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Norfolk County, Massachusetts — County Report Card

MA

#4 in Massachusetts

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.1Health 98Schools 77.7

County Report Card

About Norfolk County, Massachusetts

Healthy Lead on National Standards

Norfolk County secures a composite score of 51.0, placing it above the national median of 50.0. High rankings in health and education help it maintain its competitive edge.

Above Average in the Commonwealth

The county's 51.0 score sits above the Massachusetts state average of 48.6. It serves as a more stable, slightly more affordable alternative to the state's urban core.

Superb Incomes and Public Health

Norfolk shines with an Income Score of 99.1 and a Health Score of 98.0. Residents earn a high median income of $126,497, supporting a robust and healthy community infrastructure.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

A Cost Score of 0.8 highlights a significant affordability barrier, with median home values at $649,400. The Risk Score of 8.0 also indicates substantial exposure to regional environmental hazards.

A Hub for Affluent Families

Norfolk is perfectly suited for high-income families who want excellent schools and safety without the density of Boston. It offers a refined quality of life for those who can navigate its high property prices.

Score breakdown

Tax31.8Cost0.8Safety54.5Health98Schools77.7Income99.1Risk8Water63.8Weather56.1
🏛31.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤98
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.7
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

Suffolk County
Massachusetts
43
Middlesex County
Massachusetts
50.7
Plymouth County
Massachusetts
48.7
Providence County
Rhode Island
36.7
Bristol County
Massachusetts
45
Essex County
Massachusetts
48.3
Bristol County
Rhode Island
58.6
Worcester County
Massachusetts
46.8

Deep Dives

Norfolk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Norfolk County

via TaxByCounty

Norfolk's taxes far exceed the national average

Norfolk County's effective tax rate of 1.090% is nearly four times the national norm, with residents paying $7,081 annually versus the national median of $2,690. The county's median home value of $649,400 is 2.3 times the national median, making property taxes a substantial expense for homeowners.

Slightly above Massachusetts average

Norfolk County's effective tax rate of 1.090% marginally exceeds Massachusetts' state average of 1.065%, positioning it as a moderate-to-high-tax county within the state. The county's median property tax of $7,081 is about $1,930 higher than the state median of $5,149.

Among the highest-taxed in the region

Norfolk County's 1.090% rate sits between Middlesex (1.054%) and Plymouth (1.237%), but substantially exceeds Nantucket (0.215%) and Suffolk (0.666%). Worcester County at 1.333% remains the region's highest-tax jurisdiction, yet Norfolk maintains consistently elevated rates compared to neighboring areas.

Your median annual property tax bill

Homeowners in Norfolk County with a median-valued property of $649,400 pay approximately $7,081 annually in property taxes. This equates to roughly $590 per month, representing a significant ongoing expense for the average county household.

Assessment errors are costing you money

Many Norfolk County homeowners pay inflated property taxes due to overassessments that go unchallenged. Residents should request their property assessment details and consider filing an appeal if they believe their valuation exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Norfolk County

via CostByCounty

Norfolk: Most balanced housing affordability

Norfolk County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% ranks as one of Massachusetts's most balanced, nearly matching the national average of 19.3% despite a median household income of $126,497. This county consistently delivers strong wage growth relative to housing costs, making it one of the state's affordability leaders.

Second-best affordability in Massachusetts

Norfolk ranks second only to Plymouth County among Massachusetts counties for rent-to-income balance, with a 19.7% ratio slightly above the state average of 19.3%. The county's median rent of $2,072 reflects suburban proximity to Boston, yet its high median income keeps the burden reasonable.

Balanced middle ground in greater Boston

Norfolk's $2,072 median rent sits between Middlesex's $2,126 and Plymouth's $1,655, while its $649,400 median home value aligns closely with Middlesex at $687,200. Among greater Boston suburbs, Norfolk offers the sweet spot of modest pricing with robust incomes.

Renters and buyers share similar burdens

Renters pay $2,072 monthly while homeowners spend $2,524, representing 19.7% and 20.1% of the $126,497 median income respectively. Norfolk's unusual harmony—where rents and mortgages impose nearly equal proportional burdens—reflects a mature suburban market with balanced supply.

The Goldilocks county for Boston commuters

Norfolk offers affluent suburban living with the most predictable housing costs in Massachusetts—ideal if you earn $120,000+ and want Boston access without premium pricing. If you're comparing moves across Massachusetts, Norfolk delivers better affordability than Middlesex with more amenities than Plymouth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Norfolk County

via IncomeByCounty

Norfolk incomes lead the nation

Norfolk County's median household income of $126,497 runs 69% above the national median of $74,755. This south-of-Boston region harnesses wealth from Boston's financial services, healthcare, and professional sectors.

