Housing and transit take 50% of income in Massachusetts' Franklin County, per state data

Housing and transportation account for an average of half of Franklin County residents' income, the highest share in Massachusetts, according to data included in the state's new rural policy plan.

Here's what to know

Members of the Rural Policy Advisory Commission and state legislators announced the rollout of Massachusetts' 2026 Rural Policy Plan in late October.

The five-year plan places all of Franklin County and parts of Hampshire County in its economically distressed category, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported. Household incomes are lower in these areas, while populations skew older and are either shrinking or growing slowly. 

Franklin County residents spend half of their income on housing and transportation costs — the highest percentage in the state, according to the Gazette. In Barnstable and Berkshire Counties, housing and travel costs consume an average of 47% of residents' income.

"Median incomes in rural communities [are] lower," Linda Dunlavy, who leads the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and chairs the commission, said at the launch event, per the local news outlet.

More background

Rural communities occupy roughly 60% of Massachusetts' land area, but only 13% of the state's population lives in them. The geographic spread helps explain the commission's concern about travel distances and costs.

Alongside income and transportation pressures, Dunlavy identified aging populations and declining school enrollment as recurring challenges.

What's being done?

Citizens and regional planning representatives serve on the 15-member Rural Policy Advisory Commission alongside legislators and state officials.

The commission divided its plan's recommendations into four categories: policy, funding, programming, and legislative acts.

Dunlavy said implementation would begin with education, outreach, advocacy, and coordination, according to the Gazette.

State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa pointed to the 50 House members representing rural communities as a potential force for advancing the agenda.

"If we harness that," she said, per the Gazette, "that's a lot of political power."

Where can I learn more?

Housing and transportation costs are squeezing budgets in Franklin County and beyond: 

• Massachusetts earns high marks for wages but struggles with job growth and commutes.

• Massachusetts residents value their communities but say they cannot comfortably afford living there.

• Franklin County schools have lost more than 40 staff as operating expenses climb.

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