Worcester County, Massachusetts: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|County in Massachusetts, United States}} |
{{short description|County in Massachusetts, United States}} |
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{{ |
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
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{{Infobox U.S. county |
{{Infobox U.S. county |
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| county = Worcester County |
| county = Worcester County |
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| state = Massachusetts |
| state = Massachusetts |
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| type = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]] |
| type = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]] |
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| seal = Seal of Worcester County, Massachusetts.svg |
| seal = Seal of Worcester County, Massachusetts.svg |
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| founded date = April 2 |
| founded date = April 2 |
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| founded year = 1731 |
| founded year = 1731 |
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| seat wl= Worcester |
| seat wl = Worcester |
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| largest city wl= Worcester |
| largest city wl = Worcester |
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| area_total_sq_mi = 1579 |
| area_total_sq_mi = 1579 |
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| area_land_sq_mi = 1511 |
| area_land_sq_mi = 1511 |
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| area_water_sq_mi = 68 |
| area_water_sq_mi = 68 |
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⚫ | |||
| area percentage = 4.3% |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
| population_total = 862111 |
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⚫ | |||
{{increase}} |
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| pop_est_footnotes = |
| pop_est_footnotes = |
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| pop_est_as_of = |
| pop_est_as_of = |
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| population_est = |
| population_est = |
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| density_sq_mi = 570.7 |
| density_sq_mi = 570.7 |
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| web = |
| web = |
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| ex image = Worcester County Courthouse - Worcester, MA - DSC05778.jpg |
| ex image = Worcester County Courthouse - Worcester, MA - DSC05778.jpg |
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| ex image cap = Worcester County Courthouse |
| ex image cap = Worcester County Courthouse |
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| district = 1st |
| district = 1st |
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| district2 = 2nd |
| district2 = 2nd |
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| district3 = 3rd |
| district3 = 3rd |
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| district4 = 4th |
| district4 = 4th |
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| district5 = 5th |
| district5 = 5th |
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| time zone = Eastern |
| time zone = Eastern |
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|named for=[[Worcester, Massachusetts]]}} |
| named for = [[Worcester, Massachusetts]] |
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}} |
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[[File:Wachusett Mountain in winter.gk.jpg|thumb|right|Mount Wachusett, the highest point in Worcester County]] |
[[File:Wachusett Mountain in winter.gk.jpg|thumb|right|Mount Wachusett, the highest point in Worcester County]] |
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'''Worcester County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Massachusetts]]. At the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 862,111, making it the second-most populous county in Massachusetts. It is also the largest county in Massachusetts by geographic area. The largest city and traditional [[county seat|shire town]] is [[Worcester, Massachusetts]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Worcester County is part of the Worcester, MA- |
'''Worcester County''' ({{IPAc-en|'|w|ʊ|s|t|ər}} {{respell|WUU|stər}}) is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Massachusetts]]. At the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 862,111, making it the second-most populous county in Massachusetts. It is also the largest county in Massachusetts by geographic area. The largest city and traditional [[county seat|shire town]] is [[Worcester, Massachusetts|Worcester]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Worcester County is part of the [[Worcester, MA-CT MSA|Worcester, MA–CT]] [[metropolitan statistical area]] and the [[Boston-Worcester-Providence combined statistical area]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|1579|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|1511|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|68|sqmi}} (4.3%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_25.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 16, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140914175857/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_25.txt|archive-date=September 14, 2014}}</ref> |
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|1579|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|1511|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|68|sqmi}} (4.3%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_25.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 16, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140914175857/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_25.txt|archive-date=September 14, 2014}}</ref> |
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It is the largest county in Massachusetts by area. The county is larger geographically than the entire state of Rhode Island even including Rhode Island's water ocean limit boundaries. |
It is the largest county in Massachusetts by area. The county is larger geographically than the entire state of Rhode Island even including Rhode Island's water ocean limit boundaries. The county constitutes Central Massachusetts, separating the [[Greater Springfield]] area from the [[Greater Boston]] area. It stretches from the northern to the southern border of the state. The geographic center of Massachusetts is in [[Rutland, Massachusetts|Rutland]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2022 |title=MassGIS (Bureau of Geographic Information) |url=https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massgis-bureau-of-geographic-information |access-date=June 23, 2022 |website=Mass.gov}}</ref> |
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Worcester County is one of two Massachusetts counties that borders three different neighboring states; the other being [[Berkshire County, Massachusetts|Berkshire County]]. They are also the only two counties to touch both the northern and southern state lines. |
Worcester County is one of two Massachusetts counties that borders three different neighboring states; ([[New Hampshire]], [[Connecticut]] and [[Rhode Island]]); the other being [[Berkshire County, Massachusetts|Berkshire County]]. They are also the only two counties to touch both the northern and southern state lines. |
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===Adjacent counties=== |
===Adjacent counties=== |
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*[[Cheshire County, New Hampshire]] - north |
*[[Cheshire County, New Hampshire]] - north |
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*[[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire]] - north/northeast |
*[[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire]] - north/northeast |
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*[[Middlesex County, Massachusetts]] - east/northeast |
*[[Middlesex County, Massachusetts|Middlesex County]] - east/northeast |
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*[[Norfolk County, Massachusetts]] - east/southeast |
*[[Norfolk County, Massachusetts|Norfolk County]] - east/southeast |
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*[[Providence County, Rhode Island]] - south/southeast |
*[[Providence County, Rhode Island]] - south/southeast |
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*[[Windham County, Connecticut]] - south |
*[[Windham County, Connecticut]] - south |
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*[[Tolland County, Connecticut]] - south/southwest |
*[[Tolland County, Connecticut]] - south/southwest |
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*[[Hampden County, Massachusetts]] - west/southwest |
*[[Hampden County, Massachusetts|Hampden County]] - west/southwest |
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*[[Hampshire County, Massachusetts]] - west |
*[[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]] - west |
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*[[Franklin County, Massachusetts]] - west/northwest |
*[[Franklin County, Massachusetts|Franklin County]] - west/northwest |
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{{div col end}} |
{{div col end}} |
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2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mtgis-portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2566121a73de463995ed2b2fd7ff6eb7|title=2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 12, 2021}}</ref> |
2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mtgis-portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2566121a73de463995ed2b2fd7ff6eb7|title=2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 12, 2021}}</ref> |
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|2020=862111 |
|2020=862111 |
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|estyear= |
