Editing Hampden County, Massachusetts

{{short description|County in Massachusetts, United States}}
{{coord|42.14|-72.63|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-MA_source:UScensus1990}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Hampden County
 | state                = Massachusetts
 | type                 = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]]
 | seal                 = Seal of Hampden County, Massachusetts.svg
 | founded              = August 1, 1812
 | seat wl              = Springfield
 | largest city wl      = Springfield
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 634
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 617
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 17
 | area percentage      = 2.7%
 | census yr            = 2020
 | pop                  = 465825 {{increase}}
 | density_sq_mi        = 755
 | ex image             = Hampden County Courthouse - DSC03264.JPG
 | ex image cap         = [[Hampden County Courthouse]] in [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]]
 | district             = 1st
 | district2            = 2nd
 | time zone            = Eastern
 | named for            = [[John Hampden]] 
}}

'''Hampden County''' is a non-governmental [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[Pioneer Valley]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Massachusetts]], in the United States. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], Hampden County's population was 465,825. Its traditional county seat is [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]],<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> the [[Connecticut River Valley]]'s largest city, and economic and cultural capital; with an estimated population of 154,758, approximately one-third of Hampden County residents  live in [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]].

==History==
[[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]] had been [[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]]'s traditional [[shire town]] since its founding in 1636, then in 1794 [[Northampton, Massachusetts|Northampton]] was made [[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]]'s shire town.<ref name=HCRD>[https://hampdencountyhistory.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/hampden-county-incorporated-1812/ Hampden County Incorporated in 1812]. Posted October 2, 2018, by Hampden County Registry of Deeds. Accessed August 5, 2023.</ref> Springfield grew at a pace far quicker than Northampton, so was granted shire town-status over its own southerly jurisdiction.<ref name=HCRD /> The southern division of [[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]] was separated as Hampden County on August 1, 1812, by a prior act of the [[Massachusetts General Court]] on February 25, 1812, with [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]] named as the shire town.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/actsresolvespass0912mass/page/568/mode/1up?view=theater&q=Hampden An Act for dividing the county of Hampshire, and erecting and forming the southerly part thereof into a separate county, by the name of Hampden]. Passed February 25, 1812, Effective from and after August 1, 1812. Chapter CXXXVII. Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, passed at the Several Sessions of the General Court Holden in Boston. Beginning May 31, 1809, and Ending on February 29, 1812. Vol. V. Publisher: Adams, Rhoades & Co., Boston, 1812. Accessed April 7, 2024.</ref><ref>[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/MA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm 01 AUG 1812 HAMPDEN created from HAMPSHIRE]. (Mass. Acts 1812, ch. 137/p. 291) HAMPDEN. Massachusetts : Individual County Chronologies. Massachusetts Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library, 2009. Accessed April 7, 2024.</ref> The agreement of settlement (regarding assets, liabilities, income and expenses) made between Hampden and Hampshire counties in November 1812 can be found in the Court of Sessions Record Book 1, pages 5–6 of the Hampden County Commissioners' Archives, housed in the Registry of Deeds.<ref name=HCRD /> Hampden County was named for [[Roundhead|parliamentarian]] [[John Hampden]],<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n147 148]}}</ref> and is the youngest county by establishment date in the state.

To the north of Hampden County is modern-day [[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]]; to the west is [[Berkshire County, Massachusetts|Berkshire County]]; to the east is [[Worcester County, Massachusetts|Worcester County]]; to the south are [[Litchfield County, Connecticut|Litchfield County]], [[Hartford County, Connecticut|Hartford County]], and [[Tolland County, Connecticut|Tolland County]] in [[Connecticut]].  Hampden County is part of the Springfield [[Springfield metropolitan area, Massachusetts|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].  It is the most urban county in [[Western Massachusetts]].  The [[Knowledge Corridor]] surrounding [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]]-[[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]] is [[New England's]] second most populous urban area (after [[Greater Boston]]) with 1.9 million people.

