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Which counties in Massachusetts are people leaving?

10 of the 14 counties in Massachusetts had more residents move away to other U.S. counties than move in during 2025. Suffolk County had the largest net outflow for its size: 16.4 per 1,000 residents (−12,966 people).

Net out-migration does not always mean fewer residents: 9 of these 10 counties still had more residents in 2025 than in 2020.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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All 10 Massachusetts counties with net out-migration

Counties with the most out-migration in Massachusetts
RankCountyPer 1,000 residents, 2025Net movers 2025ResidentsPopulation change 2020–25
1Suffolk County−16.4−12,966791,891+0.1%
2Dukes County−11.4−24121,219+3.1%
3Middlesex County−6.7−11,2691,669,979+2.8%
4Essex County−6.3−5,184826,653+2.3%
5Nantucket County−5.9−8714,758+3.6%
6Hampshire County−4.3−698164,065+10.4%
7Norfolk County−3.3−2,465739,749+2.2%
8Berkshire County−2.1−274128,224−1.2%
9Worcester County−1.4−1,253888,502+3.7%
10Hampden County−0.9−422464,338+0.1%

How this is ranked

Counties where more residents moved away to other U.S. counties than moved in (negative net domestic migration in the Census Bureau's population estimates for 2025), per 1,000 residents, largest net outflow first. Moves from and to other countries, births and deaths are not counted. Counties with fewer than 1,000 residents, or without a figure for the same period as the others, are left out, as on every ranking.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2025). Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how ranks and figures are built. More on every layer: data sources and licences.

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Questions

Which county in Massachusetts are the most people leaving?

For its size, Suffolk County: net domestic migration of −16.4 per 1,000 residents in 2025 (−12,966 people; Census Bureau population estimates). Next: Dukes County (−11.4) and Middlesex County (−6.7).

How many counties in Massachusetts have more people moving out than in?

10 of the 14 counties in Massachusetts had more residents move away to other U.S. counties than move in during 2025.

Does net out-migration mean a county is losing population?

Not always. Net domestic migration counts moves between U.S. counties only; births, deaths and international migration also change the total. 9 of these 10 counties still had more residents in 2025 than in 2020.

More county rankings for Massachusetts

Counties with the most out-migration in other states

Across the U.S.