Middlesex Among Fastest Growing Counties in State

Photo: U.S. Census Bureau

By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

Middlesex County is among the fastest-growing counties, and also added the most people, in Massachusetts between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014, according to a new report released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The report, which concentrated on where the heaviest population growth occurred in Massachusetts, states that Nantucket is the fastest growing, with a population increase of 2.7 percent over the period. Dukes County followed, showing a .96 percent increase with Suffolk County third at .94 percent. Middlesex County had a .78 percent increase followed by Plymouth with a 67 percent increase.

Middlesex County added 12,184 people over the time period, which was more than any other county in the state. Suffolk followed, growing by 7,161 people, with Essex adding 4,998, Norfolk 3,545 and Plymouth 3,386.

With 1,570,315, Middlesex County is the most populous county in Massachusetts, followed by Worcester and Essex.

The Census Bureau based its information on the animal population estimates for each of the nation’s counties, metropolitan statistical areas, and micropolitan statistical areas since the 2010 Census and up to July 1, 2014.