First or second in state earnings

Norfolk ranks among Massachusetts's top two counties by median household income at $126,497, edging past the state average of $96,546. The county's proximity to Boston and Route 128's tech corridor drives sustained high incomes.

Essentially tied with Middlesex County

Norfolk's $126,497 median virtually matches Middlesex's $126,779, making them the two wealthiest counties in Massachusetts. Together, they form the state's high-income power center south and west of Boston.

Housing costs remain manageable

Norfolk's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% is the lowest among its peer counties, signaling strong affordability. With median home values at $649,400, dual-income households have realistic pathways to homeownership.

Secure your financial future now

Norfolk residents earning $126,497 median should capitalize on their income advantage to fund retirement, children's education, and long-term investments. Work with a financial planner to ensure earnings translate into generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Norfolk County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Norfolk County

Norfolk County stands out as an exceptionally safe region with a safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,031.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Among the State's Safest

Norfolk ranks as one of the safest counties in Massachusetts, beating the state average safety score of 97.7. It maintains a significantly lower crime rate than the state average of 1,458.6 per 100K.

Leading Its Neighbors in Security

Norfolk's rate of 1,031.4 per 100K makes it safer than its neighbors Middlesex (1,197.5) and Plymouth (1,107.9). This makes it a regional leader in public safety metrics.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Property crime sits at a low 833.0 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also minimal at 198.4, which is nearly half the national rate.

Protecting Norfolk's Safe Community

Despite the elite 98.4 safety score, residents should not overlook basic home security. Maintaining this high standard requires continued community focus and individual home monitoring.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Norfolk County

via HealthByCounty

Norfolk adds years to lifespans

Norfolk County residents live to 81.2 years on average, nearly 2.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 12.1% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 15.3%, the county demonstrates strong health outcomes.

Above-average health across Norfolk

Norfolk County exceeds the state average life expectancy of 79.7 years by 1.5 years, placing it in Massachusetts's healthier counties. However, its 12.1% poor/fair health rate runs slightly above the state average, suggesting room for health improvement.

Strong showing against similar counties

Norfolk's 81.2-year life expectancy edges past Plymouth County (78.8 years) and Worcester County (78.8 years), though it trails Middlesex County (81.5 years). The county's 2.4% uninsured rate matches Middlesex and Plymouth, among the state's best.

Robust primary and mental health care

Norfolk offers 120 primary care providers and 715 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, strong infrastructure for routine and behavioral health needs. At 2.4% uninsured, nearly all residents have the financial means to access available providers.

Keep coverage strong in Norfolk

Strong health outcomes depend on consistent insurance access; don't let coverage gaps compromise your care. Visit healthcare.gov or MassHealth to review your options and renew coverage before the deadline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Norfolk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Prolific Suburban Educational Hub

Norfolk County features 194 public schools across 36 districts, educating 99,452 students in primarily suburban settings. The infrastructure includes 112 elementary schools and 31 high schools, providing a broad range of options for local families. While only two charter schools exist, the county offers specialized environments through dedicated special education and alternative schools.

Exceeding Benchmarks with Efficient Spending

Norfolk County achieves a strong 91.1% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. The county maintains a school score of 66.8 while spending $12,887 per pupil, slightly less than the $13,582 state average. This indicates a highly efficient system that produces competitive academic outcomes for its nearly 100,000 students.

Quincy and Brookline Lead the Way

Quincy is the largest district in the county, operating 19 schools for 9,649 students, followed by Brookline with 7,060 students across 13 schools. Weymouth also serves as a major hub with over 5,500 students in 11 schools. Charter schools represent only 1% of the total landscape, keeping the focus on these established municipal districts.

Suburban Life and Virtual Learning Options

The county is almost entirely suburban, with 192 of its 194 schools located in such neighborhoods. While the average school size is 515 students, the county hosts the large TEC Connections Academy, a virtual school serving 2,940 students across many grades. Traditional campuses like Brookline High also offer a large-school experience with over 2,000 students.

Find Your Home in a Top Suburban District

Norfolk County is a premier destination for families seeking the classic suburban school experience paired with high graduation rates. From the historic streets of Brookline to the coastal districts of Quincy, the area offers diverse housing near excellent schools. Explore local listings to see how a home here can provide your children with an academic edge.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Norfolk County

via RiskByCounty

Norfolk carries moderately high disaster risk

Norfolk County scores 92.02 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively moderate category—above the national average. This score reflects substantial exposure to multiple hazards concentrated along the county's heavily populated coastal and urban areas.