|estyear=2023 |
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|estimate= |
|estimate=866866 |
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|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref>}} |
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|estref=}} |
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As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], 862,111 people resided in Worcester County.<ref>{{ |
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], 862,111 people resided in Worcester County.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Worcester County, Massachusetts|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/worcestercountymassachusetts|accessdate=January 14, 2023}}</ref> |
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===2000 census=== |
===2000 census=== |
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At the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]] there were 750,963 people, 283,927 households, and 192,502 families in the county. |
At the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]], there were 750,963 people, 283,927 households, and 192,502 families in the county. The population density was {{convert|496|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 298,159 housing units at an average density of {{convert|197|/mi2|/km2|}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2000 census|racial makeup]] of the county was 89.61% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 2.73% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.25% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 2.62% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.93% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races. 6.77%.<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 15.9% were of [[Irish people|Irish]], 12.3% [[Italian people|Italian]], 11.7% [[French people|French]], 8.0% [[French Canadian]], 8.0% [[English people|English]], 5.6% [[Polish people|Polish]] and 5.0% [[United States|American]] ancestry according to [[Census 2000]]. 85.1% spoke [[English language|English]], 6.1% [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and 1.9% [[French language|French]] as their first language. |
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Of the 283,927 households 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.20% were non-families. 26.20% of households were one person and 10.40% were one person aged 65 or older. |
Of the 283,927 households, 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.20% were non-families. 26.20% of households were one person and 10.40% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.11. |
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The age distribution was 25.60% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% 65 or older. |
The age distribution was 25.60% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males. |
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The median household income was $47,874 and the median family income |
The median household income was $47,874 and the median family income was $58,394. Males had a median income of $42,261 versus $30,516 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,983. About 6.80% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.30% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over. |
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===2010 census=== |
===2010 census=== |
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|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US25027 |
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US25027 |
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|title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |
|title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |
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|access-date= |
|access-date=January 12, 2016 |
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|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
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|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213032038/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US25027 |
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213032038/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US25027 |
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|archive-date= |
|archive-date=February 13, 2020 |
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|url-status=dead |
|url-status=dead |
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}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|528.6|PD/sqmi}}. There were 326,788 housing units at an average density of {{convert|216.3|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web |
}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|528.6|PD/sqmi}}. There were 326,788 housing units at an average density of {{convert|216.3|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web |
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|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US25027 |
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US25027 |
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|access-date= |
|access-date=January 12, 2016 |
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|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County |
|title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County |
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|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
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|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213234018/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US25027 |
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213234018/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US25027 |
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|archive-date= |
|archive-date=February 13, 2020 |
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|url-status=dead |
|url-status=dead |
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}}</ref> The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makeup]] of the county was 85.6% white, 4.2% black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 3.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 9.4% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 22.2% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 15.1% were [[French people|French]] as well as 6.7% [[French Canadian]]s, 14.4% were [[Italians|Italian]], 11.7% were [[English people|English]], 7.0% were [[ |
}}</ref> The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makeup]] of the county was 85.6% white, 4.2% black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 3.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 9.4% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 22.2% were [[Irish people|Irish]], 15.1% were [[French people|French]] as well as 6.7% [[French Canadian]]s, 14.4% were [[Italians|Italian]], 11.7% were [[English people|English]], 7.0% were [[Polish people|Polish]], 6.9% were [[Germans|German]], and 3.2% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web |
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|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US25027 |
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US25027 |
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|title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |
|title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |
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|access-date= |
|access-date=January 12, 2016 |
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|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
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|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213020310/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US25027 |
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213020310/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US25027 |
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|archive-date= |
|archive-date=February 13, 2020 |
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|url-status=dead |
|url-status=dead |
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}}</ref> |
}}</ref> |
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Of the 303,080 households, 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.2% were non-families, and 26.2% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 39.2 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/> |
Of the 303,080 households, 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.2% were non-families, and 26.2% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 39.2 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/> |
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The median household income was $64,152 and the median family income |
The median household income was $64,152 and the median family income was $79,121. Males had a median income of $56,880 versus $42,223 for females. The per capita income for the county was $30,557. About 6.9% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web |
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|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US25027 |
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US25027 |
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|title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |
|title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |
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|access-date= |
|access-date=January 12, 2016 |
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|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |
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|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213010908/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US25027 |
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213010908/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US25027 |
