Berkshire County Public RecordsMassachusetts

As of the 2020 Census, Berkshire County, MA, had a population of 129,026. The median age is 48.7 years, reflecting an older population, with 23% aged 65 or over. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (87.7%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (4.9%), Black or African American (2.8%), Asian (1.5%), and those identifying as two or more races (2.7%).

Berkshire County, MA, had about 77,000 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local contests, with turnout reaching 60% in the 2020 presidential election. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with Democrats comprising over 55% of registrants. Key issues include education, affordable housing, and the environment. Administration is handled by the Berkshire County Board of Elections; polling locations number around 48. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Democrats received nearly 70% of county votes. Voters can register online, by mail, or in person, with early voting and absentee ballots widely available.

Berkshire County, MA, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 140 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 1,100 per 100,000. Local police agencies, such as the Pittsfield Police Department, actively report and address incidents, with a 7% year-over-year decline in overall crime since 2021. Most reported crimes involve theft and burglary, while violent crimes remain rare, supporting Berkshire County’s reputation as a generally safe community.

Berkshire County, MA, hosts 19 public high schools, with an average graduation rate of 87%. Roughly 39% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Notable institutions include Berkshire Community College and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. School safety scores are above the state average, and educational programs include robust arts, STEM, and adult education initiatives. Many schools earn ratings of 6–8/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education centers offer GED, ESL, and technical training programs, supporting lifelong learning for over 2,000 participants annually.

As of 2023, Berkshire County, MA has an employment rate of approximately 60%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (accounting for 21.3% of jobs), retail trade (11.6%), and accommodation and food services (10%). The leading occupation types are management, business, and financial (29%), with a notable share in service occupations (22%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Most residents work locally, with over 85% of employed individuals both living and working within the county.

Berkshire County, MA, features a homeownership rate of around 70% with median home values near $310,000 in 2023. The median rent is about $1,200 monthly. Housing types include historic single-family homes, condos, and multifamily properties, especially in towns like Pittsfield, Lenox, and Great Barrington. Property values have risen roughly 8% year-over-year. Neighborhoods vary from rural to small-town settings, with southern areas generally more expensive. The average property tax rate is approximately 1.25%, meaning taxes on a $310,000 home average $3,875 per year.