Southeastern Massachusetts is a region of Massachusetts located south of Boston and east of Rhode Island . It is commonly used to describe areas with cultural ties to both Boston and Providence, Rhode Island , and includes the cities of New Bedford and Fall River and their respective suburbs. Despite the location of Cape Cod and the islands to its south, which are the southeasternmost parts of the state, they are not often grouped in this designation. At its broadest definition, it includes all of Massachusetts south of Boston, southeast of Worcester, and east of Providence, Rhode Island, while at its narrowest definition, it is Bristol County and the Western portion of Plymouth County. The region including Cape Cod roughly corresponds with the location of the historic Plymouth Colony , which became part of Massachusetts in 1691.
46-656: As Southeastern Massachusetts is not an official designation, its borders are not exactly defined. At its broadest definition, it includes all of Plymouth and Bristol counties (particularly the South Coast along Buzzards Bay and the South Shore along Cape Cod Bay ), most of the cities and towns in Norfolk County , and even some towns in Worcester County . At its narrowest definition, it includes all of Bristol County,
92-510: A median income of $ 45,535 versus $ 31,389 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 24,789. About 4.90% of families and 6.60% of the population were below the poverty line , including 8.30% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those age 65 or over. The leading ancestry group in Plymouth County is Irish, with 31%. Plymouth County, along with Norfolk County, Massachusetts , claims the highest percentage of people with Irish ancestry in
138-418: A medium security jail, can house up to 106 women. The self-contained women's center had opened as a minimum security pre-release center for male prisoners in 1990 which could house up to 106 prisoners. When it was a pre-release facility it only housed an average of 60 prisoners because the county sheriff imposed strict conditions upon the pre-release program. In 1999 the sheriff received a federal grant to convert
184-840: A pattern of immigration that began in the 19th century and was tied to the whaling industry. Today, many people in Southeastern Massachusetts, most notability Bristol County , trace their ancestry to mainland Portugal and the Azores . Quincy , Milton , and Randolph are all in Norfolk County and are included in the Southeastern Massachusetts definition; they are populated by Irish Americans , British Americans , African Americans , Asian Americans , Arab Americans and Latin Americans . Irish Americans dominate Norfolk County , Bristol County and Plymouth County which has been known as
230-590: Is also to note that Bristol, Plymouth and Taunton are all places in South West England. Their Massachusetts cousins were named after the originals as South West England was the focal point for sailing and discovery at the time of America's discovery. John Cabot set sail from Bristol and sailed down the Severn on which lies Newport in Wales . To the south, Dukes County is opposite Buzzards Bay from Bristol County. At
276-436: Is defined as fifty-two cities and towns from Bristol, Plymouth and Norfolk Counties. The region is geographically defined by Massachusetts Bay , Buzzards Bay , The [ sic ] Taunton River watershed, and its location relative to Boston, Rhode Island and Cape Cod . Bristol County, Massachusetts and Bristol County, Rhode Island are contiguous and are the only counties in the nation where Portuguese Americans make up
322-730: Is twinned with the municipality of Lagoa in the Azores . Transportation authorities providing public bus service include the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority ; and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority serving the Fall River and New Bedford areas. Airports include the Mansfield Municipal Airport , Myricks Airport , New Bedford Municipal Airport and Taunton Municipal Airport ; of these,
368-736: The 2000 census there were 472,972 people, 168,361 households, and 122,398 families in the county. The population density was 716 inhabitants per square mile (276/km ). There were 181,524 housing units at an average density of 275 per square mile (106/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 88.70% White , 4.56% Black or African American , 0.21% Native American , 0.92% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 3.06% from other races, and 2.52% from two or more races. 2.44%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.0% were of Irish , 12.8% Italian , 10.6% English and 5.1% American ancestry , 90.1% spoke English , 2.5% Spanish , 2.3% Portuguese , 1.5% French Creole and 1.0% French as their first language. Of
414-480: The 2000 census there were 534,678 people, 205,411 households, and 140,706 families in the county. The population density was 962 inhabitants per square mile (371/km ). There were 216,918 housing units at an average density of 390 per square mile (150/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 90.98% White , 2.03% Black or African American , 0.24% Native American , 1.26% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 3.12% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. 3.60%
460-596: The 2020 census , the population was 530,819. Its county seats are Plymouth and Brockton . In 1685, the county was created by the Plymouth General Court , the legislature of Plymouth Colony , predating its annexation by the Massachusetts Bay Colony . Plymouth County is part of the Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH Metropolitan Statistical Area . According to the U.S. Census Bureau ,