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|archive-date= |
|archive-date=February 13, 2020 |
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|url-status=dead |
|url-status=dead |
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}}</ref> |
}}</ref> |
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====Income==== |
====Income==== |
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{{See also|List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income}} |
{{See also|List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income}} |
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The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective of the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212213610/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date= |
The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective of the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212213610/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP05&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212212105/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP05&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_S1101&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212212620/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_S1101&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- valign=bottom |
|- valign=bottom |
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| state_rep = by community |
| state_rep = by community |
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| state_sen = by community |
| state_sen = by community |
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| gov_councilors = |
| gov_councilors = Paul M. DePalo (D) |
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| fed_rep = by Congressional district |
| fed_rep = by Congressional district |
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| fed_sen = [[Ed Markey]] (D)<br />[[Elizabeth Warren]] (D) |
| fed_sen = [[Ed Markey]] (D)<br />[[Elizabeth Warren]] (D) |
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}} |
}} |
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Worcester County is one of the 8<ref>{{cite web|url=https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVI/Chapter34B|title=General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 34B. Abolition of County Government|work=Massachusetts General Court|access-date=November 26, 2016}}</ref> (of the total of 14) [[Massachusetts counties]] that have had no county government or county commissioners since July 1, 1998, when county functions were assumed by state agencies at local option{{clarify|date=February 2022}} following a change in state law.<ref name="MGL34B">{{MassGenLaws|34B}}</ref> The county has an elected county sheriff, county prosecutor, and court officials, administered under the state department of public safety. The state correctional system in the county is known as the Worcester County Jail or "House of Corrections" at [[West Boylston]], and the Worcester County District courts (state administered) are housed at Worcester, Fitchburg and other district courts within county boundaries.<ref name="MGL34B"/> The Worcester County district attorney is a county-wide position even though the district includes one town from a neighboring county. In Massachusetts, Sheriffs have more limited roles than most states and are responsible for corrections, court service and bailiffs and jail release programs.<ref name="MGL34B"/> County Sheriffs in Massachusetts are elected to six-year terms.<ref name="MGL34B"/> The Worcester County Sheriff is [[Lewis Evangelidis]] |
Worcester County is one of the 8<ref>{{cite web|url=https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVI/Chapter34B|title=General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 34B. Abolition of County Government|work=Massachusetts General Court|access-date=November 26, 2016}}</ref> (of the total of 14) [[Massachusetts counties]] that have had no county government or county commissioners since July 1, 1998, when county functions were assumed by state agencies at local option{{clarify|date=February 2022}} following a change in state law.<ref name="MGL34B">{{MassGenLaws|34B}}</ref> The county has an elected county sheriff, county prosecutor, and court officials, administered under the state department of public safety. The state correctional system in the county is known as the Worcester County Jail or "House of Corrections" at [[West Boylston]], and the Worcester County District courts (state administered) are housed at Worcester, Fitchburg, and other district courts within county boundaries.<ref name="MGL34B"/> The Worcester County district attorney is a county-wide position even though the district includes one town from a neighboring county. In Massachusetts, Sheriffs have more limited roles than most states and are responsible for corrections, court service and bailiffs and jail release programs.<ref name="MGL34B"/> County Sheriffs in Massachusetts are elected to six-year terms.<ref name="MGL34B"/> The Worcester County Sheriff is [[Lewis Evangelidis]] (R), and the Worcester County District Attorney is Joseph Early Jr. (D) (see the info-box for elected officials at county level). The Worcester County Conservation District has countywide boundaries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seedlingsale.org/assistance-and-programs-19.html |title=Worcester County Conservation District |access-date=March 17, 2014 |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317033308/http://www.seedlingsale.org/assistance-and-programs-19.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The county has a regional planning commission. |
||
Massachusetts law allows regional compacts, traditional counties and other governmental entities.<ref name="MGL34B"/> Traditional County governments in the state include |
Massachusetts law allows regional compacts, traditional counties and other governmental entities.<ref name="MGL34B"/> Traditional County governments in the state include Norfolk, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, and Plymouth Counties. [[Barnstable County, Massachusetts|Barnstable County]], which is Cape Cod, functions as a modern regional county government. Suffolk County, which is mainly Boston, is under the Boston City Council. The Massachusetts General Laws describe this relationship of county government and the options for abolishing county governments and/or chartering regional governmental compacts in subchapter 34 B.<ref name="MGL34B"/> Four other new county compacts have been created by the state legislature in Hampshire, Franklin, Barnstable Counties, and a regional planning council level for Berkshire County. Thus 9 of 14 Counties have some form of county regional governments. Worcester County could exercise that option if it chooses, such as for public safety and/or preparedness due to its rather large geography, by a request to and a special act of the legislature, by local referendum, or by one of three mechanisms. See the references for the state statute, and the League of Women Voters link. |
||
{| class=wikitable |
{| class=wikitable |
||
! colspan = 6 | Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 17, 2018<ref>{{cite web|title = Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 17, 2018 | publisher = Massachusetts Elections Division | format = PDF | access-date = |
! colspan = 6 | Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 17, 2018<ref>{{cite web|title = Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 17, 2018 | publisher = Massachusetts Elections Division | format = PDF | access-date = January 26, 2019 | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/enrollment_count_20181017.pdf}}</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! colspan = 2 | Party |
! colspan = 2 | Party |
||
Line 1,002: | Line 1,003: | ||
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
||
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] |
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 142,910 |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 26.10% |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}} |
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}} |
||
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 66,689 |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 12.18% |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}} |
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}} |
||
| Unenrolled |
| Unenrolled |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 329,232 |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 60.12% |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}} |
| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}} |
||
| Minor Parties |
| Minor Parties |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 2,231 |
||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center;"| 0.41% |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! colspan = 2 | Total |
! colspan = 2 | Total |
||
! style="text-align:center; |
! style="text-align:center;"| 547,585 |
||
! style="text-align:center; |
! style="text-align:center;"| 100% |
||
|} |
|} |
||
{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
||
Like all of Massachusetts, Worcester County is a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections. |
Like all of Massachusetts, Worcester County is a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections. |
||
{{PresHead|place=Worcester County, Massachusetts|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date= |
{{PresHead|place=Worcester County, Massachusetts|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=August 27, 2018}}</ref>}} |
||
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} --> |
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} --> |
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{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|171,683|248,773|11,558|Massachusetts}} |
