Hampshire County, Massachusetts is a rural county located in the western part of the state. It is bordered by Franklin, Hampden, Worcester and Berkshire Counties. The population of Hampshire County is approximately 161,000 people and its median household income is $62,000. The county seat is Northampton.
Hampshire County has a rich history that dates back to 1662 when it was first settled by English colonists. Today, the county remains largely rural with many small towns and villages scattered throughout its rolling hills and valleys. Agriculture is still an important part of the local economy with dairy farms and apple orchards being common sights in the area.
The cities of Northampton and Amherst are two major hubs for education in Hampshire County as they are home to Smith College and University of Massachusetts Amherst respectively. These educational institutions attract students from all over the world who come to study music, art, literature, science, engineering and more at these highly esteemed universities.
For outdoor enthusiasts Hampshire County offers plenty of opportunities for recreation such as hiking trails along the Connecticut River Valley or skiing down Mount Tom in Easthampton. Visitors can also explore nearby historic sites such as Old Deerfield Village or take a leisurely stroll through one of many charming New England towns like Shelburne Falls or Williamsburg.
Hampshire County offers visitors and residents alike a unique blend of rural charm combined with modern amenities that make it an excellent place to live or visit for those looking for something special in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley region.
History of Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Hampshire County, Massachusetts has a long and proud history that dates back to 1662 when the area was first settled by English colonists. The county was officially formed in 1731 and named after the English county of Hampshire. It was one of the original four counties of Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The early settlers of Hampshire County were largely farmers and tradespeople who built small towns and villages in the rural countryside. They grew produce for local consumption as well as for export to nearby cities such as Boston. During the American Revolution, Hampshire County played an important role in providing supplies to the Continental Army.
In the 19th century, Hampshire County experienced a major shift from an agricultural economy to one based on manufacturing and industry. Textiles and paper mills were established in many of its towns, providing employment for thousands of people across the county.
Today, Hampshire County is still largely rural with many small towns and villages scattered throughout its rolling hills and valleys. Agriculture is still an important part of the local economy with dairy farms and apple orchards being common sights in the area. The cities of Northampton and Amherst are two major hubs for education in Hampshire County as they are home to Smith College and University of Massachusetts Amherst respectively.
Hampshire County continues to be a unique blend of rural charm combined with modern amenities that make it an attractive place for both visitors and residents alike looking for something unique or just wanting some peace and quiet away from big city life.
Major cities and towns in Hampshire County, Massachusetts
According to AbbreviationFinder, Hampshire County, Massachusetts is home to a variety of different cities and towns that offer visitors and residents alike a unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities.
The county seat is Northampton, located in the center of the county. Northampton is a vibrant city that offers plenty of attractions such as Smith College, the Academy of Music, the Iron Horse Music Hall, and numerous art galleries and museums. The city also has an active nightlife with many bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore.
Amherst is another major city in Hampshire County located just north of Northampton. It is home to University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as Hampshire College and Amherst College. The downtown area features an array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other attractions such as the Hitchcock Center for the Environment or the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
Other notable cities in Hampshire County include Easthampton, Hadley, Belchertown, South Hadley, Warehams Ferry (formerly known as Ware), Williamsburgm and Granby. Each one offers its own unique charm with plenty to see and do such as historic sites like Old Sturbridge Village or outdoor activities like hiking at Mount Tom State Reservation or skiing at Berkshire East Ski Resort.
In addition to these larger cities there are also numerous small towns that make up Hampshire County such as Goshen (home to a popular summer music festival), Cummington (famous for its annual apple blossom festival), Worthington (a picturesque village on the Westfield River), Plainfield (known for its abundance of dairy farms) and Chesterfield (a quaint community nestled among rolling hills).
No matter where you go in Hampshire County you will find something special that makes it stand out from other locations in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley region. Whether you’re looking for culture or nature-based activities there are countless options available to explore making it an excellent place to live or visit.
Population in Hampshire County, Massachusetts
According to maternityetchic.com, Hampshire County is located in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts and is home to a diverse population of just over 160,000 people. The county seat is Northampton, which is the largest city in the county with a population of 28,827. Other major cities in Hampshire County include Amherst (37,819), Easthampton (16,053), Hadley (5,250), Belchertown (14,649), South Hadley (17,514) Warehams Ferry (formerly known as Ware) (2,723), Williamsburgm (1,741) and Granby (6,420).
The population in Hampshire County is largely white with about 85% identifying as Caucasian. The next largest ethnic group is Hispanic or Latino at 8%, followed by Asian at 2%, African American at 1%, Native American at 0.5%, and multiracial at 2%. In terms of religion the majority are Christian with nearly 70% identifying as such. Other religious affiliations include Judaism and Islam each making up about 1% of the population.
Hampshire County has a median household income of $71,501 which is slightly higher than both the state median income ($68,800) and national median income ($60,293). The poverty rate in Hampshire County stands at 11.2%, which is below both the state poverty rate (13%) and national poverty rate (14%). The unemployment rate in Hampshire County stands at 3.7%, which is below both the state unemployment rate of 4.6% and national unemployment rate of 3.9%.
In terms of education most residents have some college experience with nearly 40% having earned an Associate’s degree or higher. About 26% have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher while 27% have only completed high school or less. Hampshire County also has two major universities: University of Massachusetts Amherst and Smith College located in Northampton respectively making it an excellent place for those looking to pursue higher education opportunities.
Hampshire County has much to offer its residents from rural charm to modern amenities as well as diverse cultures and religions making it an excellent place to live.