2023 Worcester County, Massachusetts Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Worcester County, Massachusetts, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Worcester County, Massachusetts Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following statistics highlight Worcester County, Massachusetts population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 861,664
- Median Age (Total)
- 40.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 39.3 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 41.3 years
Worcester County, Massachusetts Age Distribution Comparison with Massachusetts 2023
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts age demographics with Massachusetts to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 40.3 yrs | 40.1 yrs | +0.2 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.18% | 4.86% | +0.3pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 15.63% | 14.12% | +1.5pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 9.27% | 9.91% | -0.6pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 25.99% | 25.30% | +0.7pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 16.56% | 18.72% | -2.2pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 59.69 | 60.53 | -0.8 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 59.69
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 33.24 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 26.45 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Worcester County, Massachusetts
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Worcester County, Massachusetts are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 46.09
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts racial and ethnic demographics with Massachusetts to understand regional diversity patterns.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Diversity
46.09
moderateMassachusetts Diversity
54.47
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 71.75% | 65.00% | +6.8pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 13.32% | 14.00% | -0.7pp |
| Asian Alone | 5.18% | 7.64% | -2.5pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 4.64% | 6.33% | -1.7pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.00% | 5.64% | -1.6pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.99% | 1.31% | -0.3pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.0pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.02% | 0.01% | +0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 46.09 | 54.47 | -8.38 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $93,561 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 333,273
Income Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts household income with Massachusetts to understand regional economic patterns.
Worcester County, Massachusetts
$93,561
Massachusetts
$104,828
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 10.37% | 10.25% | +0.1pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 8.64% | 7.22% | +1.4pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 8.66% | 7.46% | +1.2pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 13.28% | 12.09% | +1.2pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 30.92% | 28.67% | +2.2pp |
| $150,000 or more | 28.12% | 34.31% | -6.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Massachusetts.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $390,700
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 218,849 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts property values with Massachusetts to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Worcester County, Massachusetts
$390,700
Massachusetts
$607,400
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.20% | 1.44% | -0.2pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.91% | 0.57% | +0.3pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 0.91% | 1.05% | -0.1pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 5.68% | 2.19% | +3.5pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 62.84% | 31.69% | +31.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 27.80% | 56.25% | -28.4pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.66% | 6.81% | -6.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Massachusetts.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 91.31%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 39.03%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 602,409
Education Level Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts educational attainment with Massachusetts to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Worcester County, Massachusetts
39.03%
Bachelor's+ in Massachusetts
48.27%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 8.69% | 8.60% | +0.1pp |
| HS Graduate | 26.52% | 22.24% | +4.3pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 25.76% | 20.88% | +4.9pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 22.49% | 25.72% | -3.2pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 16.54% | 22.55% | -6.0pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 91.31% | 91.40% | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Massachusetts.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 2.6%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 22,296
- Total Civilian Population
- 851,300
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts health insurance coverage with Massachusetts to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Worcester County, Massachusetts
2.6%
Uninsured in Massachusetts
2.8%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 1.4% | 1.6% | 2.2% | 2.1% |
| 18-34 years | 6.4% | 3.5% | 5.7% | 3.7% |
| 35-64 years | 3.5% | 2.3% | 3.8% | 2.5% |
| 65+ years | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.5% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 93.6% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 63,588 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 55,553
Citizenship Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts citizenship and nativity with Massachusetts to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Worcester County, Massachusetts
93.6%
Citizenship in Massachusetts
