Berkshire County

As of the latest U.S. Census data, Berkshire County, MA, has a population of approximately 129,026. The racial composition is primarily White (90.8%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (2.9%), Asian (1.8%), and Hispanic or Latino (4.2%). The county's median household income is around $57,487, and the poverty rate stands at 11.9%. The median age is 46.1 years, indicating an older population compared to national averages.

As of 2023, Berkshire County, MA, has a median home price of approximately $350,000. Rental prices average around $1,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is approximately 70%. Housing inventory has seen a decline, with an average of around 250 homes listed monthly. The average property tax rate in the county is about 1.75%. The region has experienced a modest annual home value appreciation rate of 5% in recent years.

For Berkshire County, MA, elections typically involve various local and state positions, including town officials, county representatives, and state legislators. Specific numerical data and candidate names can vary by year and election type. As of the most recent elections (2022), key positions included:

1. Massachusetts State Senate, Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden District:

   • Adam Hinds (D) - incumbent, did not seek re-election
   • Paul Mark (D) - elected with approximately 69% of the vote

2. Massachusetts House of Representatives, 3rd Berkshire District:

   • Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D) - incumbent, re-elected with approximately 80% of the vote

3. Massachusetts House of Representatives, 2nd Berkshire District:

   • John Barrett III (D) - incumbent, re-elected with approximately 85% of the vote

Local elections in various towns had results specific to each position, including town selectmen, school committee members, and other municipal roles. To find precise, up-to-date information, refer to the Berkshire County Board of Elections or local municipal websites.

Berkshire County, MA, exhibits a higher-than-average level of education. Approximately 92.1% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the U.S. average of 88.5%. Around 36.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average of 33.1% but slightly lower than Massachusetts' state average of 44.5%. This indicates that Berkshire County generally maintains a well-educated populace, aligning closely with the state's high educational standards but still slightly trailing behind the state's exceptional higher education attainment rates.

As of the latest data, Berkshire County, MA has an employment rate of around 63.1%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and educational services.

Healthcare employs about 16.7% of the workforce, higher than the national average of approximately 14%. Manufacturing accounts for 11.5%, below the national average of 8.5%. The educational sector employs around 10.9%, slightly above the national average of 9.2%.

Employment in professional, scientific, and technical services is also significant, though it mirrors the national trend closely. On the state level, Massachusetts has a higher concentration in tech and biotech industries, which are less prominent in Berkshire County.

Overall, the county's diversified employment landscape reflects a mix of industrial and service-based activities, with a notable emphasis on healthcare and education.

Berkshire County, MA, had a median household income of approximately $57,000 in recent years, which lags behind both the state and national averages. Massachusetts, as a whole, boasts a median household income of around $81,000, significantly higher than the national median household income of approximately $68,000.

Despite its picturesque landscapes and cultural richness, Berkshire County's median income reflects the economic challenges and slower growth that are common in many rural regions, contrasting with the generally higher incomes in the state of Massachusetts.

As of the latest available data for Berkshire County, Massachusetts, the overall crime rate is lower than the national average. The total crime rate stands at approximately 19.6 per 1,000 residents annually. The breakdown of specific types of crimes is as follows:

These values highlight Berkshire County’s relatively low crime rates, particularly in violent crime categories. Property crimes are the most common type, with theft being the predominant issue.