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|171,683|248,773|11,558|Massachusetts}} |
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Line 1,065: | Line 1,066: | ||
{{PresRow|1880|Republican|23,040|12,852|583|Massachusetts}} |
{{PresRow|1880|Republican|23,040|12,852|583|Massachusetts}} |
||
{{PresRow|1876|Republican|22,054|14,319|123|Massachusetts}} |
{{PresRow|1876|Republican|22,054|14,319|123|Massachusetts}} |
||
{{PresRow|1872|Republican|19,827|7,153|0|Massachusetts}} |
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{{PresRow|1868|Republican|19,860|6,009|0|Massachusetts}} |
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|} |
|} |
||
{{clear}} |
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==Communities== |
==Communities== |
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[[File:Worcester County, Massachusetts internal boundaries.svg|thumb|The entire area of Worcester County is incorporated into cities and towns. The U.S. census also defines places inside one or more towns for statistical purposes. On this map, cities are shaded in gray.]] |
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===Cities=== |
===Cities=== |
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==Ghost town== |
==Ghost town== |
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*[[Dana, Massachusetts|Dana]] |
*[[Dana, Massachusetts|Dana]], disincorporated due to the creation of the [[Quabbin Reservoir]] |
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==Notable people== |
==Notable people== |
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{{portal|Massachusetts}} |
{{portal|Massachusetts}} |
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* [[List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income]] |
* [[List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income]] |
||
*[[List of counties in Massachusetts]] |
|||
* [[Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts)#Worcester|Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts)]] Worcester County District Registry of Deeds |
* [[Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts)#Worcester|Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts)]] Worcester County District Registry of Deeds |
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* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Worcester County, Massachusetts]] |
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Worcester County, Massachusetts]] |
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Line 1,283: | Line 1,290: | ||
* [http://www.worcesterlove.com Video guide to Worcester County (Worcester Love)] |
* [http://www.worcesterlove.com Video guide to Worcester County (Worcester Love)] |
||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150222150807/http://www.hampshirecog.org/ Hampshire Council of Governments] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150222150807/http://www.hampshirecog.org/ Hampshire Council of Governments] |
||
* [http://www.worcestercounty4-h.org/faircatalog11.pdf Worcester County 4 H Fair] |
* [http://www.worcestercounty4-h.org/faircatalog11.pdf Worcester County 4 H Fair] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316213906/http://www.worcestercounty4-h.org/faircatalog11.pdf |date=March 16, 2014 }} |
||
* [http://www.seedlingsale.org/assistance-and-programs-19.html Worcester County Conservation District] |
* [http://www.seedlingsale.org/assistance-and-programs-19.html Worcester County Conservation District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317033308/http://www.seedlingsale.org/assistance-and-programs-19.html |date=March 17, 2014 }} |
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* [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/general_ref/cousub_outline/cen2k_pgsz/ma_cosub.pdf US Census Bureau map] of cities, towns, Native American reservations, and census-designated places |
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{{Geographic Location |
{{Geographic Location |
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[[Category:Counties in Greater Boston]] |
[[Category:Counties in Greater Boston]] |
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[[Category:Worcester, MA–CT metropolitan area]] |
[[Category:Worcester, MA–CT metropolitan area]] |
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[[Category:1731 establishments in Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:1731 establishments in the Province of Massachusetts Bay]] |
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[[Category:Populated places established in 1731]] |
[[Category:Populated places established in 1731]] |
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[[Category:1998 disestablishments in Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:1998 disestablishments in Massachusetts]] |
Revision as of 09:46, 19 July 2024
Worcester County | |
---|---|
![]() Worcester County Courthouse | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Massachusetts | |
![]() Massachusetts's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 42°21′N 71°55′W / 42.35°N 71.91°W | |
Land | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Gegründet | April 2, 1731 |
Named for | Worcester, Massachusetts |
Seat | Worcester |
Largest city | Worcester |
Area | |
• Total | 1,579 sq mi (4,090 km2) |
• Land | 1,511 sq mi (3,910 km2) |
• Water | 68 sq mi (180 km2) |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 862,111
![]() |
• Density | 570.7/sq mi (220.3/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional districts | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Wachusett_Mountain_in_winter.gk.jpg/220px-Wachusett_Mountain_in_winter.gk.jpg)
Worcester County (/ˈwʊstər/ WUU-stər) is a county in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. At the 2020 census, the population was 862,111, making it the second-most populous county in Massachusetts. It is also the largest county in Massachusetts by geographic area. The largest city and traditional shire town is Worcester.[1] Worcester County is part of the Worcester, MA–CT metropolitan statistical area and the Boston-Worcester-Providence combined statistical area.
History
Worcester County was formed from the eastern portion of colonial Hampshire County, the western portion of the original Middlesex County and the extreme western portion of the original Suffolk County. When the government of Worcester County was established on April 2, 1731, Worcester was chosen as its shire town (later known as a county seat). From that date until the dissolution of the county government, it was the only county seat. Because of the size of the county, there were fifteen attempts over 140 years to split the county into two counties, but without success.
Initially, Lancaster was proposed as the seat of the northern county; later, Petersham was proposed once and Fitchburg was proposed repeatedly, most recently in 1903. Perhaps as a concession, in August 1884 the Worcester County Registry of Deeds was split in two, with the Worcester Northern registry placed in Fitchburg.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,579 square miles (4,090 km2), of which 1,511 square miles (3,910 km2) is land and 68 square miles (180 km2) (4.3%) is water.[2]
It is the largest county in Massachusetts by area. The county is larger geographically than the entire state of Rhode Island even including Rhode Island's water ocean limit boundaries. The county constitutes Central Massachusetts, separating the Greater Springfield area from the Greater Boston area. It stretches from the northern to the southern border of the state. The geographic center of Massachusetts is in Rutland.[3]
Worcester County is one of two Massachusetts counties that borders three different neighboring states; (New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island); the other being Berkshire County. They are also the only two counties to touch both the northern and southern state lines.
Adjacent counties
- Cheshire County, New Hampshire - north
- Hillsborough County, New Hampshire - north/northeast
- Middlesex County - east/northeast
- Norfolk County - east/southeast
- Providence County, Rhode Island - south/southeast
- Windham County, Connecticut - south
- Tolland County, Connecticut - south/southwest
- Hampden County - west/southwest
- Hampshire County - west
- Franklin County - west/northwest
National protected areas
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 56,764 | — | |
1800 | 61,192 | 7.8% | |
1810 | 64,910 | 6.1% | |
1820 | 73,625 | 13.4% | |
1830 | 84,355 | 14.6% | |
1840 | 95,313 | 13.0% | |
1850 | 130,789 | 37.2% | |
1860 | 159,659 | 22.1% | |
1870 | 192,716 | 20.7% | |
1880 | 226,897 | 17.7% | |
1890 | 280,787 | 23.8% | |
1900 | 346,958 | 23.6% | |
1910 | 399,657 | 15.2% | |
1920 | 455,135 | 13.9% | |
1930 | 491,242 | 7.9% | |
1940 | 504,470 | 2.7% | |
1950 | 546,401 | 8.3% | |
1960 | 583,228 | 6.7% | |
1970 | 637,969 | 9.4% | |
1980 | 646,352 | 1.3% | |
1990 | 709,705 | 9.8% | |
2000 | 750,963 | 5.8% | |
2010 | 798,552 | 6.3% | |
2020 | 862,111 | 8.0% | |
2023 (est.) | 866,866 | [4] | 0.6% |
U.S. Decennial Census[5] 1790-1960[6] 1900-1990[7] 1990-2000[8] 2010[9] 2020[10] |
As of the 2020 census, 862,111 people resided in Worcester County.[11]
2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 750,963 people, 283,927 households, and 192,502 families in the county. The population density was 496 inhabitants per square mile (192/km2). There were 298,159 housing units at an average density of 197 per square mile (76/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.61% White, 2.73% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 2.62% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.93% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races. 6.77%.[12] were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.9% were of Irish, 12.3% Italian, 11.7% French, 8.0% French Canadian, 8.0% English, 5.6% Polish and 5.0% American ancestry according to Census 2000. 85.1% spoke English, 6.1% Spanish and 1.9% French as their first language.
