Worcester County

As of the most recent data, Worcester County, MA has a population of approximately 862,000. The racial composition is 78% White, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 2% multiracial. The median household income is around $76,000. The population under 18 years is about 22%, and those 65 and older make up roughly 16%. The gender distribution is about 51% female and 49% male. Educational attainment includes nearly 40% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of the latest data, Worcester County, MA, has a median home value of around $340,000. The median rent is approximately $1,300 per month. The homeownership rate is about 66%. Overall, Worcester County's housing market offers a variety of options, with a mix of urban and suburban settings. Housing appreciation rates have been around 6-7% annually. The vacancy rate for rentals is about 5%, indicating a relatively balanced market. The average household size is 2.6 individuals.

Worcester County, MA, has a mix of statewide, county, and municipal elections. Here's a snapshot of a typical election cycle:

Last County Election (2022):

• Sheriff: Incumbent Lew Evangelidis (Republican) vs. David Fontaine (Democrat).
• District Attorney: Incumbent Joseph D. Early Jr. (Democrat) ran unopposed.
• Register of Probate: Incumbent Stephanie Fattman (Republican) vs. John Dolan (Democrat).

Voter Turnout for 2022 Midterms:

• Registered Voters: Approximately 520,000.
• Turnout: Around 255,000 (49%).

Municipal Elections:

• Various cities and towns, including Worcester, Leominster, and Fitchburg, hold local elections annually, often in November.

State Elections:

• Governor, state legislators, and other Commonwealth offices are contested every two years.

For up-to-date candidate lists and election dates, consult the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website or local Worcester County election boards.

As of the latest data, Worcester County, MA, has a relatively well-educated population. Approximately 90% of residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma or higher, slightly above the national average of around 88%. About 36% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, aligning closely with Massachusetts' state average, which is one of the highest in the country at around 42%, and exceeding the national average of approximately 33%. Worcester County's educational attainment reflects Massachusetts' overall emphasis on education, though it slightly trails the state's average in higher education degrees.

As of the most recent data, Worcester County, MA has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.3%, which is slightly higher than the national average of around 3.8% and the Massachusetts state average of around 3.9%. The county has a workforce of about 425,000 people.

Top industries in Worcester County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, and education services. These sectors employ significant numbers, with healthcare and social assistance leading at about 20% of the workforce, closely followed by retail trade and manufacturing.

In comparison, the national average for employment in healthcare and social assistance is about 13%, while Massachusetts stands at approximately 18%. Manufacturing in Worcester County, at around 14%, is higher than the national average of 10%, reflecting the county’s strong industrial base.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

As of the most recent data, Worcester County, MA, shows an average household income of approximately $82,000. Comparatively, this figure aligns closely with the Massachusetts state average of around $81,000 but surpasses the national average, which stands at about $68,700.

Worcester County's income levels reflect the broader economic trends within Massachusetts, a state known for its strong education sector and tech-driven economy. The county benefits from proximity to Boston and significant local educational and healthcare institutions.

Worcester County, MA, has diverse crime statistics. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 2,500 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crimes comprised about 25% of this total, while property crimes made up the remaining 75%.

Crime Statistics Table

These figures provide a snapshot of the crime landscape in Worcester County. Note that local law enforcement continuously works to reduce these rates through various community and policing initiatives.