==Law and government==
As with most [[Massachusetts]] counties, Hampden County exists today only as a historical geographic region, and has no county government. All former county functions were assumed by state agencies in 1998. The sheriff and some other regional officials with specific duties are still elected locally to perform duties within the county borders, but there is no county council, county commission or other county governing body. Communities are now granted the right to form their own regional compacts for sharing services. Hampden County and Hampshire County together are part of the [[Pioneer Valley]] Planning Commission.

==Government and politics==
{{PresHead|place=Hampden County, Massachusetts|whig=yes|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|92,474|110,937|5,193|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|87,318|125,948|4,911|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|78,685|112,590|14,826|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|73,392|123,619|3,388|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|71,350|121,454|4,916|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|70,925|113,710|2,004|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|59,558|100,103|12,432|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|48,513|105,050|18,676|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|54,621|86,026|47,618|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|74,872|97,332|1,216|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|89,330|84,985|656|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|72,528|80,369|26,823|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|70,008|110,028|5,254|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1972|Democratic|86,164|94,945|1,024|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|55,783|111,376|10,991|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|44,299|133,085|835|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|72,054|121,061|713|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|104,689|81,743|935|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|98,641|90,936|616|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|70,256|94,609|2,855|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|63,293|91,819|374|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|64,502|89,477|817|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|51,288|80,164|8,728|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|55,032|63,189|5,408|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|56,063|62,056|703|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|46,489|19,079|11,947|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|46,741|19,156|1,923|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|18,207|17,028|1,042|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1912|Republican|11,393|10,620|8,410|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|14,485|9,910|3,358|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|14,962|9,369|1,640|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|13,757|10,424|970|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|16,064|6,787|541|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1892|Republican|11,373|11,228|693|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1888|Republican|9,577|9,177|511|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1884|Republican|7,897|7,245|1,394|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1880|Republican|8,673|6,195|170|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1876|Republican|7,963|6,605|0|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1872|Republican|6,565|4,100|0|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1868|Republican|6,760|3,702|0|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1864|Republican|6,356|2,894|0|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1860|Republican|5,184|1,993|888|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1856|Republican|5,533|2,730|631|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1852|Democratic|3,458|3,545|767|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1848|Whig|3,306|3,061|1,284|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1844|Democratic|3,416|3,593|451|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1840|Whig|3,441|3,312|117|Massachusetts}}
{{PresRow|1836|Democratic|2,262|2,370|0|Massachusetts}}
|}
{{Hampden County politicians |
| align = left
| wraparound = no
| county = Hampden
| state_rep = ''by community''
| state_sen = ''by community''
| gov_councilors = Tara Jacobs (D) 8th District<br>Paul DePalo (D) 7th District
| fed_rep = [[Richard Neal]] (D-[[United States House of Representatives, Massachusetts District 1|1st District]]),
| fed_sen = [[Elizabeth Warren]] (D)<br>[[Edward Markey]] (D)}}
{| class=wikitable
! colspan = 6 | Voter registration and party enrollment as of February 2024<ref name="Voters">{{cite web |title=The Commonwealth of Massachusetts |url=https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/enrollment_count_20240305.pdf |website=Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts |access-date=April 9, 2024 |date=February 24, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Unenrolled
| align = center | {{formatnum:219200}}
| align = center | {{Percentage |219,200 |350,743 |2}}
|-
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| align = center | {{formatnum: 91,495}}
| align = center | {{Percentage |91,495 |350,743 |2}}
|-
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| align = center | {{formatnum: 35,661 }}
| align = center | {{Percentage |35,661  |350,743 |2}}
|-
| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}}
| [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]]
| align = center | {{formatnum: 1,416}}
| align = center | {{Percentage |1,416 |350,743 |2}}
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| [[Third party (U.S. politics)|Other parties]]
| align = center | {{formatnum: 2,971}}
| align = center | {{Percentage |2,971 |350,743 |2}}
|-
! colspan = 2 | Total
! align = center | {{formatnum: 350,743}}
! align = center | {{Percentage |100}}
|}

