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Worcester County

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Worcester County
CountyWorcester County
StateMassachusetts
Founded1731
SeatWorcester
Largest cityWorcester
Area total sq mi1,579
Area land sq mi1,511
Area water sq mi68
Population as of2020
Population total862,111
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneEastern
District1st
District22nd
District33rd
District44th
District55th
Named forWorcester, England

Worcester County is a county located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2020 United States census, it was the second-most populous county in the state, with its county seat and largest city being Worcester. The county was formed from portions of Middlesex County, Suffolk County, and Hampshire County in 1731. It encompasses a diverse landscape ranging from the urban center of Worcester to the rural towns of the Quabbin Reservoir region.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,579 square miles, of which 1,511 square miles is land and 68 square miles is water. It is the largest county in Massachusetts by area. The geography is varied, featuring the urbanized Blackstone Valley in the east, the rolling hills of central towns like Holden and Paxton, and the more mountainous, forested regions in the west near the Berkshires. Major bodies of water include the Quabbin Reservoir, a primary water source for the Boston metropolitan area, Lake Chaubunagungamaug in Webster, and the Nashua River which flows north into New Hampshire. The county borders Hampshire County to the west, Middlesex County to the east, Norfolk County to the southeast, and the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south.

History

The area was originally inhabited by various Nipmuc tribes before European settlement. It was officially created by the Massachusetts General Court in 1731, named for Worcester, England. The county was a significant center of activity during the American Revolution, with events like the Battle of Worcester in 1774, a precursor to open rebellion. The 19th century saw rapid industrialization, particularly in Worcester and the Blackstone Valley, which became a national hub for textile manufacturing, wire production, and machinery, aided by the Blackstone Canal and later the Boston and Albany Railroad. The 20th century brought economic shifts, the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir in the 1930s—which disincorporated several towns—and the growth of institutions like the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 862,111, making it the second-most populous county in Massachusetts after Middlesex County. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant populations identifying as Hispanic or Latino, particularly in cities like Worcester and Southbridge. Other sizable ethnic communities include Albanian, Brazilian, and Vietnamese populations. The largest city, Worcester, is a recognized Refugee resettlement center. Population density varies greatly from the urban core to sparsely populated western towns such as New Salem and Petersham.

Economy

The economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major employers include UMass Memorial Health Care, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the College of the Holy Cross, and AbbVie in Worcester. Advanced manufacturing remains vital, with companies like IPG Photonics and Waters Corporation operating in the region. The Blackstone Valley has a historical legacy in textiles, while agriculture persists in towns like Lancaster and Harvard. The Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park and the Worcester Regional Airport are key infrastructure components supporting economic development.

Education

The county is a major center for higher education, home to several colleges and universities. These include Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Assumption University, Quinsigamond Community College, and MCPHS University. Public primary and secondary education is administered by individual city and town school districts, with notable districts like the Worcester Public Schools and the Wachusett Regional School District. Specialized institutions such as the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science and the Worcester Art Museum's affiliated school also contribute to the educational landscape.

Government

The county government was largely abolished in 1998, with most functions transferred to state agencies; however, a few elected officials like the Register of Deeds and Sheriff remain. The Worcester County Sheriff's Office operates the jail in West Boylston. The region is represented in the Massachusetts Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives by numerous districts, and at the federal level by parts of five congressional districts. Municipal governments operate under various forms, including the mayor-council system in Worcester and town meeting formats in most smaller towns. The Worcester Regional Retirement System and the Worcester County District Attorney's office are other key governmental entities.

Category:Worcester County, Massachusetts Category:Counties in Massachusetts Category:1731 establishments in Massachusetts