RANK #512 / 996 · POP 128,763 · MA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is known for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions, with towns like Stockbridge often cited as quintessential New England. Located in western Massachusetts, approximately 120 miles west of Boston and 140 miles north of New York City, the county offers a blend of rural charm and cultural sophistication. The Appalachian Trail traverses the county, including Mount Greylock, the state's highest peak, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and water activities on its lakes and rivers. The average commute time in Berkshire County is around 20 minutes.
Life in Berkshire County often appeals to those seeking a slower pace amidst natural surroundings, with access to cultural amenities. The economy is supported by sectors such as healthcare and education, with institutions like Berkshire Medical Center and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and optics technology, aiming to create new job opportunities and foster partnerships with regional universities. The county also sees ongoing efforts in digital equity and infrastructure improvements. Public transportation, including regional bus services, is available, though ride-share options can be limited.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery Storage Project (290 MW)
Undisclosed (part of ISO-NE interconnection queue)
|
$290M | Planned |
|
Pittsfield Capital Improvement Program FY2022-FY2026
City of Pittsfield
|
$221M | Under Construction |
|
Battery Storage Project (136 MW)
Undisclosed (part of ISO-NE interconnection queue)
|
$136M | Planned |
|
Mill Town Capital Investments (Real Estate, Businesses, Infrastructure)
Mill Town Capital
|
$132M | Completed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Harbor Road Solar 1, NuGen Capital Management)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Luxury Housing Developments (Multiple Projects)
Hawkeye Developers & Builders and others
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Berkshire County has a Boom Town Index score of 49/100, ranking #512 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.0% and a median household income of $69,744, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Berkshire County is $266,400 with median rent at $1,003/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2618, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.0%. Home values changed +1.8% in the past 12 months.