CountyScore

Hampshire County

Massachusetts · MA

#6 in Massachusetts
61.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Hampshire County, Massachusetts

Matches national averages closely

Hampshire County's composite score of 57.4 is just 7 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it slightly in the upper half of U.S. counties. It represents average-to-above-average national livability.

Nearly at state average

Hampshire ranks eighth (last) among these eight counties with a score of 57.4, only slightly above the state average of 57.1. It represents the baseline livability profile for Massachusetts.

Reasonable housing and income balance

Hampshire balances moderate housing costs (median home value of $363,400) with respectable median household income of $86,391. The cost score of 59.1 is middle-of-the-road, making it accessible to upper-middle-class families.

Mixed-bag tax and income profile

The tax score of 61.0 reflects a 1.466% effective rate that's higher than average, while the income score of 39.8 suggests limited high-wage opportunities. This combination leaves limited financial cushion for households.

Solid choice for moderate-income professionals

Hampshire County suits professionals and families earning $85,000–$90,000 who seek a reasonable cost of living and college-town amenities. It's a dependable, if unremarkable, option for those seeking Massachusetts livability without premium pricing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61Cost59.1SafetyComing SoonHealth84SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.8Risk30.1WaterComing Soon
🏛61
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30.1
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 Hampshire County with another county →

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Deep Dives

Hampshire County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hampshire County

via TaxByCounty

Hampshire taxes well above national average

Hampshire County's effective tax rate of 1.466% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the top 15% of tax-burdened counties nationwide. The median tax bill of $5,326 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by nearly 100%, though homes average $363,400 compared to the national $281,900. Adjusted for home value, Hampshire homeowners face a tax burden substantially steeper than typical American taxpayers.

Hampshire ranks third-highest in Massachusetts

At 1.466%, Hampshire County ranks third-highest among Massachusetts counties, behind only Hampden (1.568%) and Franklin (1.514%), and well above the state average of 1.065%. The median tax of $5,326 slightly exceeds the state median of $5,149, reflecting Hampshire's higher home values averaging $363,400. Hampshire represents the challenging tax environment of rural western Massachusetts, intensified by the area's college-town characteristics.

Hampshire ranks high even among rural peers

Hampshire's 1.466% rate exceeds Franklin (1.514%) by only 0.05 percentage points, placing both among the region's highest, and vastly exceeds Berkshire (1.371%) and all eastern Massachusetts counties. When compared to neighboring Connecticut and Vermont college towns, Hampshire's rate is less competitive despite Amherst's and Northampton's affluent demographics. The county's reliance on municipal services and institutions drives one of the region's steepest tax rates.

A $363,400 home costs roughly $5,326 yearly

The median Hampshire property—valued at $363,400—generates an annual tax bill of approximately $5,326, nearly identical for mortgaged and outright owners at $5,339 and $5,305 respectively. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $159,780 in property taxes. Hampshire homeowners pay above the state median despite owning properties worth considerably less than state average, reflecting the county's high tax rate.

Assessment challenges warrant serious attention

Hampshire County's diverse towns—spanning wealthy college-dominated centers to struggling rural communities—often have assessments that don't accurately reflect local market realities and affordability constraints. Assessment appeals cost nothing and should be considered carefully, particularly given Hampshire's third-highest state tax rate. Even modest assessment reductions could yield hundreds of dollars in annual savings in a county with median taxes exceeding $5,300.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hampshire County

via CostByCounty

Hampshire achieves strong affordability with solid income

Hampshire County renters spend 18.5% of their income on housing, outperforming both the national average and Massachusetts' state median of 19.3%. With a median household income of $86,391 and rent at $1,332 monthly, Hampshire balances good earnings with reasonable housing costs.

Hampshire ranks among state's best values

Hampshire County boasts an 18.5% rent-to-income ratio, besting Massachusetts' state average of 19.3% and ranking among the most affordable counties statewide. Its $1,332 median rent sits well below the state median, offering solid value for western Massachusetts.

Northampton area pricing amid strong college presence

Hampshire's $1,332 rent falls between Franklin ($1,169) and Barnstable ($1,596), reflecting the Northampton area's college-driven housing market and cultural amenities. Home values ($363,400) exceed Berkshire and Hampden but remain well below coastal counties, maintaining reasonable ownership barriers.

Renters enjoy better deals than homebuyers

Renters allocate 18.5% of their $86,391 income to $1,332 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 22.7% to a $1,640 monthly payment on homes worth $363,400. Hampshire offers especially attractive rental affordability compared to its ownership costs.

