1st Advantage MortgageAbout 69% of Norfolk County homes are owner-occupied, and the median household income is $130,739. Use those as context only. A lender looks at your own documented income and debts; compare APR and total repaid on every Norfolk County offer.
On this page
- Who lives in Norfolk County
- What stands out in Norfolk County
- Renting and owning in Norfolk County
- How Norfolk County residents earn a living
- The $130,739 median and what sits around it
- Towns and communities in Norfolk County
- Norfolk County and the counties next door
- Norfolk County demographics against Massachusetts
- What the numbers mean for Norfolk County borrowers
- Room for a loan payment in Norfolk County
- Four steps for Norfolk County borrowers
- Massachusetts lender licensing
- Beyond Norfolk County
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Norfolk County
Norfolk County is home to about 730,082 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 5th most populous of 14 county-level areas in Massachusetts. Density: about 1,843.2 residents per square mile across 396 square miles of land. The federal metro definitions (OMB, July 2023) place it in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area. Quincy is the biggest of its 29 Census places, at roughly 102,114 people (14% of the county total).
What stands out in Norfolk County
The 4 Norfolk County numbers that rank furthest from typical in Massachusetts, and what each means for a borrower:
- Norfolk County ranks the highest of 14 Massachusetts counties for the share of commutes over 45 minutes: 29%, against 22% statewide. With long commutes, a reliable car is part of keeping the job.
- On the housing vacancy rate, Norfolk County sits near the bottom of Massachusetts at 4%, the lowest of 14. Few vacant units can mean a tight housing market.
- Norfolk County ranks 2nd highest of 14 Massachusetts counties for the share of workers who work from home: 22.8%, against 18.6% statewide. Remote workers should have W-2s or contracts ready to show income.
- The share of households earning $100,000 or more: 61% in Norfolk County. Only 1 of 14 Massachusetts counties are higher. Big incomes invite big loans; borrow only what you need.
Renting and owning in Norfolk County
Norfolk County rent at the median: $2,149 a month, utilities in ($1,762 in Massachusetts). Rent takes 30% or more of income for 51% of renter households here. Norfolk County homes are worth $683,900 at the median, a 5.2-to-1 ratio to income. 69% of Norfolk County households own their home and 31% rent.
| Cost | Norfolk County | Massachusetts figure | Higher or lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 69% | 63% | +6.2 pts |
| Vacant units | 4% | 8% | -4.1 pts |
| Median gross rent | $2,149/mo | $1,762/mo | 22% higher |
| Median home value | $683,900 | $562,100 | 22% higher |
| Burdened owners | 28% | 30% | -2.0 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 51% | 52% | -0.3 pts |
Rent pressure is real here, so run any payment through the debt-to-income calculator before you apply.
How Norfolk County residents earn a living
The biggest employer of Norfolk County residents, by industry, is education and health care at 30% of workers, followed by professional and administrative services (17%). Norfolk County over-indexes on finance, insurance and real estate: 11% versus 7% in Massachusetts. ACS puts five-year average unemployment at 4.9% in Norfolk County. Commutes of 45 minutes-plus: 29%; under 15 minutes: 18%.
| Top industries | Norfolk County share | +/- vs Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 30.2% | +2.0 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 16.8% | +1.1 pts |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 10.6% | +3.3 pts |
| Retail trade | 8.6% | -1.0 pts |
| Manufacturing | 6.9% | -2.1 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 6.7% | -0.8 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Norfolk County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
The $130,739 median and what sits around it
Norfolk County households have a median income of $130,739 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 3rd of 14 in Massachusetts.
| Household income | Norfolk County | vs Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 13.6% | -4.6 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 25.3% | -4.9 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 29.5% | +0.1 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 31.6% | +9.4 pts |
About 14% of households earn under $35,000, while 61% clear $100,000. Poverty rate, Norfolk County: 6.7%; Massachusetts: 10.0%. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Norfolk County median.