Second-highest risk county in Massachusetts

Norfolk ranks second-riskiest in Massachusetts after Middlesex, with a composite score of 92.02 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 17% elevation above state average reflects particularly acute flood and earthquake vulnerabilities.

Riskier than Plymouth, safer than Middlesex

Norfolk's 92.02 score exceeds Plymouth County (90.36) but trails the state's highest-risk county, Middlesex (96.95). The county's flood risk (95.45) is comparable to regional peers, while its tornado risk (68.96) is among the lowest in its cluster.

Floods and earthquakes dominate your risks

Flood risk leads at 95.45, while earthquake risk reaches 91.51—both among Massachusetts's highest. Hurricane risk (92.20) and tornado risk (68.96) complete Norfolk's hazard portfolio, though less severe than some regional neighbors.

Bundle flood and earthquake insurance today

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood and earthquake coverage, both critical in Norfolk given your county's vulnerability. Securing separate flood and earthquake policies now protects your home's most significant risk exposures while rates remain manageable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Norfolk County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in Norfolk

Norfolk County averages 50.7°F, sitting just above the state average but below the national median. This climate provides a classic New England experience with high precipitation and clear seasonal shifts.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county's 50.7°F annual average is more than a degree warmer than the 49.5°F state baseline. It is also wetter than the state average, receiving 49.5 inches of precipitation annually.

Matching the Coastal Suburbs

Norfolk shares a 50.7°F annual average with neighboring Plymouth County, though it sees more snow. Its 56.2 inches of annual snowfall far exceeds Plymouth's 38.8 inches, despite their similar temperatures.

High Humidity and Winter Snow

Summers are warm with a July average of 73.2°F and 14 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures dropping to 30.7°F from December through February.

Handling the Heat and Snow

With 14 days of extreme heat and 56.2 inches of snow, residents need both reliable air conditioning and heavy-duty winter gear. Proper drainage planning is also advised to manage the nearly 50 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Norfolk County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring Norfolk's Landscape

Norfolk County sits in a region where specific soil survey data for pH and taxonomy is currently limited. Its location suggests moderately acidic conditions typical of the Northeast, requiring gardeners to perform individual site tests.

Varied Glacial Till

Regional data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is not currently available in the dataset for Norfolk soils. Local residents generally encounter glaciated soils that vary significantly from stony till to finer, workable loams.

Building Toward State Benchmarks

With organic matter and water capacity data unlisted, growers should aim to supplement beds with compost to reach the state’s high 29.25% organic matter average. Healthy fertility in this area depends on active soil management and local amendments.

Assessing Local Drainage

Drainage and hydrologic groups are not specified in the current dataset, though the hilly topography often creates diverse drainage patterns. It is essential to check for seasonal high water tables before starting major building projects.

Versatile Growing in Zone 6b

Norfolk falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a versatile climate for a wide range of temperate fruits and vegetables. Local gardeners can find great success by focusing on native plant selections and site-specific preparation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Norfolk County

via LawnByCounty

Norfolk County’s Ideal Growing Environment

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.7, Norfolk County is one of the easiest places in Massachusetts to maintain a lawn. This score far exceeds both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 56.8. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region enjoy a distinct advantage in curb appeal.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Local Growth

The county receives 49.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is the highest in our regional survey and near the upper limit of ideal lawn conditions. While the 14 extreme heat days are above the state average, the heavy rainfall helps mitigate summer browning. This climate supports vigorous growth throughout the 2878 growing degree days.

Local Soil Data and Preparation

While specific soil data for Norfolk is limited, regional trends suggest a need for regular testing to monitor acidity. Homeowners should focus on aerating the soil to manage the heavy 49.5 inches of annual rain. Healthy drainage prevents root rot and ensures the abundant moisture reaches the root zone effectively.

High Resilience During Dry Spells

Norfolk County saw only nine weeks of drought over the past year, significantly less than many neighboring counties. Although the area is currently 100% abnormally dry, the overall moisture levels remain historically strong. Standard watering practices should be sufficient to keep your lawn thriving through the season.

Prime Timing for Norfolk Turf

Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in the reliable moisture of Norfolk County. The spring window opens after April 27, giving you plenty of time to establish roots before the summer heat. With such a high difficulty score, a little effort here goes a long way toward a lush yard.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norfolk County's county score?
Norfolk County, Massachusetts has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Norfolk County rank among counties in Massachusetts?
Norfolk County ranks #4 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 Norfolk County, Massachusetts?
The median annual property tax in Norfolk County is $7,081, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Norfolk County a tax score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norfolk County?
The median household income in Norfolk County, Massachusetts is $126,497 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Norfolk County earns an income score of 99.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Norfolk County, Massachusetts a good place to live?
Norfolk County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Massachusetts. The best way to evaluate Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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.