Counties of Massachusetts

Current counties

The 14 counties of Massachusetts are the following:

• Barnstable
• Berkshire
• Bristol
• Dukes
• Essex
• Franklin
• Hampden
• Hampshire
• Middlesex
• Nantucket
• Norfolk
• Plymouth
• Suffolk
• Worcester

While all 14 are recognized as counties, the practical level of county government varies. Five counties continue to operate with county-level local government: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Norfolk and Plymouth. Nantucket is a consolidated city–county with a single municipal government that performs county functions. For general reference and mapping see the official list and resources: Massachusetts county list and the state overview at state government pages.

History and development

County organization in Massachusetts dates back to the colonial era. As colonial and later state boundaries evolved, some counties created by Massachusetts were eventually separated when the territories that are now the states of New Hampshire and Maine were formed or organized separately. Several historical counties that once fell under Massachusetts jurisdiction no longer exist within the state's present boundaries because their lands were absorbed into neighboring states or reorganized. For more on neighboring boundary changes see resources on New Hampshire and Maine: New Hampshire history and Maine history.

Government, functions and distinctions

Even where elected county governments were abolished, some county-based offices remain. Examples include elected sheriffs in many counties, registry of deeds districts, and county-based judicial districts. After county governments were discontinued in particular areas, responsibilities such as road maintenance, social services, and public health were generally assumed by the state or by municipal governments, or administered through regional collaborations.

Importance and practical uses

Counties in Massachusetts continue to be important reference units for legal jurisdictions, property records, statistics (including census reporting), and regional planning. For residents and researchers, understanding which counties have active administrations versus those that are primarily geographic divisions clarifies how services are delivered and which level of government to contact for particular functions.

Further notes

The distinction between a named county and an operating county government is a feature of several New England states where municipal and state governments play a larger role than county administrations. For readers seeking administrative contacts, legal jurisdictions, or data by county, consult the state resources linked above and local municipal offices for current arrangements.