Massachusetts Counties by Population (2026)

There are 14 counties in Massachusetts.

Middlesex County is the largest county in the state, with a population of 1,717,004. The most recent census shows that its population has increased by 0.05% 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 : 898,118
• Essex County : 839,420

Massachusetts Counties with the Fewest Residents

The smallest county in Massachusetts is Nantucket County , with a population of just 14,942. This total represents a increase of 0.0% since the last census count was performed.

Other small counties include:

• Dukes County : 21,425
• Franklin County : 70,893
• Berkshire County : 128,452

Massachusetts Counties with Rapid Growth

Hampshire County , with its sizeable population of 164,825, has shown the largest population growth, with an increase of 0.1% since the last census.

Middlesex County has also had relatively high population growth of 0.05% with 1,717,004 residents.

On the other hand, Berkshire County has had the largest decrease in population, with its 128,452 current residents totalling 0.0% less than the previous census.