506-569: The 2020 census , the population was 579,200. The shire town is Taunton . Some governmental functions are performed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, others by the county, and others by local towns and cities. The county is the sixth most populous county in Massachusetts. Bristol County is part of the Providence – Warwick , RI –MA Metropolitan Statistical Area , which is also included in
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#1732855816731552-644: The Boston – Worcester –Providence, MA–RI– NH – CT Combined Statistical Area . The county is adjacent to the state of Rhode Island . It is geographically adjacent to the Massachusetts counties of Plymouth , Norfolk , and Dukes (via water), and the Rhode Island counties of Bristol , Newport , and Providence . Bristol County was created by the Plymouth Colony on June 2, 1685, and named after its "shire town" (county seat), Bristol . The Plymouth Colony, along with
598-463: The Massachusetts Bay Colony , the Maine Colony and several other small settlements were rechartered in 1691, by King William III , to become The Province of Massachusetts Bay . The towns of Bristol, Barrington , and Warren were awarded to Rhode Island in 1746 as part of the settlement of a long-running boundary dispute (see History of Massachusetts ), forming Bristol County, Rhode Island . At
644-556: The "Irish Riviera". Cape Verdean Americans , Brazilian Americans , Angolan Americans , African Americans , Arab Americans , Irish Americans , British Americans , Portuguese Americans , Asian Americans , Latin Americans , Spanish Americans , Chinese Americans , Russian Americans , Turkish Americans , German Americans , Polish Americans , Swedish Americans , French Americans , Lebanese Americans , Italian Americans , and Greek Americans preside over Brockton, Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford. The following tabular list shows
690-432: The 12 government divisions of Southeastern Massachusetts which have been officially granted the right to use the city form of government along with the official name in use by each municipality. Institutions of higher learning which serve Southeastern Massachusetts communities include: Plymouth County, Massachusetts Plymouth County is a county in the U.S. state of Massachusetts , south of Boston . As of
736-407: The 168,361 households 36.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.00% were married couples living together, 11.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.30% were non-families. 22.20% of households were one person and 9.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.23. The age distribution was 26.80% under
782-960: The Bristol County House Of Correction and Jail, the Bristol County Sheriff's Office Women's Center, and the C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center. The office also operates the Ash Street Jail and Regional Lock-Up and the Juvenile Secure Alternative Lock Up Program (JALP) in New Bedford . The Bristol County House Of Correction and Jail has room for 1,100 prisoners. It houses men convicted of crimes who have been sentenced to 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 years or less. It also houses high-security male pre-trial prisoners, high-security female prisoners, and pre-trial female prisoners. The women's center,
828-777: The New Bedford airport is a commercial airport , with flights serving the Cape Cod , Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard area. The Providence/Stoughton Line of the MBTA commuter rail has stops in Mansfield, Attleboro, and South Attleboro. The line provides connections to Providence and Boston (at Back Bay Station and South Station), as well as intermediate stops. An extension has been completed that connects to T. F. Green Airport . School districts include: K–12: Secondary: Elementary: Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School
874-590: The United States. At the 2010 census , there were 494,919 people, 181,126 households, and 127,925 families in the county. The population density was 750.9 inhabitants per square mile (289.9/km ). There were 200,161 housing units at an average density of 303.7 per square mile (117.3/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 85.5% white, 7.2% black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 3.2% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.2% of
920-421: The age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 11.80% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.30 males. The median household income was $ 55,615 and the median family income was $ 65,554 (these figures had risen to $ 70,335 and $ 82,560 respectively as of a 2007 estimate ). Males had
966-535: The chain was sold to GateHouse Media in 2006. The flagship of the group was the Old Colony Memorial , the oldest continually published weekly newspaper in New England, first published in 1822. 41°59′N 70°44′W / 41.99°N 70.74°W / 41.99; -70.74 Bristol County, Massachusetts Bristol County is a county in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . As of
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#17328558167311012-527: The closest a Republican has come to winning a county in Massachusetts since 1988. However, it has become more Democratic afterwards, and in 2020 , Joe Biden carried the county by 17 points, the largest margin of victory for a Democrat since 1996 . The seal was adopted by the Plymouth County Commissioners on March 31, 1931, under the authority of the General Laws, Chapter 34, Section 14, and
