IncomeBy County

Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-25% vs. Massachusetts average
$72,565
Median Household Income
$47,668
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$72,565
-25% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$47,668
+21% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
25.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Massachusetts
#13 / 14
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Berkshire County Compares

Berkshire County$72,565
Massachusetts Average$96,546
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$72,565
Median Household Income
$47,668
Per Capita Income
$283,800
Median Home Value
25.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Berkshire County

Income Verdict

Berkshire County has a median household income of $72,565 and per capita income of $47,668 — a gap of $24,897, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,042/month and a median household income of $72,565, rent consumes approximately 17.2% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $72,565 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $47,668 reflects a relatively affluent population with substantial individual earning capacity.

Neighbor Context

Berkshire County earns approximately 24.8% below the Massachusetts state median household income of $96,546.

Data Story

About Household Income in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Berkshire slightly above national income benchmark

Berkshire County's median household income of $72,565 sits just 3% below the national median of $74,755, showing solid middle-class earnings. This near-parity with national averages reflects a stable regional economy centered on manufacturing, arts, and healthcare.

Ranks eighth among Massachusetts counties

Berkshire's $72,565 median falls 25% short of Massachusetts's $96,546 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county faces a meaningful income gap compared to the state's most prosperous regions, though it outearns the state's lowest-income counties.

Income on par with Franklin County

Berkshire's $72,565 median closely mirrors Franklin County's $72,584, making them regional peers in western Massachusetts earnings. Both counties substantially underperform Hampshire County ($86,391) and significantly lag eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.

Strong affordability with modest housing costs

Berkshire's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio represents the most favorable housing affordability among all eight counties, with median home values at just $283,800. The county's lower income is offset by significantly lower property costs, making homeownership achievable for many households.

Leverage affordability to build savings and assets

Berkshire residents benefit from moderate housing costs relative to income, freeing up resources for retirement and investment accounts. Strategic financial planning—automating savings, taking advantage of employer retirement plans, and investing early—can help households capitalize on this affordability advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Berkshire County, Massachusetts?
The median household income in Berkshire County, Massachusetts is $72,565, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Berkshire County?
The per capita income in Berkshire County is $47,668, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $72,565.
How does Berkshire County compare to the Massachusetts average?
Berkshire County's median household income of $72,565 is lower than the Massachusetts state average of $96,546. The per capita income is $47,668, compared to the state average of $55,038.
What is the per capita income in Berkshire County, Massachusetts?
The per capita income in Berkshire County, Massachusetts is $47,668, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Berkshire County a low-income area in Massachusetts?
Berkshire County's median household income of $72,565 is below the Massachusetts average of $96,546. The per capita income of $47,668 is also lower than the state average of $55,038. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Berkshire County rank for income in Massachusetts?
Berkshire County ranks #13 out of 14 counties in Massachusetts by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $72,565 and per capita income of $47,668, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Berkshire County

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Your income is above the Berkshire County median

County median: $72,565 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-25%

vs. National Median

-3%

vs. Berkshire County MedianAbout equal
vs. Massachusetts Average▼ 25% below
vs. National Median▼ 3% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.8x

Your monthly income ($6,047) vs. median rent ($1,042/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Oneida County
Idaho
$72,563
+0%
Hamilton County
Tennessee
$72,568
+0%
Pennington County
Minnesota
$72,561
+0%
Douglas County
Wisconsin
$72,579
+0%
Franklin County
Massachusetts
$72,584
+0%
Gilmer County
Georgia
$72,542
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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