Pittsfield
RANK #749 / 996 NAT · #9 / 12 MA · POP 128,763
1YR FORECAST: +0.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is known for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions, with towns like Stockbridge often cited as quintessential New England. Located in western Massachusetts, approximately 120 miles west of Boston and 140 miles northeast of New York City, the county offers a blend of rural charm and cultural sophistication. The Appalachian Trail traverses the county, including Mount Greylock, the state's highest peak, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and water activities on its lakes and rivers. The average commute time in Berkshire County is around 20 minutes.
Life in Berkshire County often appeals to those seeking a slower pace amidst natural surroundings, with access to cultural amenities. The economy is supported by sectors such as healthcare and education, with institutions like Berkshire Medical Center and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and optics technology, aiming to create new job opportunities and foster partnerships with regional universities. The county also sees ongoing efforts in digital equity and infrastructure improvements. Public transportation, including regional bus services, is available, though ride-share options can be limited.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery Storage Project (290 MW)
Undisclosed (part of ISO-NE interconnection queue)
|
$290M | Planned |
|
Pittsfield Capital Improvement Program FY2022-FY2026
City of Pittsfield
|
$221M | Under Construction |
|
Battery Storage Project (136 MW)
Undisclosed (part of ISO-NE interconnection queue)
|
$136M | Planned |
|
Mill Town Capital Investments (Real Estate, Businesses, Infrastructure)
Mill Town Capital
|
$132M | Completed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Harbor Road Solar 1, NuGen Capital Management)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Luxury Housing Developments (Multiple Projects)
Hawkeye Developers & Builders and others
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 24/100, Berkshire County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $69,744 combined with job growth of -1.0% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Berkshire County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $266,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $1,003/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Berkshire County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs -1.0%. Home values shifted +1.8% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.22% of Berkshire County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.