Worcester County, Massachusetts
Central Massachusetts is home to Worcester County, a diverse region with a rich history and plenty to explore. It’s the second-most populous county in the state and stretches from the Connecticut border to New Hampshire.
Worcester, the county seat, is known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth.” Throughout the county, you’ll find quaint New England towns with white-steepled churches and charming town greens.
Visitors come to Wachusett Mountain for skiing and hiking. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or city life, the county offers a bit of everything. It’s also the largest county in the entire state of Massachusetts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Worcester County |
| County Seat | Worcester |
| Etymology | Named after Worcester, England |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ashburnham, Athol, Auburn, Barre, Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Boylston, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Fitchburg, Gardner, Grafton, Hardwick, Harvard, Holden, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leicester, Leominster, Lunenburg, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Templeton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield, Westminster, Winchendon, Worcester |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Interstate 190, Interstate 290, Interstate 395, U.S. Route 20, Massachusetts Route 2, Massachusetts Route 9, Massachusetts Route 12 |
| FIPS Code | 25-027 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,579 square miles (1,513 square miles land, 66 square miles water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Cheshire County, New Hampshire (North), Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (Northeast), Middlesex County (Northeast), Norfolk County (East), Providence County, Rhode Island (Southeast), Windham County, Connecticut (South), Tolland County, Connecticut (Southwest), Hampden County (West), Hampshire County (West), Franklin County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42.2626° N, 71.8023° W |
| Major Landmarks | Worcester Art Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, EcoTarium |
| Population | Approximately 860,000 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Worcester County Topographic Map
Worcester County has some serious terrain variety. Hills and ridges crisscross the landscape, especially in the north and west, while rivers cut deep through the land. The central area flattens out somewhat around Worcester itself. You can explore the highways and hilltops with our topographic map and zoom tool below.
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Worcester County Road Map
Worcester County is large, and its road network reflects that. I-190 and I-290 serve the central city, while I-90 runs east to west through the southern section. Although some towns are more remote, Routes 2, 9, and 20 help keep the area connected. Despite its size, most parts of the county have solid road access.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Worcester County Satellite Map
Wooded hills are common along the outer edges. Farmland and small towns fill the spaces in between, while large lakes, including Wachusett Reservoir, stand out across the landscape. Worcester city is clearly visible, but green space still covers much of the map.
OUTLINE MAP
Worcester County Blank Map
Worcester is the largest county in Massachusetts by land area. It borders New Hampshire to the north and Rhode Island to the south. Its shape is wide and uneven, shaped by the hills and rivers that run throughout the county.
Massachusetts County Maps
Massachusetts County Map
Small state, big personality. Boston’s skyline is packed with history, while the Cape delivers beach days and lobster rolls. Massachusetts brings together history, culture, and coastline across its 14 counties.