Why was Plymouth County established? This county south of Boston boasts a rich history. Plymouth County was founded on June 2, 1685. The Plymouth General Court created it. This court was the legislature of Plymouth Colony. This predates the annexation by the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Plymouth County plays a vital role in the Boston–Cambridge–Newton metropolitan area. It is part of the MA–NH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Plymouth County covers a large area. It measures 1,093 square miles. That’s about 2,830 square kilometers. Land makes up 659 square miles of this area. Water covers 434 square miles. Water makes up 40% of the total area. Plymouth County is the third-largest county in Massachusetts by total area.
Plymouth County shares borders with several other counties. Hingham and Hull extend north of Norfolk County. They share a water boundary with Suffolk County in Massachusetts Bay. Norfolk County lies to the north. Barnstable County is to the southeast. Bristol County is to the west.
Plymouth County has seen significant population changes over the years. The 2020 census recorded 530,819 residents. Early records from 1790 show a population of just 29,512. The county’s population density in 2010 was 750.9 inhabitants per square mile. That is about 289.9 per square kilometer.
In 2022, Plymouth, MA, had a population of 7,650 people. The median age was 45. The median household income was $74,500. From 2021 to 2022, the population grew by 6.27%. The median household income increased by 8.68%.
Plymouth County’s racial makeup is diverse. The 2010 census showed 85.5% White. 7.2% Black or African American. 1.2% Asian. 0.2% American Indian. 3.2% from other races. 2.6% from two or more races.
Plymouth County is governed by three County Commissioners. Other elected officials include the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Treasurer.
Plymouth County has a long history of Republican Party support. However, since 1992, it has leaned Democratic. In 2020, Joe Biden won the county by 17 points.
The county seal was adopted in 1931. Frederic T. Bailey designed it. He was chairman of the county commissioners.
Plymouth County has several radio stations. WATD-FM and WBMS are among them. The first radio broadcast occurred in Marshfield in 1906.
The Brockton Enterprise is the only daily newspaper. Several weekly newspapers also serve the county.
Plymouth and Brockton are the traditional county seats. Plymouth is recognized as a town.
Plymouth County has many towns and census-designated places. These include Abington, Duxbury, and Marshfield.
Plymouth’s seaside location and historical ties attract many visitors. Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Plymouth Rock are major attractions. Plymouth offers a glimpse into early American history.