Norfolk County, MA
725,531 residents · 396 sq mi · 1,831.7/sq mi · 2% rural
About Norfolk County
Norfolk County is located in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. At the 2020 census, the population was around 725,981. Its county seat is Dedham. The county was named after the English county of the same name. Two towns, Cohasset and Brookline, are exclaves. Norfolk County is included in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. Norfolk County is the 24th highest-income county in the United States with a median household income of $107,361. It is the wealthiest county in Massachusetts.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a predominantly urban landscape with a population density of 1,831.7 people per square mile, which may limit opportunities for self-sufficient living. The climate is classified as humid with an annual mean temperature of 50.3°F and ample rainfall at 49.6 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. However, the high density and urban character may make it challenging to find suitable land for homesteading.
Natural hazards pose significant risks, with riverine flooding ranked at 96 and hurricanes at 92 on the FEMA scale, indicating a high likelihood of these events. The area also experiences ice storms and heat waves, both ranked at 90. Additionally, the median home price of $612,100 may present a barrier for those looking to establish a homestead. Despite a low violence percentile, the overall density may lead to concerns regarding personal space and community interactions.
This county may suit individuals or families seeking proximity to urban amenities while still having access to some rural characteristics. Those with substantial financial resources may thrive here, given the high cost of living and property. However, aspiring homesteaders looking for land and independence may find the urban density and associated costs to be dealbreakers in their pursuit of self-sufficiency.