Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County is located in the western part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is bordered by the states of New York and Connecticut. See Countryaah – Counties in Massachusetts. The county is home to a total of 25 towns and cities, with Pittsfield being its largest city. It has an area of 931 square miles, making it the third-largest county in Massachusetts.
The northern border of Berkshire County lies along the state line between Massachusetts and New York. This border follows along much of the Housatonic River, which forms part of the boundary between Massachusetts’s two westernmost counties: Berkshire and Hampden. The eastern border follows along much of the state line between Massachusetts and Connecticut, while the southern border lies along some sections of Norfolk County to its south.
To its west, Berkshire County borders two counties in New York State: Columbia County to its northwest and Rensselaer County to its southwest. To its east lies Litchfield County in Connecticut, while Franklin County lies to its north. To its south lies Hampden County, which borders Berkshire on both sides for a short distance before it eventually gives way to Norfolk County at a point just north of Great Barrington.
Berkshire County is well known for being an area rich with culture, history and natural beauty; it includes many popular attractions such as Tanglewood Music Center, Norman Rockwell Museum, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Hancock Shaker Village and Monument Mountain. In addition to these popular attractions, there are also several historical sites throughout the county such as Stockbridge’s Mission House (built in 1739) and Lenox’s Ventfort Hall Mansion (built in 1893).
Demographics of Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County is a diverse area with a population of around 131,219 people as of 2019. The population is spread across 25 towns and cities, with Pittsfield being the largest city with a population of about 44,700 people. The county has experienced steady growth since 2010, when the total population was estimated at 129,890.
The racial makeup of Berkshire County is approximately 88% White (non-Hispanic), 5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian and 0.5% Native American or Alaskan Native. About 6.7% of the county’s population identifies as two or more races and 1.3% identify as some other race.
The median household income in Berkshire County is just under $59,000 per year while the median family income is slightly higher at roughly $62,000 per year; this makes it one of the wealthiest counties in Massachusetts and one of the most educated counties in the country with nearly 30 percent of its residents holding at least a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Berkshire also has an older age demographic than other parts of Massachusetts; its median age is over 40 years old compared to 37 for Massachusetts as a whole and 36 for the United States overall. This can be attributed to its rural nature and lack of large urban centers; most towns have populations fewer than 10,000 people which leads to an older age demographic overall in Berkshire County.
Places of Interest in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County, Massachusetts is home to a variety of interesting attractions. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is a must-see for art lovers. This museum celebrates the life and work of Norman Rockwell, one of America’s most beloved artists. The museum features over 100 original Rockwell paintings and covers his entire career from the 1920s to his death in 1978. Visitors can also explore the nearby Stockbridge Main Street Historic District, which dates back to 1739 and is full of antique shops, restaurants, and galleries.
The Berkshire region is also home to some incredible outdoor recreational opportunities. Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox is a popular destination for music lovers. This venue hosts performances by world-renowned musicians throughout the summer months and offers stunning views of the Berkshires from its open-air pavilion. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring October Mountain State Forest, which encompasses over 16,500 acres of woodlands with plenty of trails for hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. There are also numerous lakes in the area that offer swimming and boating activities as well as spectacular views of the surrounding mountainside.
Notable People of Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire County, Massachusetts is home to a variety of notable people. Norman Rockwell, one of America’s most beloved artists, was born in New York City but spent much of his life in Stockbridge. His works can be seen at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, which celebrates the life and work of this iconic artist. Another notable figure from the area is Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. He lived in Pittsfield for several years and wrote some of his most famous works while living here.
The Berkshires is also home to many influential writers and artists, including Edith Wharton who wrote The Age of Innocence while living at her estate in Lenox. Other prominent authors that have lived in the area include Nathaniel Hawthorne, who penned The Scarlet Letter while living in Lenox; Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert Frost; and children’s book author Thornton Burgess.
The Berkshires has also been home to many prominent actors over the years including Katherine Hepburn and Christopher Reeve who both owned homes here; as well as Paul Newman who co-founded the nearby Movie House Café & Cinema. In addition to actors, Berkshire County has been home to numerous musicians such as James Taylor and the Boston Pops Orchestra which performs regularly at Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox each summer.
Berkshire County has long been a refuge for creative minds looking for inspiration and opportunity for growth. Its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty continues to draw notable people from all over the world looking for a place to call home.