==Geography==
{{Hampden County overlay map}}
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|634|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|617|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|17|sqmi}} (2.7%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_25.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 16, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140914175857/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_25.txt|archive-date=September 14, 2014}}</ref>

===Adjacent counties===
*[[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]] (north)
*[[Worcester County, Massachusetts|Worcester County]] (east)
*[[Tolland County, Connecticut]] (southeast)
*[[Hartford County, Connecticut]] (south)
*[[Litchfield County, Connecticut]] (southwest)
*[[Berkshire County, Massachusetts|Berkshire County]] (west)

===Communities===

====Cities====
*[[Agawam, Massachusetts|Agawam]]
*[[Chicopee, Massachusetts|Chicopee]]
*[[Holyoke, Massachusetts|Holyoke]]
*[[Palmer, Massachusetts|Palmer]]
*[[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]] (traditional county seat)
*[[West Springfield, Massachusetts|West Springfield]]
*[[Westfield, Massachusetts|Westfield]]

====Towns====
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Blandford, Massachusetts|Blandford]]
*[[Brimfield, Massachusetts|Brimfield]]
*[[Chester, Massachusetts|Chester]]
*[[East Longmeadow, Massachusetts|East Longmeadow]]
*[[Granville, Massachusetts|Granville]]
*[[Hampden, Massachusetts|Hampden]]
*[[Holland, Massachusetts|Holland]]
*[[Longmeadow, Massachusetts|Longmeadow]]
*[[Ludlow, Massachusetts|Ludlow]]
*[[Monson, Massachusetts|Monson]]
*[[Montgomery, Massachusetts|Montgomery]]
*[[Russell, Massachusetts|Russell]]
*[[Southwick, Massachusetts|Southwick]]
*[[Tolland, Massachusetts|Tolland]]
*[[Wales, Massachusetts|Wales]]
*[[Wilbraham, Massachusetts|Wilbraham]]
{{div col end}}

====Census-designated places====
*[[Blandford (CDP), Massachusetts|Blandford]]
*[[Chester (CDP), Massachusetts|Chester]]
*[[Holland (CDP), Massachusetts|Holland]]
*[[Monson Center, Massachusetts|Monson Center]]
*[[Russell (CDP), Massachusetts|Russell]]
*[[Wilbraham (CDP), Massachusetts|Wilbraham]]

====Other unincorporated communities====
{{div col}}
*[[Bondsville, Massachusetts|Bondsville]]
*[[Depot Village, Massachusetts|Depot Village]]
*[[Feeding Hills, Agawam, Massachusetts|Feeding Hills]]
*[[Three Rivers, Massachusetts|Three Rivers]]
*[[Russell, Massachusetts|Woronoco]]
{{div col end}}

====City neighborhoods====
The following are neighborhoods located in Springfield or West Springfield.
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Bay, Springfield, Massachusetts|Bay]]
*[[Boston Road, Springfield, Massachusetts|Boston Road]]
*[[Brightwood, Springfield, Massachusetts|Brightwood]]
*[[East Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts|East Forest Park]]
*[[East Springfield, Springfield, Massachusetts|East Springfield]]
*[[Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts|Forest Park]]
*[[Indian Orchard, Springfield, Massachusetts|Indian Orchard]]
*[[Liberty Heights, Springfield, Massachusetts|Liberty Heights]]
*[[McKnight, Springfield, Massachusetts (and Mason Square)|McKnight]]
*[[Memorial Square, Springfield, Massachusetts|Memorial Square]]
*[[Merrick, West Springfield|Merrick]]
*[[Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts|Metro Center]]
*[[Old Hill, Springfield, Massachusetts|Old Hill]]
*[[Pine Point, Springfield, Massachusetts|Pine Point]]
*[[Six Corners/Maple Heights, Springfield, Massachusetts|Six Corners and Maple Heights]]
*[[Sixteen Acres, Springfield, Massachusetts|Sixteen Acres]]
*[[South End, Springfield, Massachusetts|South End]]
*[[Upper Hill, Springfield, Massachusetts|Upper Hill]]
{{div col end}}

