Worcester County, Massachusetts

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Worcester County
U.S. county
County of Worcester
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	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/sq mi (220/km2)

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Worcester County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2020 census, the population was 862,111, making it the second-most populous county in Massachusetts. The county seat is Worcester. Worcester County is included in the Worcester, MA-CT Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area.

History

Worcester County was created on April 2, 1731, from portions of Middlesex County, Hampshire County, and Suffolk County. It was named after the city of Worcester, England. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Revolutionary War and its development during the Industrial Revolution.

Geography

According to the United States 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. Worcester County is the largest county in Massachusetts by area.

Adjacent counties

• Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (north)
• Middlesex County, Massachusetts (northeast)
• Norfolk County, Massachusetts (southeast)
• Providence County, Rhode Island (south)
• Windham County, Connecticut (southwest)
• Tolland County, Connecticut (southwest)
• Hampden County, Massachusetts (west)
• Hampshire County, Massachusetts (west)
• Franklin County, Massachusetts (northwest)
• Cheshire County, New Hampshire (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 862,111 people, 315,000 households, and 215,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 570 people per square mile (220/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 80.5% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 6.1% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.3% of the population.

Government and politics

Worcester County does not have a county government; instead, it has a regional government structure. The county's functions are limited to the operation of the county jail and house of correction, the registry of deeds, and the probate court. The county is divided into several municipalities including cities and towns.

Education

Worcester County is home to several institutions of higher education, including Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The county also has numerous public and private primary and secondary schools.

Economy

The economy of Worcester County is diverse, with significant contributions from the healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The city of Worcester serves as a major economic hub within the county.

Transportation

Worcester County is served by several major highways, including Interstate 90, Interstate 190, and Interstate 290. Public transportation is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Communities

Worcester County comprises 60 cities and towns, including:

• Worcester
• Fitchburg
• Leominster
• Shrewsbury
• Westborough

See also

• List of counties in Massachusetts
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Also see

► Healthcare providers in Massachusetts

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