CountyScore

Nantucket County

Massachusetts · MA

#4 in Massachusetts
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Nantucket County, Massachusetts

Nantucket exceeds national livability baseline

Nantucket's composite score of 54.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The island county performs better than most U.S. communities on measured livability dimensions, though Massachusetts sets a higher bar.

Slightly below Massachusetts county average

At 54.5, Nantucket trails the state average of 57.1 by roughly 2.6 points, placing it in the middle tier of Massachusetts counties. The shortfall reflects the island's unique economic structure rather than poor performance on absolute terms.

Exceptional tax advantages for residents

Nantucket's standout strength is its tax score of 96.2—the highest among these six counties—with an effective tax rate of just 0.215%. This dramatic tax efficiency gives residents substantial savings compared to mainland Massachusetts communities.

Extreme housing costs dwarf all other concerns

Nantucket's cost score of 21.4 is the lowest among these counties, reflecting a median home value of $1,387,000—double Middlesex's and nearly four times Worcester's. Limited data on safety, health, schools, environmental risks, and water quality leave other livability factors unclear.

For wealthy residents seeking island lifestyle

Nantucket County is designed for affluent families and retirees who can absorb $1.4 million median home prices and view the island's isolation as an asset, not a barrier. If you're a millionaire seeking tax efficiency and coastal prestige, Nantucket delivers; if housing costs are a concern, this island is not for you.

Score breakdown

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

Tax96.2Cost21.4SafetyComing SoonHealth87.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome61.5Risk61.3WaterComing Soon
🏛96.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤87.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.3
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 Nantucket County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Floyd County
Georgia
63.2
Median income: $62,540
Henry County
Illinois
63.2
Median income: $69,912
Barton County
Kansas
63.2
Median income: $56,733
Fayette County
Kentucky
63.2
Median income: $67,631
Dakota County
Minnesota
63.2
Median income: $105,212

Deep Dives

Nantucket County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nantucket County

via TaxByCounty

Nantucket's lowest-in-state rate still exceeds national median

Despite Massachusetts' reputation for high taxes, Nantucket County's effective tax rate of 0.215% is barely above the national median, with median property taxes of just $2,985. The county's extraordinarily high median home value of $1,387,000—nearly five times the national median—keeps overall tax obligations reasonable despite high-priced real estate.

Massachusetts' most tax-friendly county

Nantucket County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Massachusetts at 0.215%, dramatically lower than the state average of 1.065%. This makes Nantucket a unique haven for high-net-worth homeowners seeking to minimize property tax burden.

Dramatically lower than nearby counties

Nantucket's 0.215% rate is less than one-fifth the burden of neighboring Middlesex (1.054%) and a fraction of Plymouth (1.237%) and Worcester (1.333%) counties. Only Suffolk County's 0.666% comes close, yet it's still three times higher than Nantucket's remarkably low rate.

Your median annual property tax bill

A homeowner with Nantucket's median-valued property of $1,387,000 pays approximately $2,985 in annual property taxes. This works out to just $249 per month despite the extraordinarily high property values—a significant savings compared to mainland counties.

Even in Nantucket, appeals are worthwhile

Although Nantucket has the state's most favorable tax rates, assessment accuracy remains important for the region's residents. Homeowners should still verify their property assessments and file appeals if they believe their valuations are inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nantucket County

via CostByCounty

Island premium: Nantucket's housing squeeze

Nantucket residents spend 20.7% of income on rent—above both the national average of 19.3% and Massachusetts's 19.3%—despite a median household income of $119,750 that nearly doubles the national median. The island's geographic isolation and seasonal economy have created one of the country's most expensive rental markets.

Massachusetts's least affordable for ownership

Nantucket ranks as Massachusetts's most expensive county for homeownership, with a median home value of $1,387,000—more than double any other Massachusetts county and nearly two and a half times Middlesex's $687,200. Monthly owner costs of $3,203 consume the largest share of any county's income relative to affordability.

Island isolation drives prices skyward

Nantucket's $2,070 median rent mirrors nearby Middlesex and Norfolk, but its $1,387,000 median home value dwarfs all regional peers—Plymouth is $513,000, Worcester $390,700. The island's seasonal tourism economy and limited housing supply have created a bifurcated market: expensive for residents, prohibitive for newcomers.