The following are neighborhoods located in Chicopee.
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Aldenville
* Burnett Road
* Chicopee Center (Cabotville)
* Chicopee Falls
* Fairview
* Smith Highlands
* Westover
* Willimansett
{{div col end}}

The following are neighborhoods located in Holyoke.
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Churchill, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Churchill]]
* Downtown
* [[Elmwood, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Elmwood]]
* [[The Flats, Holyoke, Massachusetts|The Flats]]
* [[Highlands, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Highlands]]
* [[Highland Park, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Highland Park]]
* Homestead Avenue
* [[Ingleside, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Ingleside]]
* Jarvis Avenue
* [[Oakdale, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Oakdale]]
* [[Rock Valley, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Rock Valley]]
* [[Smith's Ferry, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Smith's Ferry]]
* [[South Holyoke, Holyoke, Massachusetts|South Holyoke]]
* [[Springdale, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Springdale]]
* [[Whiting Farms, Holyoke, Massachusetts|Whiting Farms]]
{{div col end}}

===National Parks===
* [[Springfield Armory National Historic Site]]

===State parks===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Brimfield State Forest]]
* [[Chester-Blandford State Forest]]
* [[Chicopee Memorial State Park]]
* [[Connecticut River Greenway State Park]]
* [[Hampton Ponds State Park]]
* [[Holyoke Heritage State Park]]
* [[Lake Lorraine State Park]] <small>(CLOSED)</small>
* [[Mount Tom State Reservation]]
* [[Tolland State Forest]]
{{div col end}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1820 = 28021
| 1830 = 31639
| 1840 = 37366
| 1850 = 51283
| 1860 = 57366
| 1870 = 78409
| 1880 = 104142
| 1890 = 135713
| 1900 = 175603
| 1910 = 231369
| 1920 = 300305
| 1930 = 335496
| 1940 = 332107
| 1950 = 367971
| 1960 = 429353
| 1970 = 459050
| 1980 = 443018
| 1990 = 456310
| 2000 = 456228
| 2010 = 463490
| align-fn = center
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref><br />1790–1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ma190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref><br />1990–2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 16, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mtgis-portal.geo.census.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2566121a73de463995ed2b2fd7ff6eb7|title=2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 12, 2021}}</ref>
| 2020 = 465825
| estyear = 2024
| estimate = 464151
| estref = <ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 13, 2025}}</ref>
}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census]], there were 463,490&nbsp;people, 179,927&nbsp;households, and 115,961&nbsp;families residing in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US25013 |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213012437/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US25013 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The population density was {{convert|751.0|PD/sqmi}}. There were 192,175 housing units at an average density of {{convert|311.4|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US25013 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213192353/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US25013 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The racial makeup of the county was 76.5% white, 9.0% black or African American, 2.0% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 9.2% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 20.9% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> The largest ancestry groups were:<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US25013 |title=DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213010213/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US25013 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* 17.9% [[Puerto Ricans in the United States|Puerto Rican]]
* 17.4% [[Irish Americans|Irish]]
* 12.7% [[French Americans|French]]
* 11.0% [[Polish Americans|Polish]]
* 10.8% [[Italian Americans|Italian]]
* 8.8% [[English Americans|English]]
* 6.0% [[German Americans|German]]
* 5.5% [[French Canadian Americans|French Canadian]]
* 2.6% [[American ancestry|American]]
* 2.2% [[Portuguese Americans|Portuguese]]
* 2.0% [[Scottish Americans|Scottish]]
* 1.6% [[Russian Americans|Russian]]
* 1.4% [[West Indian Americans|West Indian]]
* 1.3% [[Scotch-Irish Americans|Scotch-Irish]]
* 1.1% [[Swedish Americans|Swedish]]

