Building Fertility in Valley Beds

Organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) metrics are missing for this area. Without these specific numbers, building fertility through composting and cover cropping is the most reliable strategy for local growers. These practices ensure the soil can support the heavy feeders common in Pioneer Valley gardens.

Observing Local Water Movement

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for Hampden County in the current records. Observing how quickly the ground dries after a summer storm will help you determine the best spots for moisture-loving plants. Proper drainage management is key for both successful farming and urban landscaping.

Abundant Potential in Zone 6a

Hampden County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, providing a reliable window for growing everything from tomatoes to sunflowers. The valley climate is historically productive, supporting a wide array of both ornamental and edible plants. Starting a garden here is a great way to connect with the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hampden County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates in the Pioneer Valley

Hampden County is a top performer with a lawn difficulty score of 64.3, well above the national median. This indicates that the 6a hardiness zone and local climate are very conducive to healthy grass. It remains one of the more accessible counties for maintaining a lush yard in the state.

Hottest Summers in the Region

With 16 extreme heat days, Hampden experiences more high-heat stress than any other county on our list. The 48.8 inches of annual rain helps mitigate this, but the 2,751 growing degree days mean grass grows fast and needs water. Mowing and watering must be carefully timed to combat the July heat.

Productive Valley Soils Await Testing

While specific pH and texture data are not available, the Pioneer Valley is known for its fertile, silty soils. The high annual precipitation of 48.8 inches suggests that drainage is a key factor for local success. A standard soil test will help you calibrate the right nutrient balance for this productive region.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

Hampden has seen 16 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. Given the 16 days of 90°F+ weather, lawns can brown quickly without supplemental irrigation. Focus on deep soaking rather than light sprinkling to keep roots resilient.

Heat-Tolerant Turf for Hampden

Heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass or Turf-Type Tall Fescue blends are best for this warmer 6a zone. The growing season kicks off after the May 3 frost and remains strong throughout the summer. Ensure your lawn is well-fed and watered before the first frost on October 17.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hampden County's county score?
Hampden County, Massachusetts has a composite county score of 32.8 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 Hampden County rank among counties in Massachusetts?
Hampden County ranks #14 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 Hampden County, Massachusetts?
The median annual property tax in Hampden County is $4,332, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Hampden County a tax score of 10/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hampden County?
The median household income in Hampden County, Massachusetts is $70,535 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hampden County earns an income score of 67.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hampden County, Massachusetts a good place to live?
Hampden County scores 32.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Massachusetts. The best way to evaluate Hampden 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 Hampden 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.