Ownership costs nearly double rentals

Renters pay $2,070 monthly while homeowners face $3,203—a $1,133 monthly gap unprecedented among Massachusetts counties. Even with a $119,750 median income, Nantucket homeowners dedicate 32% of income to housing, the highest burden in the state.

Consider Nantucket only if you're wealthy

Nantucket works for high-earners seeking island life and don't mind the premium, but renters should know median costs are in line with Boston suburbs while homes cost triple regional averages. If you're seeking New England island living on a tighter budget, consider investigating Martha's Vineyard or coastal Connecticut alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nantucket County

via IncomeByCounty

Nantucket incomes surge 60% nationwide

Nantucket County's median household income of $119,750 runs 60% above the U.S. median of $74,755. This island economy thrives on tourism, hospitality, and seasonal wealth from mainland visitors and second-home owners.

Third-highest county income in state

Nantucket ranks third among Massachusetts counties at $119,750, trailing Middlesex and Norfolk but comfortably above the state average of $96,546. The county's compact, high-value real estate market supports elevated household earnings.

Premium pricing for island life

Nantucket's median income of $119,750 lags Middlesex ($126,779) and Norfolk ($126,497) but exceeds Plymouth ($109,698) by 9%. The island's isolation drives both higher wages and dramatically higher living costs.

Housing remains steeply expensive

Despite $119,750 median household income, a rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% is manageable—but median home values hit $1,387,000, the state's highest. Most Nantucket residents cannot afford to purchase without substantial inherited wealth or outside income sources.

Navigate island real estate strategically

Nantucket's extreme property values demand sophisticated financial planning; households earning $119,750 should consult estate planners and investment advisors before committing to home purchase. Explore alternative wealth-building through diversified investments if buying locally proves prohibitive.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Nantucket County

via HealthByCounty

Nantucket leads on longevity

At 82.8 years, Nantucket County's life expectancy is the highest in Massachusetts and nearly four years above the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 10.9% report poor or fair health, significantly outperforming the national rate of 15.3%.

Massachusetts's longevity leader

Nantucket's 82.8-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 79.7 years by 3.1 years, placing it at the top of the state. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 10.9% reflects exceptional population health compared to other Massachusetts counties.

Life expectancy miles ahead

Nantucket's 82.8-year life expectancy significantly outpaces Middlesex County (81.5 years), Norfolk County (81.2 years), and Plymouth County (78.8 years). However, Nantucket's 3.8% uninsured rate runs slightly higher than nearby Middlesex and Norfolk counties at 2.4%.

Provider access challenges on an island

With only 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Nantucket has limited local healthcare infrastructure and relies heavily on off-island referrals. Mental health services are more accessible at 436 providers per 100,000, though overall capacity remains tighter than mainland counties.

Secure coverage for island healthcare

Island living can mean higher healthcare costs and travel barriers; comprehensive insurance coverage is critical. Visit healthcare.gov to explore plans that cover mainland providers and ensure continuity of care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nantucket County

via RiskByCounty

Nantucket has very low overall disaster risk

Nantucket County scores 38.68 on composite risk, placing it in the very low category—far below the national average. This score reflects minimal exposure to most natural hazards, with one notable exception.

Lowest-risk county in Massachusetts

Nantucket ranks as the safest county in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 38.68 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 51% reduction below the state baseline reflects exceptionally low tornado, earthquake, and wildfire risks.

Significantly safer than mainland peers

Nantucket's 38.68 score substantially trails other Massachusetts counties: Plymouth (90.36), Norfolk (92.02), and Suffolk (93.51) all exceed 90. Nantucket's isolation as an island community has created a unique low-risk profile across most hazard categories.

Hurricane exposure is your primary concern

Hurricane risk reaches 90.95 in Nantucket—among the highest in the county—reflecting the island's Atlantic exposure. Flood risk stands at 70.00, while wildfire (13.01), tornado (4.10), and earthquake (22.36) risks remain minimal.

Hurricane preparedness is your insurance priority

Standard homeowners policies typically cover hurricane wind damage, but you should verify your deductible and coverage limits given Nantucket's coastal location. Consider supplemental flood insurance, as storm surge and heavy rainfall can exceed standard policy limits even on this lower-risk island.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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