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Worcester County, Massachusetts — County Report Card

MA

#9 in Massachusetts

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.2Health 90.2Schools 74.9

County Report Card

About Worcester County, Massachusetts

Trailing the National Median Score

Worcester County records a composite score of 46.8, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high incomes, environmental and tax factors weigh on its national standing.

A More Affordable State Alternative

Worcester's 46.8 score is slightly below the state average of 48.6. It often serves as a primary destination for those seeking a more accessible entry point to the Massachusetts economy.

Strong Income and Health Metrics

The county boasts an Income Score of 93.2 and a Health Score of 90.2. With a median rent of $1,347, it offers one of the more reasonable cost-to-income ratios in the region.

High Tax Rates and Environmental Risk

The Tax Score of 19.6 is remarkably low due to a high 1.333% effective tax rate. Furthermore, the Risk Score of 6.5 suggests a need for better environmental resilience measures.

Best for Value-Seeking Families

Worcester is an excellent fit for middle-class families who want high-quality healthcare and solid schools without the $600k+ home prices found closer to Boston. It offers a practical path to the Massachusetts lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax19.6Cost6.8Safety46.3Health90.2Schools74.9Income93.2Risk6.5Water63.5Weather54.9
🏛19.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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

Middlesex County
Massachusetts
50.7
Providence County
Rhode Island
36.7
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
53.5
Norfolk County
Massachusetts
51.1
Suffolk County
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43
Hampshire County
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49.4
Hillsborough County
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Franklin County
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Deep Dives

Worcester County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Worcester County

via TaxByCounty

Worcester's steep rate is highest in the region

Worcester County residents face an effective tax rate of 1.333%—more than five times the national median—making it the highest-taxed county among the six analyzed. Although the median home value of $390,700 is relatively modest, the $5,207 annual property tax burden remains substantial.

Highest effective tax rate in Massachusetts

Worcester County's 1.333% effective tax rate is the highest across all Massachusetts counties, well above the state average of 1.065%. The county's median property tax of $5,207 is modest in absolute dollars but represents the steepest rate-based burden statewide.

Most expensive taxing jurisdiction in the region

Worcester County's 1.333% rate substantially exceeds all five neighboring counties analyzed, including Plymouth (1.237%), Middlesex (1.054%), Norfolk (1.090%), and Suffolk (0.666%), with only Nantucket (0.215%) representing dramatically lower rates. This makes Worcester the region's most aggressive taxing jurisdiction by rate.

Your median annual property tax bill

Worcester County homeowners with a median-valued property of $390,700 pay approximately $5,207 annually in property taxes. At roughly $434 per month, this burden is notable for the county's relatively modest home values, indicating the aggressive tax rate at work.

Assessment appeals are essential here

With Worcester County's punitive tax rate, assessment accuracy becomes critically important to avoid overpaying. Homeowners should request detailed valuations from their assessor and file appeals if they believe their properties are overvalued—potentially significant savings are at stake.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Worcester County

via CostByCounty

Worcester County's affordable inland advantage

Worcester renters spend just 17.3% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among Massachusetts counties and well below the national average of 19.3%—while maintaining a median household income of $93,561. This inland region avoids Boston-area pricing pressure while supporting solid wage growth.

Second most affordable after Plymouth

Worcester ranks second only to Plymouth (18.1%) for rent affordability with a 17.3% ratio, beating the state average by nearly 2 percentage points. At $1,347 median rent, Worcester runs $211 below the state average, proving inland Massachusetts offers genuine value.

Lowest rents and homes in the sample

Worcester's $1,347 median rent is $308 less than Plymouth and $700+ less than Middlesex, while its $390,700 median home value is less than Plymouth's $513,000 and a quarter of Nantucket's price. Worcester delivers the deepest affordability in central Massachusetts without sacrificing income stability.

Renters enjoy lowest burden statewide

Worcester renters spend $1,347 monthly—just 17.3% of the $93,561 median income—while homeowners pay $1,899 or 24.3%. This county achieves the lowest housing cost burden for renters in Massachusetts, making it genuinely affordable for working-class and middle-income households.

Best value for middle-income households

Worcester is ideal for anyone earning $85,000–$110,000 seeking affordable urban or suburban living with New England character and minimal commute pressure. If you're priced out of Boston suburbs but want Massachusetts roots, Worcester delivers lower rents than any comparable county while maintaining comparable incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Worcester County

via IncomeByCounty

Worcester incomes beat the nation

Worcester County's median household income of $93,561 runs 25% above the national median of $74,755. The county's mix of small manufacturing, healthcare, education, and services provides steady earning power for central Massachusetts.

Below Massachusetts average income

Worcester ranks sixth among the six featured counties at $93,561, just slightly below the state average of $96,546. The county trails Boston-area wealth centers but remains solidly middle-class by national standards.

