Nantucket County Public RecordsMassachusetts

Nantucket County, MA, with about 8,300 registered voters as of 2022, conducts local, state, and federal elections, including select board and presidential races. In the 2020 presidential election, 67% voted Democrat, 30% Republican. Polling occurs at Nantucket High School, the sole location. Key issues include affordable housing and environmental protection. Elections are administered by the Town Clerk’s office. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, but Democrats maintain a voter registration edge. Turnout in major elections consistently tops 70%, reflecting strong civic participation.

As of 2023, Nantucket County, MA, has a population of approximately 14,600. The median age is 42.9 years. About 51% are male and 49% female. Racially, 78% identify as White, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 7% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 3% identify as two or more races or other. The county's diverse population has seen steady growth, with a significant portion of seasonal residents additionally impacting demographic trends.

Nantucket County, MA, has a single public school district—Nantucket Public Schools—including Nantucket High School, serving approximately 700 high school students. Around 95% of residents hold a high school diploma, and 59% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census). Nantucket High School’s average SAT score is about 1070. The district emphasizes safety with on-campus security and mental health resources. Adult education is offered through Nantucket Community School. Diverse programs include AP courses, STEAM, and vocational training, highlighting a strong commitment to comprehensive and safe educational opportunities.

As of 2022, Nantucket County, MA has an employment rate of approximately 74.5%. The leading industries are Accommodation & Food Services (22.9%), Construction (13.4%), and Retail Trade (11.2%). Most workers are employed in Service (33%) and Sales/Office (23%) occupations. About 67% of employees work within Nantucket County, while 33% commute from off-island. The average commute time is 10.7 minutes, reflecting the island's compact geography.

Nantucket County, MA, features a high homeownership rate of about 65%, with a median home value exceeding $2.3 million (2023). Rental vacancies are low, and median gross rent is $2,400/month. The island’s housing includes historic cottages, upscale waterfront estates, and modern condos, concentrated in neighborhoods like Town, Sconset, and Madaket. The real estate market trends remain stable with strong demand and limited inventory. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging $3.66 per $1,000 of assessed value. Seasonal residency is common, significantly influencing market dynamics and prices.

Nantucket County, MA, is known for its low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the reported crime rate was approximately 6.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crime accounting for less than 1.2 per 1,000. Property crime is relatively rare, with about 5.6 cases per 1,000 residents. The Nantucket Police Department regularly publishes safety reports and encourages prompt crime reporting. Overall, Nantucket remains one of Massachusetts’ safest counties for residents and visitors alike.