Berkshire County, Massachusetts Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Berkshire County is located in Massachusetts with a total population of 128,047. It is the 11th most populous county out of 14 in Massachusetts. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Berkshire County is 47.8 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 40.0 years. 10.4% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Berkshire County is $72,565. This is 28% lower than the state median of $101,341. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $283,800. Housing costs are 46% lower than the state median of $525,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 70.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 62.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Berkshire County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.6%. The Black or African American population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 6.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.6%) is well below the state average of 12.9%. The Asian population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.

Education

38.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 46.6%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.7%. Notably, 17.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.