1058-415: The contiguous Bristol County, Rhode Island ). Of the 205,411 households 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% were married couples living together, 13.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. Of all households 26.50% were one person and 11.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size
1104-419: The county has a total area of 1,093 square miles (2,830 km ), of which 659 square miles (1,710 km ) is land and 434 square miles (1,120 km ) (40%) is water. It is the third-largest county in Massachusetts by total area. The towns of Hingham and Hull in Plymouth County extend north of Norfolk County and face onto Massachusetts Bay , sharing a northern water boundary with Suffolk County . At
1150-495: The county was $ 20,978. About 7.80% of families and 10.00% of the population were below the poverty line , including 13.00% of those under age 18 and 12.00% of that age 65 or over. At the 2010 census , there were 548,285 people, 213,010 households, and 141,338 families in the county. The population density was 991.3 inhabitants per square mile (382.7/km ). There were 230,535 housing units at an average density of 416.8 per square mile (160.9/km ). The racial makeup of
1196-528: The county was 88.4% white, 3.3% black, 1.9% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 3.4% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.0% of the population. The largest ancestry groups were: Of the 213,010 households, 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.6% were non-families, and 27.4% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size
1242-599: The largest cities in Southeastern Massachusetts and are close to one another in size. All four have a strong Portuguese presence. In 2000, 43.9% of Fall River residents identified as being of Portuguese heritage. This is the highest percentage of Portuguese Americans in the country. Most of the population claims to be of Azorean origin, many from São Miguel Island. There are smaller, but significant presences of other Portuguese-speaking communities, such as other Azorean Islanders, Portuguese from mainland Portugal, Madeirans, Cape Verdeans, Brazilians, and Angolans. In 2000 New Bedford had
1288-401: The late 19th to the mid 20th centuries, Plymouth County was a Republican Party stronghold in presidential elections. From 1876 to 1988, only three Democrats carried the county: Lyndon Johnson , Hubert Humphrey , and Jimmy Carter . Since 1992, however, it has become solidly Democratic, though less so relative to other counties in the state. In 2012 , Mitt Romney lost the county by 4.2 points,
1334-549: The list are reflective if the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Bristol County has voted for the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in every election since 1960 and, with the exception of Dwight D. Eisenhower 's victorious campaigns of 1952 and 1956, for the Democratic nominee since 1928, before which it
1380-759: The list are reflective if the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data is from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Plymouth County is governed by three County Commissioners: Chairman Jared L. Valanzola ( R - Plymouth ) , Commissioner Sandra M. Wright ( R - Bridgewater ), and Commissioner Gregory M. Hanley ( D - Abington ) Other county elected officials include Sheriff Joseph D. McDonald, jr. ( R - Kingston ), District Attorney Timothy Cruz ( R - Marshfield ), Treasurer Thomas J. O'Brien ( D - Plymouth ), Register of Deeds John R. Buckley, jr. ( D - Scituate ), Register of Probate Matthew McDonough ( D - Marshfield ), and Clerk of Courts Robert Creedon ( D - Brockton ) From
1426-568: The past thirty years, and new transportation improvements (commuter rail, Route 44 and Route 3 & 24 improvements) continue to attract more growth. Southeastern Massachusetts comprises several clearly defined sub-regions, including the South Shore , the South Coast and the Tri-City area around Brockton , Attleboro and Taunton . Despite the diversity within the region, the fifty-two cities and towns all have common concerns and opportunities. Taunton , Brockton , Fall River , and New Bedford are
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1472-778: The plurality of the population. This is due to the Portuguese-American population, the Portuguese-Brazilian population, and the Portuguese-Cape Verdean population that came to Southern New England in the 19th century to do the much needed whaling work; in fact, New Bedford is called "the Whaling City." ...[it] is home to approximately one million people residing in over 1,300 square miles (3,400 km). We have been adding 10,000 new residents and consuming 4.7 square miles (12 km) of undeveloped land each year for
1518-445: The population. In terms of ancestry, 33.7% were Irish , 15.8% were Italian , 15.3% were English , 7.3% were German , and 3.7% were American . Of the 181,126 households, 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.4% were non-families, and 23.8% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size
1564-533: The pre-release center into a women's center, and he moved the pre-release program to modular units at the main jail. The Carreiro jail houses detained individuals who are scheduled for deportation and individuals who are engaging in proceedings with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Ash Street jail houses over 200 pre-trial prisoners and a few sentenced inmate workers for the system. JALP houses up to 12 pre-arraingment juvenile prisoners. The county