Of the 179,927&nbsp;households, 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.6% were non-families, and 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age was 38.6 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/>

The median income for a household in the county was $47,724 and the median income for a family was $61,061. Males had a median income of $50,207 versus $37,765 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,718. About 13.2% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 26.5% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US25013 |title=DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |access-date=January 12, 2016 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213032409/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US25013 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Demographic breakdown by town===

====Income====
{{See also|List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income}}
The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212213610/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP05&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212212105/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP05&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_S1101&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212212620/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_S1101&prodType=table|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2020|title=HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- valign=bottom
! Rank
! Town
! 
! Per capita<br/>income
! Median<br/>household<br/>income
! Median<br/>family<br/>income
! Population
! Number of<br/>households
|-
| 1
| [[Longmeadow, Massachusetts|Longmeadow]]
| Town
| $50,203
| $100,092
| $111,803
| 15,772
| 5,605
|-
| 2
| [[Wilbraham, Massachusetts|Wilbraham]]
| Town
| $39,372
| $88,839
| $107,871
| 14,145
| 5,393
|-
| 3
| [[Hampden, Massachusetts|Hampden]]
| Town
| $38,396
| $79,773
| $103,173
| 5,134
| 1,960
|-
| 4
| [[Montgomery, Massachusetts|Montgomery]]
| Town
| $36,575
| $78,125
| $90,313
| 742
| 291
|-
| 5
| [[Tolland, Massachusetts|Tolland]]
| Town
| $36,567
| $67,083
| $75,625
| 434
| 164
|-
| 6
| [[Blandford, Massachusetts|Blandford]]
| Town
| $36,412
| $78,875
| $82,656
| 1,174
| 462
|-
| 
| ''[[Massachusetts]]''
| State
| $35,051
| $65,981
| $83,371
| 6,512,227
| 2,522,409
|-
| 7
| [[East Longmeadow, Massachusetts|East Longmeadow]]
| Town
| $34,417
| $76,517
| $89,570
| 15,555
| 5,660
|-
| 8
| [[Southwick, Massachusetts|Southwick]]
| Town
| $33,753
| $74,721
| $86,915
| 9,425
| 3,657
|-
| 9
| [[Wales, Massachusetts|Wales]]
| Town
| $32,129
| $60,938
| $70,536
| 1,914
| 773
|-
| 10
| [[Granville, Massachusetts|Granville]]
| Town
| $32,050
| $71,667
| $85,625
| 1,444
| 554
|-
| 11
| [[Brimfield, Massachusetts|Brimfield]]
| Town
| $31,671
| $78,380
| $86,695
| 3,582
| 1,385
|-
| 12
| [[Monson, Massachusetts|Monson]]
| Town
| $31,274
| $70,485
| $86,333
| 8,531
| 3,318
|-
| 
| ''[[Monson Center, Massachusetts|Monson Center]]''
| CDP
| $29,938
| $50,242
| $51,691
| 1,880
| 846
|-
| 13
| [[Agawam, Massachusetts|Agawam]]
| City
| $29,914
| $65,339
| $76,258
| 28,408
| 11,506
|-
| 14
| [[Holland, Massachusetts|Holland]]
| Town
| $29,835
| $69,565
| $79,779
| 2,595
| 998
|-
| 15
| [[West Springfield, Massachusetts|West Springfield]]
| City
| $27,946
| $54,251
| $63,954
| 28,320
| 11,571
|-
| 
| ''[[United States]]''
| Country
| $27,915
| $52,762
| $64,293
| 306,603,772
| 114,761,359
|-
| 16
| [[Palmer, Massachusetts|Palmer]]
| City
| $27,694
| $50,864
| $58,144
| 12,161
| 5,006
|-
| 17
| [[Ludlow, Massachusetts|Ludlow]]
| Town
| $27,644
| $60,694
| $73,048
| 21,131
| 7,876
|-
| 18
| [[Chester, Massachusetts|Chester]]
| Town
| $27,630
| $56,711
| $69,063
| 1,320
| 528
|-
| 19
| [[Westfield, Massachusetts|Westfield]]
| City
| $26,605
| $53,772
| $72,210
| 41,025
| 15,207
|-
| 20
| [[Russell, Massachusetts|Russell]]
| Town
| $25,600
| $60,398
| $72,759
| 1,846
| 681
|-
| 
| ''Hampden County''
| County
| $25,363
| $48,866
| $61,800
| 462,752
| 177,954
|-
| 21
| [[Chicopee, Massachusetts|Chicopee]]
| City
| $23,703
| $45,763
| $58,118
| 55,205
| 23,136
|-
| 22
| [[Holyoke, Massachusetts|Holyoke]]
| City
| $20,370
| $33,915
| $42,033
| 39,897
| 16,012
|-
| 23
| [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]]
| City
| $18,483
| $35,603
| $41,454
| 152,992
| 56,211
|-
|}
{{clear}}