Of the 283,927 households, 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 11.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.20% were non-families. 26.20% of households were one person and 10.40% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.11.
The age distribution was 25.60% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.
The median household income was $47,874 and the median family income was $58,394. Males had a median income of $42,261 versus $30,516 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,983. About 6.80% of families and 9.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.30% of those under age 18 and 9.50% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 798,552 people, 303,080 households, and 202,602 families in the county.[13] The population density was 528.6 inhabitants per square mile (204.1/km2). There were 326,788 housing units at an average density of 216.3 per square mile (83.5/km2).[14] The racial makeup of the county was 85.6% white, 4.2% black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 3.6% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 9.4% of the population.[13] In terms of ancestry, 22.2% were Irish, 15.1% were French as well as 6.7% French Canadians, 14.4% were Italian, 11.7% were English, 7.0% were Polish, 6.9% were German, and 3.2% were American.[15]
Of the 303,080 households, 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.2% were non-families, and 26.2% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 39.2 years.[13]
The median household income was $64,152 and the median family income was $79,121. Males had a median income of $56,880 versus $42,223 for females. The per capita income for the county was $30,557. About 6.9% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.[16]
Demographic breakdown by town
Income
The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective of the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.[17][18][19]
Rank | Town | Per capita income |
Median household income |
Median family income |
Population | Number of households | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southborough | Town | $57,436 | $142,520 | $161,419 | 9,671 | 3,285 |
2 | Bolton | Town | $52,282 | $137,120 | $149,120 | 4,827 | 1,583 |
3 | Boylston | Town | $52,129 | $91,734 | $110,321 | 4,320 | 1,676 |
Cordaville | CDP | $51,707 | $151,836 | $175,217 | 2,558 | 845 | |
4 | Harvard | Town | $50,971 | $142,411 | $161,250 | 6,483 | 1,822 |
5 | Northborough | Town | $47,953 | $104,420 | $122,592 | 14,180 | 5,114 |
6 | Westborough | Town | $46,631 | $99,394 | $127,052 | 18,285 | 6,720 |
7 | Sterling | Town | $44,089 | $102,270 | $117,240 | 7,768 | 2,811 |
8 | Princeton | Town | $43,836 | $108,319 | $123,864 | 3,412 | 1,253 |
9 | Sutton | Town | $43,275 | $107,500 | $116,288 | 8,908 | 3,128 |
10 | Upton | Town | $43,252 | $110,083 | $132,703 | 7,364 | 2,588 |
11 | Berlin | Town | $41,503 | $94,712 | $99,375 | 2,819 | 1,029 |
Sturbridge | CDP | $41,479 | $77,692 | $93,167 | 2,027 | 860 | |
Westborough | CDP | $40,901 | $71,731 | $87,375 | 3,883 | 1,590 | |
12 | Mendon | Town | $40,523 | $93,245 | $108,173 | 5,787 | 2,055 |
13 | Hopedale | Town | $40,422 | $98,220 | $104,398 | 5,909 | 2,275 |
Barre | CDP | $39,556 | $77,602 | $102,650 | 1,053 | 418 | |
14 | Grafton | Town | $39,479 | $89,950 | $109,729 | 17,472 | 6,376 |
Northborough | CDP | $39,266 | $89,033 | $108,636 | 6,226 | 2,381 | |
Hopedale | CDP | $38,687 | $88,974 | $101,280 | 3,947 | 1,590 | |
15 | Holden | Town | $38,639 | $89,660 | $104,928 | 17,197 | 6,296 |
16 | Shrewsbury | Town | $38,223 | $88,985 | $104,035 | 35,269 | 13,095 |
17 | Sturbridge | Town | $37,480 | $79,044 | $98,693 | 9,133 | 3,655 |
18 | Paxton | Town | $37,328 | $105,072 | $106,625 | 4,767 | 1,591 |
Upton | CDP | $37,247 | $92,676 | $120,962 | 2,867 | 1,099 | |
19 | Douglas | Town | $35,931 | $81,000 | $97,383 | 8,342 | 3,206 |
20 | Lunenburg | Town | $35,868 | $83,265 | $95,000 | 10,034 | 3,728 |
Massachusetts | State | $35,051 | $65,981 | $83,371 | 6,512,227 | 2,522,409 | |
Lunenburg | CDP | $34,770 | $73,750 | $79,750 | 1,217 | 470 | |
21 | Lancaster | Town | $34,374 | $87,962 | $101,196 | 7,896 | 2,426 |
22 | Uxbridge | Town | $34,346 | $86,912 | $94,830 | 13,233 | 4,931 |
23 | Barre | Town | $33,647 | $73,687 | $93,250 | 5,383 | 2,065 |
24 | Millbury | Town | $33,467 | $77,883 | $86,855 | 13,250 | 5,166 |
25 | Auburn | Town | $33,447 | $73,559 | $87,958 | 16,183 | 6,318 |
26 | Charlton | Town | $33,250 | $91,653 | $98,789 | 12,827 | 4,306 |
27 | Blackstone | Town | $32,988 | $73,586 | $87,752 | 9,028 | 3,472 |
South Lancaster | CDP | $32,942 | $70,625 | $81,167 | 1,988 | 766 | |
28 | Ashburnham | Town | $32,880 | $81,842 | $98,056 | 6,033 | 2,184 |
29 | Hubbardston | Town | $32,618 | $83,333 | $95,203 | 4,341 | 1,538 |
30 | New Braintree | Town | $32,568 | $88,571 | $93,458 | 1,124 | 380 |
31 | Milford | Town | $32,219 | $64,860 | $80,127 | 27,925 | 10,493 |
32 | Royalston | Town | $32,031 | $59,609 | $73,125 | 1,058 | 455 |
