Worcester County

Worcester County spans 1,579 square miles across central Massachusetts, making it the largest county by area in the state with 862,111 residents.

The county government was officially established on April 2, 1731, incorporating sections from Hampshire, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties in colonial Massachusetts.

The county contains multiple higher education institutions, art galleries, museums, and performance venues, with Worcester serving as the primary cultural center.

Massachusetts state agencies manage all county functions since 1998, while maintaining elected sheriffs and specific court positions within the administrative structure.

Fifteen separate attempts to divide Worcester County into two entities occurred over 140 years, yet none succeeded in splitting this large territorial unit.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1731

Capital city: Worcester

Shares border with: Cheshire County, Hillsborough County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, Providence County, Windham County, Tolland County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Franklin County, Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

GPS coordinates: 42.35000,-71.91000

Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:20