Towns and communities in Norfolk County
The table lists the 14 largest of 29 Census places in Norfolk County, by population. Together all 29 hold about 667,960 people, so roughly 9% of residents live outside any named place. Wellesley ($250,001) and Foxborough ($86,871) mark the top and bottom of Norfolk County's income range among larger places. Rent is cheapest in Holbrook ($1,094) and steepest in Wellesley ($2,886). Live in one of these Norfolk County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy | city | 102,114 | $98,882 | $2,118 | 11 mi |
| Brookline | CDP | 63,266 | $142,101 | $2,835 | 11 mi |
| Weymouth Town | city | 58,505 | $102,714 | $1,941 | 12 mi |
| Braintree Town | city | 38,899 | $122,214 | $2,024 | 9 mi |
| Randolph Town | city | 34,878 | $109,573 | $2,103 | 7 mi |
| Franklin Town | city | 33,154 | $145,773 | $1,899 | 13 mi |
| Needham | CDP | 32,459 | $214,308 | $2,409 | 8 mi |
| Norwood | CDP | 31,542 | $107,030 | $2,116 | 1 mi |
| Wellesley | CDP | 30,347 | $250,001 | $2,886 | 11 mi |
| Stoughton | town | 29,225 | $104,794 | $2,050 | 5 mi |
| Milton | CDP | 28,587 | $188,529 | $1,474 | 7 mi |
| Dedham | CDP | 25,237 | $128,955 | $2,042 | 5 mi |
| Canton | town | 24,748 | $143,381 | $2,315 | 3 mi |
| Westwood | town | 16,318 | $223,125 | $2,553 | 4 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
Norfolk County and the counties next door
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (14 to 33 miles). Income ranges from $78,787 in Providence County to $130,847 in Middlesex County; 1 of these neighbors top Norfolk County's median. The list crosses into Rhode Island, where different lending rules and regulators apply.
| Nearby county | Center to center | Household income | Gross rent | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk County | - | $130,739 | $2,149/mo | 69% |
| Suffolk County, MA | 14 mi | $95,631 | $2,129/mo | 36% |
| Middlesex County, MA | 24 mi | $130,847 | $2,201/mo | 61% |
| Plymouth County, MA | 26 mi | $114,201 | $1,747/mo | 78% |
| Providence County, RI | 29 mi | $78,787 | $1,312/mo | 57% |
| Bristol County, MA | 30 mi | $85,625 | $1,245/mo | 62% |
| Bristol County, RI | 33 mi | $114,490 | $1,528/mo | 72% |
Norfolk County demographics against Massachusetts
Bachelor's degree or higher: 59% of Norfolk County adults. Uninsured, Norfolk County: 1.9%; Massachusetts: 2.6%.
| Measure | Norfolk County | Gap to Massachusetts | Gap to typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40.9 | +0.9 yrs | -0.6 yrs |
| Bachelor's or higher | 58.8% | +11.5 pts | +36.6 pts |
| No high school diploma | 5.6% | -3.1 pts | n/a |
| No health insurance | 1.9% | -0.7 pts | -6.0 pts |
| No vehicle | 9.2% | -2.6 pts | +3.7 pts |
| Work from home | 22.8% | +4.2 pts | +14.2 pts |
| Poverty rate | 6.7% | -3.4 pts | -6.5 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.9% | -0.2 pts | +0.5 pts |
| Minutes to work | Norfolk County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 18.5% |
| 15 to 29 min | 28.1% |
| 30 to 44 min | 24.6% |
| 45 to 59 min | 13.2% |
| 60+ min | 15.6% |
What the numbers mean for Norfolk County borrowers
Norfolk County-specific points to check:
- Keeping the car running. At 29% with long commutes, repairs are a frequent Norfolk County emergency; first decide if the car is worth fixing.
- 61% at $100,000+. Good credit gets more offers in Norfolk County; use that to compare, not to borrow more.
- Norfolk County rent burden. 51% of renters are cost-burdened; ask your landlord about a payment plan before borrowing for rent.
Room for a loan payment in Norfolk County
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Norfolk County's medians:
- Monthly gross at the median, Norfolk County: $10,895
- Rent at the median, $2,149, takes 20% of that
- With a 36% ceiling, about $1,773 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
- Under a 43% cap, $4,685 total minus rent leaves $2,536
Two-income households and single earners in Norfolk County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Four steps for Norfolk County borrowers
Quick steps for Norfolk County:
- Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
- Compare the total repaid on every offer, not just the payment.
- Verify the Massachusetts license before giving out your Social Security number.
- Never pay a fee up front to get a loan.
Massachusetts lender licensing
Before sharing details with a lender, a Norfolk County resident can confirm its license with the Massachusetts Division of Banks. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. The Massachusetts guide covers state rules in more detail.
Beyond Norfolk County
For statewide rules and data, see the Massachusetts guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is $130,739 a good income in Norfolk County?
It is the county median, so half of Norfolk County households earn more and half less; 61% earn $100,000 or more.
How much is rent in Norfolk County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $2,149 a month; 51% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
Is Dover covered?
Yes. Dover is one of 29 Census places in Norfolk County, and this guide covers all of them.
Are Norfolk County applicants treated differently?
No. Everyone answers the same questions and is screened on the same objective points; lending partners set their own criteria under fair-lending laws.
Who regulates personal lenders for Norfolk County residents?
The Massachusetts Division of Banks licenses consumer lenders in Massachusetts; the CFPB takes complaints about any lender, and the FTC wants to hear about fee-first offers.