33 | Hardwick | Town | $31,974 | $61,298 | $72,458 | 2,953 | 1,153 |
Worcester County | County | $31,470 | $65,772 | $81,342 | 794,981 | 299,089 | |
34 | Westminster | Town | $31,391 | $78,632 | $82,596 | 7,250 | 2,611 |
East Brookfield | CDP | $31,316 | $66,339 | $84,550 | 1,270 | 479 | |
35 | Oakham | Town | $31,237 | $79,700 | $83,676 | 1,822 | 680 |
36 | Rutland | Town | $30,961 | $83,734 | $101,486 | 7,812 | 2,558 |
37 | Northbridge | Town | $30,945 | $68,981 | $87,359 | 15,475 | 5,538 |
Milford | CDP | $30,678 | $60,840 | $72,927 | 25,194 | 9,494 | |
38 | Clinton | Town | $30,563 | $61,796 | $77,964 | 13,614 | 5,672 |
39 | Leicester | Town | $30,301 | $72,471 | $80,288 | 10,934 | 3,858 |
Fiskdale | CDP | $30,230 | $75,655 | $89,595 | 2,907 | 1,133 | |
40 | Oxford | Town | $30,149 | $68,567 | $83,161 | 13,702 | 5,343 |
41 | North Brookfield | Town | $30,106 | $64,009 | $76,690 | 4,686 | 1,931 |
42 | West Brookfield | Town | $29,782 | $62,685 | $84,868 | 3,730 | 1,488 |
East Douglas | CDP | $29,760 | $73,372 | $74,828 | 2,835 | 1,146 | |
43 | Spencer | Town | $29,687 | $59,420 | $77,384 | 11,715 | 4,686 |
44 | East Brookfield | Town | $29,416 | $62,350 | $82,750 | 2,058 | 737 |
45 | Brookfield | Town | $29,392 | $62,390 | $77,993 | 3,363 | 1,353 |
46 | Millville | Town | $29,049 | $73,426 | $84,000 | 3,154 | 1,060 |
West Brookfield | CDP | $28,704 | $56,625 | $95,556 | 1,853 | 705 | |
47 | West Boylston | Town | $28,547 | $73,600 | $89,681 | 7,660 | 2,308 |
48 | Leominster | City | $28,445 | $58,585 | $73,704 | 40,884 | 16,095 |
49 | Phillipston | Town | $28,273 | $74,043 | $75,234 | 1,894 | 648 |
North Brookfield | CDP | $28,163 | $50,346 | $64,181 | 2,035 | 912 | |
50 | Warren | Town | $28,112 | $51,188 | $69,873 | 5,106 | 2,067 |
Oxford | CDP | $27,990 | $67,054 | $79,832 | 6,566 | 2,418 | |
Vereinigte Staaten | Land | $27,915 | $52,762 | $64,293 | 306,603,772 | 114,761,359 | |
South Ashburnham | CDP | $27,758 | $76,932 | $77,386 | 1,104 | 345 | |
51 | Petersham | Town | $27,475 | $65,781 | $81,250 | 1,263 | 445 |
52 | Webster | Town | $27,430 | $49,621 | $65,204 | 16,752 | 7,344 |
53 | Dudley | Town | $27,319 | $72,500 | $78,920 | 11,276 | 3,780 |
Whitinsville | CDP | $27,135 | $58,846 | $62,314 | 6,894 | 2,424 | |
Spencer | CDP | $27,059 | $47,183 | $66,932 | 5,392 | 2,417 | |
54 | Templeton | Town | $26,891 | $70,116 | $75,753 | 7,896 | 2,846 |
Baldwinville | CDP | $26,585 | $66,700 | $77,061 | 2,061 | 750 | |
Clinton | CDP | $26,256 | $54,514 | $72,859 | 7,492 | 3,032 | |
Rutland | CDP | $25,987 | $62,500 | $78,929 | 2,352 | 758 | |
55 | Winchendon | Town | $25,845 | $58,137 | $73,162 | 10,250 | 3,743 |
Warren | CDP | $25,245 | $41,200 | $71,722 | 1,408 | 564 | |
56 | Gardner | City | $24,974 | $48,108 | $63,413 | 20,323 | 8,037 |
57 | Worcester | City | $24,544 | $45,846 | $55,927 | 180,519 | 70,248 |
58 | Athol | Town | $24,384 | $50,866 | $59,095 | 11,576 | 4,551 |
Webster | CDP | $24,109 | $43,702 | $53,145 | 11,682 | 5,195 | |
59 | Fitchburg | City | $24,061 | $48,064 | $55,293 | 40,286 | 14,741 |
60 | Southbridge | City | $21,923 | $43,965 | $52,577 | 16,800 | 6,548 |
Winchendon | CDP | $21,914 | $36,711 | $52,868 | 3,860 | 1,638 | |
Athol | CDP | $21,553 | $47,330 | $52,139 | 7,867 | 3,150 | |
Devens | CDP | $13,933 | $72,986 | $73,194 | 1,704 | 113 |
Government and politics
![]() | This article needs to be updated.(May 2016) |
State government | |
---|---|
State Representative(s): | by community |
State Senator(s): | by community |
Governor's Councilor(s): | Paul M. DePalo (D) |
Federal government | |
U.S. Representative(s): | by Congressional district |
U.S. Senators: | Elizabeth Warren (D), Ed Markey (D) |
Worcester County is one of the 8[20] (of the total of 14) Massachusetts counties that have had no county government or county commissioners since July 1, 1998, when county functions were assumed by state agencies at local option[clarification needed] following a change in state law.[21] The county has an elected county sheriff, county prosecutor, and court officials, administered under the state department of public safety. The state correctional system in the county is known as the Worcester County Jail or "House of Corrections" at West Boylston, and the Worcester County District courts (state administered) are housed at Worcester, Fitchburg, and other district courts within county boundaries.[21] The Worcester County district attorney is a county-wide position even though the district includes one town from a neighboring county. In Massachusetts, Sheriffs have more limited roles than most states and are responsible for corrections, court service and bailiffs and jail release programs.[21] County Sheriffs in Massachusetts are elected to six-year terms.[21] The Worcester County Sheriff is Lewis Evangelidis (R), and the Worcester County District Attorney is Joseph Early Jr. (D) (see the info-box for elected officials at county level). The Worcester County Conservation District has countywide boundaries.[22] The county has a regional planning commission.
