RANK #545 / 996 · POP 722,112 · MA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Norfolk County, Massachusetts, is often recognized as the "County of Presidents," being the birthplace of four U.S. Presidents: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush. Located southwest and south of Boston, the county offers a mix of suburban and rural environments. Commute options to Boston are available via the MBTA commuter rail, with towns like Canton and Westwood offering efficient train and highway access. The community feel across its 28 towns and one city, Quincy, often emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and local engagement. Outdoor recreation is accessible through areas like the Blue Hills Reservation, offering hiking and scenic views, and Wollaston Beach.
Life in Norfolk County is characterized by a blend of suburban comfort and access to urban centers. Many residents own their homes, and the public schools are highly rated, making it attractive to families. The county is considered one of the wealthiest in Massachusetts, with a median household income of $120,621. While specific major employers are not consistently highlighted as distinctive, the economy benefits from wholesale trade and manufacturing, including communications equipment. Real estate activity in Norfolk County has shown consistent growth, with increasing property transactions and mortgage recordings in recent months.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.4x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Norfolk County has a Boom Town Index score of 45/100, ranking #545 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.4% and a median household income of $120,621, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Norfolk County is $612,100 with median rent at $1,933/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1971, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.4%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.04% of Norfolk County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.