==Education==

===Colleges and universities===
{{div col}}
* [[American International College]]
* [[Bay Path University]]
* [[Elms College]]
* [[Holyoke Community College]]
* [[Springfield College (Massachusetts)|Springfield College]]
* [[Springfield Technical Community College]]
* [[Western New England University]]
:* [[Western New England University School of Law]]
* [[Westfield State University]]

{{div col end}}

===Public school districts===
* Agawam Public Schools
* Chicopee Public Schools
* [[East Longmeadow Public Schools]]
* [[Gateway Regional School District (Massachusetts)|Gateway Regional School District]] (Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell and Worthington)
* Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
* [[Holyoke Public Schools]]
* Longmeadow Public Schools
* Monson Public Schools
* Palmer Public Schools
* Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District
* Springfield Public Schools
* [[Westfield Public Schools]]
* West Springfield Public Schools

===Other institutions===
Although no county government exists in Hampden County, a number of private associations, mainly representing trades remain identified with Hampden County. For example the [[Hampden Agricultural Society]] opened [[Pynchon Park|Hampden Park]] in [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]] in 1853. To maintain current training among municipal inspectors, in 2005 the nongovernmental Hampden County Plumbing & Gas Inspectors Association was formed.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217225925/http://www.hcpgia.org/|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url=http://www.hcpgia.org/|title=Hampden County Plumbing & Gas Inspectors Association}}</ref> The Hampden County Bar Association provides support and resources to the legal community and those seeking such representation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hcbar.org/|title=Hampden County Bar Association|website=Hampden County Bar Association}}</ref> In part a legacy of the [[Eastern States Exposition]], the Hampden County Improvement League, and Hampden County Beekeepers Association, both provide agricultural education and outreach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hampden County Beekeepers Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302115829/http://www.hampden-county-beekeepers.org/|archive-date=March 2, 2019|url=http://www.hampden-county-beekeepers.org/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Hampden County Improvement League|archive-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106162334/https://hcimprovementleague.wordpress.com/|url=https://hcimprovementleague.wordpress.com/}}</ref> 
The Hampden County Radio Association, an affiliate of the [[ARRL]], offers training in [[amateur radio]] and related technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hampden County Radio Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107140304/http://www.hcra.org/|url=http://www.hcra.org/|archive-date=January 7, 2019}}</ref>

==Transportation==
===Major highways===
[[File:Hampden County Bridge and tower, Springfield, Mass (78031).jpg|right|thumb|[[Hampden County Memorial Bridge]] over the Connecticut, connecting Springfield/West Springfield, c. 1945]]
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|I|84}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|I|90}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|I|91}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|I|291}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|I|391}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|US|5}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|US|20}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|US|202}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|8}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|19}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|20A}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|21}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|23}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|32}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|57}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|67}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|75}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|83}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|116}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|141}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|147}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|159}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|168}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|181}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|186}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|189}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|192}}
*{{Jct|state=MA|SR|220}}
{{div col end}}
{{clear}}

