RANK #703 / 996 · POP 785,443 · MA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.0%
Suffolk County, Massachusetts, is defined by Boston, its largest city and the state capital, which anchors the county's identity. The county is situated on Massachusetts Bay, featuring a hilly coastal region and several islands. Notable towns like Winthrop and Revere offer coastal living with access to Boston. Residents and visitors can explore historical sites along the Freedom Trail, including the Old North Church and Paul Revere House, or enjoy green spaces like Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden. Commuting within the county and to surrounding areas is facilitated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway, bus, and commuter rail services, along with ferries and various shuttle programs.
Life in Suffolk County is characterized by its urban and diverse environment, attracting many young professionals. The county's economy is largely driven by financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, alongside health care and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Education also plays a significant role, with numerous colleges and universities in and around Boston. Recent economic developments include the Suffolk Downs redevelopment project in East Boston and Revere, which aims to create a mixed-use neighborhood with residential units, commercial spaces, and life sciences facilities, projected to generate thousands of jobs.
Below national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Suffolk County has a Boom Town Index score of 29/100, ranking #703 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.4% and a median household income of $87,669, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Suffolk County is $650,900 with median rent at $1,953/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1347, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.4%. Home values changed +0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.05% of Suffolk County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.