1610-402: The same time, Cumberland, Rhode Island was carved out of Attleborough, Massachusetts and annexed to Providence County, Rhode Island ; Tiverton and Little Compton were transferred to Newport County, Rhode Island . East Freetown was officially purchased by Freetown, Massachusetts , from Tiverton in 1747, and so remained on the Massachusetts side. After the departure of Bristol, Taunton
1656-483: The second highest percentage of Portuguese Americans with 38.6% of residents reporting that ancestry. New Bedford is also 8.0% Cape Verdean, 4.39% African American and 7.1% Puerto Rican , and 3% were other Hispanics, In 2000 it was 75% White alone. Like most of the state, Southeastern Massachusetts is ethnically, racially, linguistically, and religiously diverse. However, Portuguese-speakers are especially well represented in this area (especially Bristol County) due to
1702-601: The site of the third county courthouse in 1877. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 691 square miles (1,790 km ), of which 553 square miles (1,430 km ) is land and 138 square miles (360 km ) (20%) is water. The highest point in Bristol County is Sunrise Hill (Watery Hill) at 390 feet (120 m) above sea level located in World War I Memorial Park in North Attleborough . It
1748-632: The town of Marshfield . The Brockton Enterprise is the only daily newspaper published in the county, although the Quincy Patriot Ledger has extensive coverage of the South Shore of Massachusetts generally and Plymouth County in particular. There are numerous weekly newspapers published in the county, including: Many were operated by the Memorial Press Group , based in Plymouth, until
1794-645: The western part of Plymouth County and the southwestern part of Norfolk County, with the South Shore and Metro-South areas being counted separately. The terms "Southeastern Massachusetts," "Southeastern New England", and " Southern New England " are much-used by Providence-area broadcasters and other local companies and organizations but are not used as frequently in other parts of Massachusetts. The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) task force, which concerns Southeastern Massachusetts in its broadest definition, describes: For this effort, southeastern [ sic ] Massachusetts
1840-455: Was Hispanic or Latino of any race. 29.7% were of Portuguese , 13.0% Irish , 8.9% French, 8.2% English, 6.8% Italian and 6.4% French Canadian ancestry according to Census 2000 . 79.1% spoke English, 13.9% Portuguese, 2.9% Spanish and 1.6% French as their first language. The United States Census Bureau reported Bristol County as being one of two counties in the United States with a plurality of people of Portuguese ancestry (the other being
1886-498: Was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age was 39.8 years. The median household income was $ 54,955 and the median family income was $ 70,161. Males had a median income of $ 51,785 versus $ 39,714 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 27,736. About 8.8% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over. The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on
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1932-495: Was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.18. The median age was 41.1 years. The median household income was $ 73,131 and the median family income was $ 86,251. Males had a median income of $ 60,303 versus $ 43,837 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 33,333. About 5.0% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over. The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on
1978-468: Was 3.08. The age distribution was 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 30.50% from 25 to 44, 22.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.10% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.50 males. The median household income was $ 43,496 and the median family income was $ 53,733. Males had a median income of $ 39,361 versus $ 27,516 for females. The per capita income for
2024-589: Was a Republican stronghold. However, in 2024 , Republican Donald Trump came the closest to winning the county since 1984 , with Democrat Kamala Harris winning only 49.6% of the vote. The Bristol County Sheriff's Office maintains its administrative headquarters and operates several jail facilities in the Dartmouth Complex in North Dartmouth in Dartmouth . Jail facilities in the Dartmouth Complex include
2070-472: Was designed by Frederic T. Bailey of North Scituate who was, at that time and for many years, chairman of the county commissioners. For television, the city is served by the Boston and Providence media markets; no television stations are located within the county. Radio stations located in Plymouth County include: The first radio broadcast in history was made in 1906, from the Brant Rock neighborhood in
2116-453: Was made the shire town of the county. A second county courthouse was constructed in 1828 in the growing town of New Bedford (designed a "half-shire town"). In 1862, a part of Seekonk (that portion of which is now East Providence, Rhode Island ) and the entirety of East Pawtucket were transferred to Providence County, Rhode Island . At the same time, land ceded from Rhode Island was added to Fall River and Westport. The growing Fall River became
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