College town vitality with moderate housing costs

Hampshire County combines the cultural richness of Five College communities with affordability better than most Massachusetts options. If you're relocating and want intellectual stimulation alongside reasonable housing economics, Hampshire's 18.5% rent burden and $363,400 home values beat coastal counties decisively.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hampshire County

via IncomeByCounty

Hampshire County earns above national average

Hampshire County's median household income of $86,391 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 16%, solidly placing it in the upper-middle income bracket. The county's economy benefits from a strong education and healthcare sector anchored by major universities and regional hospitals.

Sixth-ranking county within Massachusetts

Hampshire's $86,391 median falls 10% below the state average of $96,546, positioning it in the middle tier statewide. The county notably outperforms the lower-income western Massachusetts regions while trailing the state's most prosperous eastern counties.

Leads western Massachusetts income standings

Hampshire County's $86,391 median substantially exceeds Berkshire ($72,565) and Franklin ($72,584), ranking first across the western region. The county significantly trails eastern Massachusetts centers but commands respect regionally as an income leader.

Favorable affordability supports financial stability

Hampshire's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $363,400 create manageable housing costs relative to household income. The county balances solid earnings with reasonable property prices, supporting homeownership and financial security.

Invest surplus earnings for long-term growth

Hampshire County residents earning above-national-average incomes enjoy the capacity to build meaningful wealth through disciplined investing. Starting early with diversified portfolios and maximizing retirement account contributions can generate substantial long-term returns and financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hampshire County

via HealthByCounty

Hampshire leads the nation in longevity

Hampshire County's 80.2-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 79.5 by 0.7 years, ranking among the healthiest regions nationally. At 13.4% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national 17.8%—residents enjoy relatively strong day-to-day wellness.

Second-healthiest county in Massachusetts

Hampshire County's 80.2-year life expectancy ranks second only to Dukes (83.1 years) in Massachusetts, exceeding the state average by 0.5 years. Its 13.4% poor/fair health rate places it among the lowest statewide, indicating residents experience fewer chronic conditions.

Exceptional health across the region

Hampshire's 80.2-year life expectancy trails only Dukes (83.1 years) but exceeds Franklin (79.3 years) and Hampden (76.3 years) significantly. Its 13.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best statewide, positioning Hampshire as a health leader.

Highest primary care access statewide

Hampshire County leads Massachusetts with 128 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and offers 1,125 mental health providers per 100,000. At 2.5% uninsured—the lowest of all counties studied—Hampshire achieves near-universal coverage and strong healthcare access.

Sustain Hampshire's health advantage

Hampshire County's 2.5% uninsured rate means just 2,500 residents lack coverage, but those individuals miss out on preventive care driving the county's strong outcomes. Verify your coverage and enroll if uninsured to maintain Hampshire's exceptional health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hampshire County

via RiskByCounty

Hampshire holds below-average national risk

Hampshire County's composite risk score of 69.88 sits noticeably below the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. While not immune to disaster hazards, Hampshire residents enjoy measurably lower exposure than Americans in higher-risk regions. The score reflects Hampshire's inland, western position and lower concentration of major hazard pathways.

Third-safest county in Massachusetts

Hampshire County ranks third among Massachusetts counties for safety with a 69.88 composite score, well below the state average of 78.84. Only Dukes (16.79) and Franklin (60.72) offer greater protection from disaster hazards. Hampshire's inland, rural-to-suburban character translates into meaningfully reduced risk.

Safer than coast; slightly riskier than Franklin

Hampshire's 69.88 score runs only modestly higher than Franklin County (60.72), yet dramatically lower than coastal Berkshire (84.00), Bristol (89.85), Barnstable (89.09), and Essex (95.58). This positioning reflects Hampshire's inland sanctuary from Atlantic hazards, though proximity to rivers and seismic zones create baseline exposures. The gap with coastal counties is substantial and meaningful.

Floods and hurricanes warrant attention

Hampshire residents face moderate-to-elevated risk from flooding (79.39) and hurricanes (83.81), both in the 79-84 range and representing the county's primary threats. Earthquake (70.10) and tornado (46.91) risks remain secondary, while wildfire (35.81) poses minimal concern. Rivers and residual Atlantic storm systems drive Hampshire's hazard exposure.

Focus on flood coverage and hurricane prep

Federal flood insurance should be your first priority given the 79.39 flood risk score, particularly if you're near rivers, streams, or mapped flood zones. Pairing flood coverage with standard homeowners insurance and enhanced hurricane/wind riders provides solid protection for Hampshire residents. Your relatively low composite risk means you can target your insurance and preparation efforts efficiently on these two primary threats.

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.