Barnstable County Public RecordsMassachusetts

As of the 2020 Census, Barnstable County, MA, had a population of 228,996. The median age was 54.8 years, with 26.5% aged 65 or older. Females comprised 52.5% of the population, males 47.5%. Racially, the county was 89.6% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. The population is older and less diverse than Massachusetts overall.

Barnstable County, MA, had 171,244 registered voters as of 2022, with Democrats (37%), Republicans (25%), and unenrolled/independents (36%). The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, with recent turnout reaching 71% in the 2020 presidential election. In the 2020 general election, Joe Biden received 57.9% of the vote versus Donald Trump’s 40.4%. Key issues include coastal erosion, affordable housing, and opioid addiction. Polling locations number over 60 across 15 towns. Elections are administered by the Barnstable County Board of Elections and local town clerks, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts voting laws.

Barnstable County, MA, has over 15 public high schools and several private institutions. About 37% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools average a 7/10 rating on GreatSchools. Cape Cod Community College and adult learning centers offer advanced and continuing education. School safety measures are robust, with dedicated resource officers in most districts. Programs include STEM, vocational, and AP courses, as well as special education services, supporting diverse student needs.

As of 2022, Barnstable County, MA had an employment rate of 58.6%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (18.8%), retail trade (13.9%), and accommodation/food services (11.4%). Top occupation types are office/administrative support (15%) and sales (12%). About 79% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 25 minutes. The majority work within the county, but some commute to Plymouth and Suffolk counties for employment.

Barnstable County, MA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with a median home value of around $580,000 in 2023. Rental units comprise about 20% of housing, with median rents near $2,100/month. The area features a mix of single-family homes (70%+) and seasonal/vacation housing, with popular neighborhoods like Hyannis, Falmouth, and Chatham. Property values have risen nearly 8% year-over-year due to high demand and limited inventory. Property tax rates average 0.75%, with annual taxes for a median-priced home about $4,350. The region is popular for retirees and seasonal residents.

Barnstable County, MA, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with recent statistics indicating a violent crime rate of 1.73 and a property crime rate of 11.96 per 1,000 residents. In 2022, there were 420 reported violent crimes and 2,910 property crimes. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting through anonymous tip lines, contributing to resolution and prevention. Public safety initiatives and visible police presence have helped maintain a safer environment compared to similar regions statewide.