91.0%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 82.5% | 78.3% | +4.2pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 2.7% | 1.7% | +1.0pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.0% | 1.2% | -0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 7.4% | 9.8% | -2.4pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 6.4% | 9.0% | -2.6pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 93.6% | 91.0% | +2.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Massachusetts.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 79.5%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 1.5%
- Work From Home Rate
- 14.3%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 433,641
Transportation Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts commuting patterns with Massachusetts to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Worcester County, Massachusetts
79.5%
Drove in Massachusetts
70.0%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 79.5% | 70.0% | +9.5pp |
| Public transportation | 1.5% | 7.8% | -6.3pp |
| Bicycle | 0.1% | 0.9% | -0.8pp |
| Walked | 2.4% | 4.3% | -1.9pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 2.1% | 2.2% | -0.1pp |
| Worked from home | 14.3% | 14.8% | -0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Massachusetts.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Worcester County, Massachusetts by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 443,268
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts employment patterns with Massachusetts to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Worcester County, Massachusetts
5.7% (M) / 7.9% (F)
Government Employment in Massachusetts
5.5% (M) / 7.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 39.4% F: 31.0% | M: 37.4% F: 30.0% | M: +2.0pp F: +1.0pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.8% F: 6.9% | M: 4.9% F: 9.2% | M: -1.1pp F: -2.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.7% F: 7.9% | M: 5.5% F: 7.6% | M: +0.2pp F: +0.3pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.9% F: 2.3% | M: 2.8% F: 2.4% | M: +0.1pp F: -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Massachusetts.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 36,007
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
11,521 veterans (32.0%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts veteran demographics with Massachusetts to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Worcester County, Massachusetts
36,007
Total Veterans in Massachusetts
253,731
- Worcester County, Massachusetts: Vietnam Era Only (32.0%)
- Massachusetts: Vietnam Era Only (34.3%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 32.0% (11,521) | 34.3% (86,934) | -2.3pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 19.4% (6,975) | 16.0% (40,550) | +3.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 14.4% (5,191) | 14.0% (35,540) | +0.4pp |
| Gulf War Only | 13.0% (4,673) | 10.9% (27,607) | +2.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 8.3% (2,986) | 8.9% (22,705) | -0.6pp |
| Korean War Only | 6.1% (2,203) | 7.5% (18,996) | -1.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.1% (1,471) | 4.2% (10,567) | -0.1pp |
| WWII Only | 1.5% (553) | 2.2% (5,639) | -0.7pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.4% (131) | 0.8% (2,150) | -0.4pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.3% (118) | 0.4% (980) | -0.1pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.2% (77) | 0.4% (1,091) | -0.2pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.2% (58) | 0.2% (535) | 0.0pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.1% (28) | 0.1% (352) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.1% (22) | 0.0% (85) | +0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Worcester County, Massachusetts Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data categorizes families in Worcester County, Massachusetts by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 7.0% (15,286 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 21.7% (47,630 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 71.3% (156,153 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts poverty levels with Massachusetts to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Worcester County, Massachusetts
7.0%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Massachusetts
6.3%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 7.0% (15,286) | 6.3% (110,334) | +0.7pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 21.7% (47,630) | 19.4% (342,405) | +2.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 71.3% (156,153) | 74.3% (1,308,627) | -3.0pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.8% | 3.1% | -0.3pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.8% | 1.3% | +0.5pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.3% | 1.8% | +0.5pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.4% | 2.0% | +0.4pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.2% | 2.0% | +0.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.9% | 2.3% | +0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Massachusetts.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Worcester County, Massachusetts SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Worcester County, Massachusetts
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Worcester County, Massachusetts, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 50,938 (15.28% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 20,695 (40.63% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 333,273
SNAP Participation Comparison with Massachusetts
Compare Worcester County, Massachusetts SNAP participation with Massachusetts to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Worcester County, Massachusetts
15.28%
50,938 householdsSNAP Participation in Massachusetts
15.08%
426,702 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Worcester County, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 13.36% (6,805) | 8.95% (4,560) | 10.84% (46,270) | 9.61% (41,017) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 5.57% (2,839) | 3.22% (1,638) | 4.40% (18,760) | 3.80% (16,229) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 21.35% (10,876) | 7.55% (3,846) | 21.25% (90,658) | 9.88% (42,172) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.34% (175) | 39.65% (20,199) | 0.32% (1,345) | 39.90% (170,251) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 50,938 (15.28% of households) | 426,702 (15.08% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.