RANK #335 / 996 · POP 529,548 · MA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Plymouth County, Massachusetts, is defined by its coastal character and historical significance, notably the town of Plymouth, where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. Located south of Boston, many towns in the county offer convenient commuter rail and bus services to the city, typically around a 40-mile drive. The region blends quaint New England charm with access to natural beauty, including miles of coastline, numerous ponds, and extensive parklands like Myles Standish State Forest. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and whale watching. Duxbury and Hingham are among the notable towns, recognized for their strong communities and highly-regarded public schools.
Life in Plymouth County often appeals to families and those seeking a coastal lifestyle with a connection to history. The economy, historically reliant on tourism and residential development, is undergoing a shift. While the county has benefited from residential growth, there is a recognized need to diversify the tax base beyond housing. Efforts are underway to attract new businesses and foster innovation, particularly in emerging technologies and the marine economy, also known as the "blue economy." This includes exploring aquaculture and leveraging the county's coastal assets.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.9x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Plymouth Parking Management Plan & Garage Feasibility
Plymouth Growth & Development Corporation (PGDC)
|
$515M | Planned |
|
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station Decommissioning Site Redevelopment (1600 Acre Area Plan)
Holtec International (owner), Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC (operator)
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Cranberry Point Energy Storage
Plus Power
|
$150M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Plymouth County has a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, ranking #335 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.7% and a median household income of $105,387, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Plymouth County is $475,500 with median rent at $1,550/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2216, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.7%. Home values changed +2.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.61% of Plymouth County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.