RANK #389 / 996 · POP 229,436 · MA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Barnstable County, Massachusetts, encompassing the entirety of Cape Cod, is distinguished by its extensive coastline and diverse villages, with Hyannis serving as a central hub. The county is approximately 70 miles from Boston, with bus services offering commutes to Boston South Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The region offers a blend of historic charm, as seen in Barnstable Village with its antique homes and galleries, and vibrant areas like Hyannis with its waterfront and cultural district. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, featuring over 100 miles of beaches, including Sandy Neck Beach and Craigville Beach, numerous freshwater ponds for swimming and fishing, and extensive trail networks like the Cape Cod Pathways. The climate is moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in milder winters and cooler summers compared to the mainland.
Life in Barnstable County attracts a mix of residents, including retirees and a growing number of younger, year-round individuals. The public schools in Barnstable County are generally rated above average. While traditionally a vacation destination, the economy is evolving beyond its strong tourism sector, which includes retail, accommodation, and food services. There is increasing focus on developing a "Blue Economy" that leverages the region's marine resources, with support for sectors like shellfishing and fin fishing. Efforts are also underway to foster diverse and innovative industries, with recent initiatives supporting small businesses and addressing infrastructure needs.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Commonwealth Wind Offshore Wind Farm (onshore interconnection)
Avangrid
|
$1,200M | Planned |
|
Vineyard Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm (onshore interconnection)
Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
|
$800M | Completed |
|
Battery Storage Project
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Barnstable County has a Boom Town Index score of 61/100, ranking #389 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $90,447, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Barnstable County is $519,100 with median rent at $1,536/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1742, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.72% of Barnstable County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.