Massachusetts law allows regional compacts, traditional counties and other governmental entities.[21] Traditional County governments in the state include Norfolk, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, and Plymouth Counties. Barnstable County, which is Cape Cod, functions as a modern regional county government. Suffolk County, which is mainly Boston, is under the Boston City Council. The Massachusetts General Laws describe this relationship of county government and the options for abolishing county governments and/or chartering regional governmental compacts in subchapter 34 B.[21] Four other new county compacts have been created by the state legislature in Hampshire, Franklin, Barnstable Counties, and a regional planning council level for Berkshire County. Thus 9 of 14 Counties have some form of county regional governments. Worcester County could exercise that option if it chooses, such as for public safety and/or preparedness due to its rather large geography, by a request to and a special act of the legislature, by local referendum, or by one of three mechanisms. See the references for the state statute, and the League of Women Voters link.
Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 17, 2018[23] | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Party | Number of voters | Prozentualer Anteil | |||
Democratic | 142,910 | 26.10% | |||
Republican | 66,689 | 12.18% | |||
Unenrolled | 329,232 | 60.12% | |||
Minor Parties | 2,231 | 0.41% | |||
Total | 547,585 | 100% |
Like all of Massachusetts, Worcester County is a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 171,683 | 39.74% | 248,773 | 57.58% | 11,558 | 2.68% |
2016 | 157,682 | 40.44% | 198,778 | 50.98% | 33,491 | 8.59% |
2012 | 163,390 | 44.27% | 198,244 | 53.71% | 7,478 | 2.03% |
2008 | 152,101 | 41.83% | 202,107 | 55.59% | 9,386 | 2.58% |
2004 | 144,094 | 42.30% | 192,142 | 56.41% | 4,400 | 1.29% |
2000 | 114,139 | 36.80% | 173,769 | 56.03% | 22,240 | 7.17% |
1996 | 87,021 | 29.84% | 169,892 | 58.26% | 34,704 | 11.90% |
1992 | 101,984 | 32.30% | 138,122 | 43.74% | 75,676 | 23.96% |
1988 | 148,365 | 50.59% | 141,485 | 48.25% | 3,406 | 1.16% |
1984 | 156,060 | 56.45% | 119,498 | 43.23% | 882 | 0.32% |
1980 | 120,100 | 43.11% | 117,326 | 42.12% | 41,135 | 14.77% |
1976 | 105,217 | 36.89% | 172,320 | 60.41% | 7,708 | 2.70% |
1972 | 127,560 | 46.70% | 144,139 | 52.77% | 1,428 | 0.52% |
1968 | 88,354 | 33.32% | 168,437 | 63.52% | 8,388 | 3.16% |
1964 | 61,388 | 22.60% | 209,383 | 77.08% | 860 | 0.32% |
1960 | 112,730 | 39.37% | 173,103 | 60.46% | 500 | 0.17% |
1956 | 163,401 | 60.10% | 107,889 | 39.68% | 580 | 0.21% |
1952 | 146,094 | 53.00% | 128,898 | 46.76% | 645 | 0.23% |
1948 | 106,757 | 43.62% | 133,823 | 54.68% | 4,177 | 1.71% |
1944 | 98,414 | 44.28% | 123,440 | 55.54% | 404 | 0.18% |
1940 | 100,468 | 42.92% | 132,541 | 56.62% | 1,099 | 0.47% |
1936 | 85,316 | 40.48% | 114,136 | 54.15% | 11,312 | 5.37% |
1932 | 88,535 | 49.08% | 87,586 | 48.55% | 4,281 | 2.37% |
1928 | 94,290 | 52.09% | 85,675 | 47.33% | 1,045 | 0.58% |
1924 | 89,679 | 67.14% | 31,171 | 23.34% | 12,726 | 9.53% |
1920 | 81,241 | 68.63% | 34,667 | 29.29% | 2,464 | 2.08% |
1916 | 32,541 | 52.76% | 27,540 | 44.65% | 1,599 | 2.59% |
1912 | 24,719 | 42.06% | 17,565 | 29.88% | 16,492 | 28.06% |
1908 | 34,394 | 62.06% | 16,803 | 30.32% | 4,228 | 7.63% |
1904 | 34,124 | 63.83% | 17,037 | 31.87% | 2,300 | 4.30% |
1900 | 32,412 | 62.84% | 17,148 | 33.24% | 2,022 | 3.92% |
1896 | 35,579 | 73.37% | 10,855 | 22.38% | 2,059 | 4.25% |
1892 | 27,130 | 54.84% | 20,797 | 42.04% | 1,544 | 3.12% |
1888 | 25,005 | 56.27% | 17,930 | 40.35% | 1,502 | 3.38% |
1884 | 21,661 | 55.32% | 12,712 | 32.47% | 4,783 | 12.22% |
1880 | 23,040 | 63.17% | 12,852 | 35.24% | 583 | 1.60% |
1876 | 22,054 | 60.43% | 14,319 | 39.23% | 123 | 0.34% |
1872 | 19,827 | 73.49% | 7,153 | 26.51% | 0 | 0.00% |
1868 | 19,860 | 76.77% | 6,009 | 23.23% | 0 | 0.00% |
Communities
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Worcester_County%2C_Massachusetts_internal_boundaries.svg/220px-Worcester_County%2C_Massachusetts_internal_boundaries.svg.png)
Cities
- Fitchburg
- Gardner
- Leominster
- Southbridge
- Worcester (traditional county seat)
Towns
- Ashburnham
- Athol
- Auburn
- Barre
- Berlin
- Blackstone
- Bolton
- Boylston
- Brookfield
- Charlton
- Clinton
- Douglas
- Dudley
- East Brookfield
- Grafton
- Hardwick
- Harvard
- Holden
- Hopedale
- Hubbardston
- Lancaster
- Leicester
- Lunenburg
- Mendon
- Milford
- Millbury
- Millville
- New Braintree
- North Brookfield
- Northborough
- Northbridge
- Oakham
- Oxford
- Paxton
- Petersham
- Phillipston
- Princeton
- Royalston
- Rutland
- Shrewsbury
- Southborough
- Spencer
- Sterling
- Sturbridge
- Sutton
- Templeton
- Upton
- Uxbridge
- Warren
- Webster
- West Boylston
- West Brookfield
- Westborough
- Westminster
- Winchendon
Census-designated places
- Athol
- Baldwinville
- Barre
- Brookfield
- Clinton
- Cordaville
- Devens
- East Brookfield
- East Douglas
- Fiskdale
- Hopedale
- Lunenburg
- Milford
- North Brookfield
- Northborough
- Oxford
- Petersham
- Rutland
- South Ashburnham
- South Lancaster
- Spencer
- Sturbridge
- Upton
- Warren
- Webster
- West Brookfield
- West Warren
- Westborough
- Whitinsville
- Winchendon
Other unincorporated communities
- Chapinville
- Cherry Valley
- East Millbury
- East Princeton
- Farnumsville (also called South Grafton)
- Fisherville
- Gilbertville
- Hardwick
- Ironstone (also known as South Uxbridge)
- Jefferson
- Leicester Center
- Linwood
- Manchuag
- Morningdale
- North Grafton
- North Uxbridge
- Oakdale
- Old Furnace
- Otter River
- Pitcherville
- Rochdale
- Rockdale
- Saundersville
- Spindleville
- Still River
- Stoneville
- Union Chapel
- West Sutton
- West Upton
- Whalom
- Wheelockville
- Wheelwright
- Winchendon Springs
Ghost town
- Dana, disincorporated due to the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir
Notable people
- Louisa May Alcott, novelist, daughter of Amos Alcott