Most affordable county peer group

Worcester's $93,561 median is only $1,300 above Suffolk ($92,859) and trails Plymouth by $16,000. But Worcester's median home value of $390,700 is 40% cheaper than Middlesex, making it the affordability leader.

Strong housing affordability advantage

Worcester's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% is the lowest statewide among these counties, and median home values of $390,700 are under half the Boston-area average. Families can realistically own homes without dual six-figure incomes.

Build wealth on solid foundations

Worcester residents earning $93,561 median can leverage low housing costs to save aggressively for retirement and education. Start investing early in tax-advantaged accounts to compound wealth over decades in this affordable, stable region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Worcester County

via CrimeByCounty

Worcester County is a National Safety Leader

Worcester County is a safe haven with a 98.1 safety score and a crime rate of 1,203.3 per 100K. This rate is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Massachusetts Safety Averages

The county ranks above the state average safety score of 97.7 and maintains a lower crime rate than the Massachusetts average of 1,458.6. It serves as a strong benchmark for safety in central Massachusetts.

Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

Worcester's crime rate of 1,203.3 per 100K is very similar to Middlesex (1,197.5) and significantly safer than Suffolk (2,384.3). It remains a secure choice compared to the state's more urbanized centers.

Low Property and Violent Crime Rates

The data shows a property crime rate of 899.2 per 100K and a violent crime rate of 304.1. Both figures are lower than the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8 respectively.

Maintaining Security in Your Home

A safety score of 98.1 indicates a very safe community, but residents should still secure their properties. Consistent use of security systems and exterior lighting helps maintain these low local rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Worcester County

via HealthByCounty

Worcester tied with national baseline

Worcester County's life expectancy of 78.8 years matches the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it at the national benchmark despite being in Massachusetts. At 14.6% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 15.3%, Worcester performs marginally better than the nation overall.

Below average health for Massachusetts

Worcester County's 78.8-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years short of the state average of 79.7 years, among the lowest in Massachusetts. The 14.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, indicating Worcester residents face steeper health challenges than much of the commonwealth.

Tied with Plymouth on life expectancy

Worcester and Plymouth counties both report 78.8-year life expectancy, the lowest among the six counties compared and well behind Nantucket (82.8 years) and Middlesex (81.5 years). Worcester's 3.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds nearby Massachusetts counties, adding economic barriers to healthcare access.

Moderate provider access, health barriers remain

Worcester has 93 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, middling capacity compared to better-resourced counties like Suffolk (157) and Middlesex (125). With 606 mental health providers per 100,000 and a 3.2% uninsured rate—above the state average—Worcester residents face dual barriers: limited primary care and higher uninsured rates.

Coverage is the first health investment

In Worcester County, where uninsured rates run higher and primary care access is stretched, consistent insurance coverage becomes even more critical. Visit healthcare.gov or explore MassHealth options to lock in coverage and connect with the providers you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Worcester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Across Central Massachusetts

Worcester County features 252 public schools across 52 districts, educating a total of 120,874 students. The network is broad, consisting of 133 elementary, 44 middle, and 58 high schools, plus 17 schools with unique grade structures. It is one of the most geographically diverse counties, offering everything from urban centers to rural campuses.

Strong Graduation Success on a Lean Budget

The county achieves a 90.9% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 88.1% and the national average of 87%. This success is reached with a per-pupil expenditure of $11,452, which is more than $2,000 below the state average. The composite school score stands at 63.6, reflecting solid performance across its many districts.

Worcester and Wachusett Lead the Region

The Worcester district is the largest, with 46 schools serving 24,318 students, followed by Wachusett with 6,739 students. Leominster also represents a significant hub with 6,000 students across 12 schools. While traditional districts prevail, the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School serves over 1,400 students as a major alternative.

A Diverse Mix of Suburban and Rural Schools

The county offers a unique locale mix with 134 suburban schools, 64 rural campuses, and 49 city schools. The average school size is 487 students, but institutions like Wachusett Regional High can reach nearly 2,000 students. This variety allows families to choose between large regional high schools and small-town learning environments.

Find Your Perfect Fit in Central Massachusetts

Worcester County offers an ideal balance of high graduation rates and diverse school settings, from quiet rural towns to vibrant cities. Whether you seek the resources of the Worcester Technical High or a smaller suburban school, this region has it all. Search for homes today to find an affordable community that doesn't compromise on school quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Worcester County

via RiskByCounty

Worcester carries moderately elevated disaster risk

Worcester County scores 93.54 on composite risk, placing it in the relatively moderate category—well above the national average. This score reflects consistent exposure across all major hazard types, with particularly acute hurricane and flood vulnerabilities.

Tied for third-highest risk in Massachusetts

Worcester ranks tied with Suffolk for third-riskiest county in Massachusetts, with a composite score of 93.54 compared to the state average of 78.84. The county's 19% elevation above the state baseline reflects broad geographic exposure across diverse hazard categories.

