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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
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.

2040608010031.20.954.59877.799.1863.856.1Tax31.2Cost0.9Safety54.5Health98Schools77.7Income99.1Risk8Water63.8Weather56.151/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Norfolk County DNA

Foverall

How Norfolk County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Norfolk County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (0.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.2-20.8
Cost
0.9-47.1
Safety
54.5
Health
98+48
Schools
77.7+23.700000000000003
Income
99.1+48.099999999999994
Risk
8-39
Water
63.8
Weather
56.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$683,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$2,149/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$683,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$85,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $130,739/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

Suffolk County
Massachusetts
42.7
Middlesex County
Massachusetts
50.6
Plymouth County
Massachusetts
48.8
Providence County
Rhode Island
37.1
Bristol County
Massachusetts
45
Essex County
Massachusetts
48.2
Bristol County
Rhode Island
58.5
Worcester County
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46.8

Deep Dives

Norfolk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 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 $7,261, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Norfolk County a tax score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norfolk County?
The median household income in Norfolk County, Massachusetts is $130,739 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 51/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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