- Johnny Appleseed, real name Jonathan Chapman
- Mike Barnicle, newspaper writer
- Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross
- Michael Beasley, NBA player, high school All-American; attended Notre Dame Preparatory School
- Robert Benchley, writer, theater critic, actor, humorist, and member of the Algonquin Round Table
- H. Jon Benjamin, actor and comedian
- Ezra T. Benson, Mormon pioneer, missionary, Quorum of Twelve, and Utah territorial legislator
- Ken Bouchard and Ron Bouchard, NASCAR drivers
- Luther Burbank, horticulturalist; developed russet potato used in French fries by McDonald's
- William Cullen Bryant, poet, journalist and editor of the New York Evening Post
- Effingham Capron, woolen and cotton mill scion who liberated slaves from the 1830s; led local, state and US anti slavery societies
- George M. Cohan, entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, director
- Robert Cormier, novelist and columnist
- Ron Darling, professional baseball pitcher, World Series player; local St. Johns High School star from Millbury, born in Honolulu
- Dorothea Dix, social reformer; activist
- Ralph Earl, famous portrait painter, artist of early America
- Fannie Farmer, cookbook author
- Abby Kelley Foster, radical abolitionist, women's suffrage
- Robert H. Goddard, father of American rocketry
- Ryan Gomes, NBA player; attended Notre Dame Preparatory School
- Gabby Hartnett, greatest baseball catcher before Johnny Bench
- Abbie Hoffman, activist
- Elias Howe, invented the sewing machine
- Elliott P. Joslin, pioneer diabetes researcher and clinician; founded Joslin Clinic
- Walker Lewis, black abolitionist, Masonic Grand Master of African Grand Lodge #1, Mormon elder
- Connie Mack, baseball great and long-time baseball manager
- Nora Marlowe, character actress; best known for role on The Waltons
- Agnes Moorehead, actress
- William T. G. Morton, contributor to modern anaesthesia
- Francis Patrick O'Connor, associate justice on Massachusetts Supreme Court
- Frank O'Hara, avant-garde poet and playwright
- Jeannine Oppewall, Hollywood producer, film art, four Academy Award nominations including Bridges of Madison County
- Joe Perry, songwriter and guitarist with Aerosmith; he was from Hopedale, and played his first gig at Mendon
- Amos Singletary, Anti-Federalist mill operator, justice for the peace, and state representative
- Brian Skerry, underwater photographer for National Geographic
- Steve Spagnuolo, former head coach of the St. Louis Rams, currently the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants
- Lysander Spooner, pamphleteer, lawyer, abolitionist and political theorist
- Lucy Stone, famous suffragist, women's rights advocate, abolitionist, public speaker, first woman college grad in Massachusetts; first woman to retain her own name after marriage
- Lydia Chapin Taft, America's first woman voter; first colonial woman who voted legally in America
- Earl Tupper, a New Hampshire native, who pioneered Tupperware in Farnumsville, South Grafton, in the 1940s[25]
- Hiram Walker, distillery founder
- Artemas Ward, major general of the American Revolution; the first Supreme Allied Commander of the Continental Army
- Daniel B. Wesson, co-founder of Smith & Wesson, a major firearm manufacturer
- Eli Whitney, invented the cotton gin
- Scott Young, NHL professional hockey player, two-time Stanley Cup champion, United States Olympian; attended St. Mark's and Boston University
- Geoffrey Zakarian, Iron Chef and restaurateur
- Rich Gedman, Catcher for Boston Red sox, Born Worcester, Ma
See also
- List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income
- List of counties in Massachusetts
- Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts) Worcester County District Registry of Deeds
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Worcester County, Massachusetts
References
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "MassGIS (Bureau of Geographic Information)". Mass.gov. June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
- ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 27, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
- ^ "2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Worcester County, Massachusetts". Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
- ^ "ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
- ^ "HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
- ^ "General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 34B. Abolition of County Government". Massachusetts General Court. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Mass. Gen. L. c. 34B
- ^ "Worcester County Conservation District". Archived from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
- ^ "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 17, 2018" (PDF). Massachusetts Elections Division. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ Dempsey, James (March 4, 1992). "Many Changes Since Tupper Started Ware". Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
Further reading
- Mary Babson Fuhrer, A Crisis of Community: The Trials and Transformation of a New England Town, 1815-1848. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2014.
- The Worcester County Directory, Boston, Mass.: Briggs & Co., 1878
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/38px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png)
- Worcester County Sheriff
- Worcester County District Attorney's Office
- Worcester District Registry of Deeds
- League of Women Voters page on counties
- Map of cities and towns of Massachusetts
- Video guide to Worcester County (Worcester Love)
- Hampshire Council of Governments
- Worcester County 4 H Fair Archived March 16, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- Worcester County Conservation District Archived March 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- US Census Bureau map of cities, towns, Native American reservations, and census-designated places