Massachusetts Counties by Population (2026)

There are 14 counties in Massachusetts.

Middlesex County is the largest county in the state, with a population of 1,676,029. The most recent census shows that its population has increased by 0.03% since the previous census.

A number of other Massachusetts counties also boast relatively large populations for their state, though not able to match the density of Middlesex County:

• Worcester County : 893,282
• Essex County : 827,136

Massachusetts Counties with the Fewest Residents

The smallest county in Massachusetts is Nantucket County , with a population of just 14,803. This total represents a increase of 0.0% since the last census count was performed.

Other small counties include:

• Dukes County : 21,084
• Franklin County : 70,485
• Berkshire County : 127,399

Massachusetts Counties with Rapid Growth

Hampshire County , with its sizeable population of 163,451, has shown the largest population growth, with an increase of 0.1% since the last census.

Worcester County has also had relatively high population growth of 0.04% with 893,282 residents.

On the other hand, Berkshire County has had the largest decrease in population, with its 127,399 current residents totalling 0.0% less than the previous census.