===Public transportation===
Hampden County is served by both bus and rail service, with intermodal connections at [[Springfield Union Station (Massachusetts)|Springfield Union Station]], and [[Holyoke station]] via the Holyoke Transportation Center. Additionally the region is served by the [[Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport]], and [[Westover Metropolitan Airport]]. A [[bike share]] program, ValleyBike, connects [[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]], [[Chicopee, Massachusetts|Chicopee]], [[Holyoke, Massachusetts|Holyoke]] and [[West Springfield, Massachusetts|West Springfield]] to points north in [[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]].

====Bus====
* [[PVTA]]
* [[Peter Pan Bus Lines]]

====Rail====
* [[Hartford Line]]
* ''[[Valley Flyer]]''

==See also==
{{portal|Massachusetts}}
* [[List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Hampden County, Massachusetts]]
* [[Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts)#Hampden|Registry of Deeds (Massachusetts)]]
* [[Tofu Curtain]]
* {{USS|Hampden County|LST-803|6}}

==References==

{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |title=The Leading Citizens of Hampden County, Massachusetts |series = Atlantic states series of biographical reviews,vol.9|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=yale.39002002956366;view=1up;seq=7 |publisher=Biographical Review Publishing Company |location=Boston |year=1895}}
* {{cite book |last=Carvalho |first=Joseph III |title=Black Families in Hampden County, Massachusetts: 1650–1865 2nd Edition |url=http://pahmusa.mysite.com/Black%20Families.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311220227/http://pahmusa.mysite.com/Black%20Families.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 11, 2019 |publisher=Westfield State University; New England Historic Genealogy Center |date=Summer 2012}}
* {{cite book |last=Copeland |first=Alfred |date=1902 |title="Our County and Its People": A History of Hampden County, Massachusetts |url=https://archive.org/details/ourcountyitspeop01copel |location=Boston |publisher=Century Memorial Pub. Co. |oclc=3075222}}
* {{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Clifton |date=1936 |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/010027956 |title=Hampden County, 1636–1936 |volume=I–III |publisher=American Historical Society |location=New York |oclc=9479870}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Wright |editor-first=Harry Andrew |year=1905 |url=https://archive.org/details/indiandeedsofham00wrig |title=Indian Deeds of Hampden County |location=Springfield, Mass.}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://hampdenda.com/ Hampden County District Attorney's Office]
* [https://www.mass.gov/locations/hampden-probate-and-family-court Hampden County Probate Court]
* [https://www.mass.gov/locations/hampden-county-superior-court Hampden County Superior Court]
* [https://www.hampdendeeds.com/ Hampden County Registry of Deeds]
* [http://hcsdma.org/ Hampden County Sheriff's Office]
* [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/general_ref/cousub_outline/cen2k_pgsz/ma_cosub.pdf US Census Bureau map] of cities, towns, Native American reservations, and census-designated places

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Hampden County, Massachusetts
|North     = [[Hampshire County, Massachusetts|Hampshire County]]
|Northeast = 
|East      = [[Worcester County, Massachusetts|Worcester County]]
|Southeast = [[Tolland County, Connecticut]]
|South     = [[Hartford County, Connecticut]]
|Southwest = [[Litchfield County, Connecticut]]
|West      = [[Berkshire County, Massachusetts|Berkshire County]]
|Northwest = 
}}
{{Hampden County, Massachusetts}}
{{Massachusetts rivers}}
{{Massachusetts}}
{{Massachusetts Public High Schools}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hampden County, Massachusetts}}
[[Category:Hampden County, Massachusetts| ]]
[[Category:1812 establishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:1998 disestablishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Massachusetts counties]]
[[Category:Populated places disestablished in 1998]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1812]]
[[Category:Springfield metropolitan area, Massachusetts]]