Comparable to Suffolk, below Middlesex risk

Worcester's 93.54 score nearly matches Suffolk (93.51) and trails only Middlesex (96.95) among Massachusetts counties. As the state's largest county by area, Worcester's diverse geography creates regionally variable risk, with western areas facing elevated wildfire exposure (62.60).

Hurricanes and floods dominate your hazards

Hurricane risk peaks at 96.62—Worcester's highest exposure—while flood risk reaches 95.29. Tornado risk (82.22) and earthquake risk (89.34) present secondary concerns, while wildfire risk (62.60) varies significantly across the county's extensive geography.

Prioritize flood and hurricane preparedness

Standard homeowners policies cover hurricane wind but exclude flood damage, requiring separate flood insurance given Worcester's 95.29 flood risk. For western Worcester residents, wildfire risk (62.60) warrants reviewing home hardening measures and ensuring adequate coverage for potential brush fire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Worcester County

via WeatherByCounty

Worcester's Cold Continental Climate

Worcester County is the coolest in this set, with an average annual temperature of 47.6°F. Its higher elevation and inland location place it significantly below the national temperature median.

Well Below the State Average

The county's 47.6°F average is nearly two degrees cooler than the 49.5°F Massachusetts state average. It acts as a cold pocket for the state, frequently recording the earliest frosts and latest thaws.

The Snowiest Neighbor

Worcester averages 57.1 inches of snow, the highest among its eastern neighbors. It is significantly cooler and snowier than neighboring Suffolk, which averages 51.5°F and only 49.2 inches of snow.

Mild Summers and Harsh Winters

Winters are biting with a 26.3°F average and January lows of 23.7°F. Summers are relatively mild, with July averaging 70.8°F and only 8 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F.

Winterize for the Long Haul

Superior home insulation and reliable heating systems are essential to handle the 26.3°F winter average. Residents should prioritize high-quality winter tires and snowblowers to manage the 57.1 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Worcester County

via SoilByCounty

Upland Glacial Character

Worcester County encompasses diverse central Massachusetts terrain, though specific soil scores and pH levels are not available in this dataset. The region typically features rugged, upland glacial soils that differ from the coastal plains.

A Legacy of Glacial Till

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is currently unlisted for the county. Most central Massachusetts soils are derived from glacial till, which usually provides a rocky but potentially productive loamy texture for those who clear the stones.

Boosting Central Fertility

With organic matter data missing, local farmers often look to the state's average of 29.25% as a target benchmark. Enhancing soil health with cover crops is a common practice to boost fertility and moisture retention in this region.

Topography and Water Flow

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not specified, so local topography plays the primary role in how water moves. Identifying areas with high seasonal water tables is a critical first step for any new orchard in the county.

Hardy Crops in Zone 6a

As the coldest county in this group, Worcester sits in Zone 6a. This climate is perfect for apples, stone fruits, and hardy root vegetables that thrive in the distinct seasonal shifts of the interior.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Worcester County

via LawnByCounty

Coping with the Worcester Cold

Worcester County’s lawn difficulty score of 52.2 is slightly below the state average of 56.8. As a Hardiness Zone 6a region, it faces the coldest winters in this group, which shortens the active growing window. Maintaining a lawn here requires patience as the ground takes longer to warm up each year.

Cool Summers and Ample Rainfall

Lawns here enjoy a break from the heat with only eight days above 90°F annually, the lowest of the mainland counties. The 48.4 inches of annual precipitation provides more than enough moisture for healthy turf. However, the lower growing degree day count of 2461 means recovery from damage may be slower than in warmer areas.

Prioritizing Drainage and Soil Health

While specific soil metrics are unavailable, Worcester's topography and high rainfall necessitate a focus on drainage. Ensure your lawn is graded correctly to handle the 48.4 inches of rain and prevent standing water. Adding organic matter will help stabilize the soil during the shorter growing season.

Navigating Pockets of Severe Drought

Worcester County has faced 38 weeks of drought in the past year, with nearly 20% of the area reaching severe drought levels. This makes the county one of the drier spots in the state despite its high annual rainfall. It is essential to monitor local water restrictions and prioritize deep root watering.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6a

Hardy cool-season grasses like fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are best suited for Worcester’s 6a climate. Wait until after the final frost on May 1 to start your spring seeding, as this is the latest frost date in the region. The early fall frost on October 13 means you should wrap up any late-season projects by mid-September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Worcester County's county score?
Worcester County, Massachusetts has a composite county score of 46.8 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 Worcester County rank among counties in Massachusetts?
Worcester County ranks #9 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 Worcester County, Massachusetts?
The median annual property tax in Worcester County is $5,207, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Worcester County a tax score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Worcester County?
The median household income in Worcester County, Massachusetts is $93,561 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Worcester County earns an income score of 93.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Worcester County, Massachusetts a good place to live?
Worcester County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Massachusetts. The best way to evaluate Worcester 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 Worcester 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.