Homesteading in Massachusetts
Explore 14 counties and state-level regulations for homesteaders in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts uses a Riparian water rights system , enforces statewide IRC building codes , and requires a carry permit. The effective property tax rate is 1.04%.
State Regulations
Water Rights
System: Riparian
Follows regulated riparian doctrine. Water Management Act requires permits for withdrawals exceeding 100,000 gallons per day from DEP.
Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 21G, § 1 et seq.
Building Codes
Statewide IRC: Yes (statewide)
State Building Code (780 CMR) is mandatory statewide. Residential provisions based on IRC with state amendments. No local modification allowed.
Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 143, § 93 et seq.
Gun Laws
Open Carry: No
Constitutional Carry: No
Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry required for possession and purchase. Open carry effectively prohibited. Assault weapons ban in effect.
Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 129B; Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 131
Right to Farm
Protected: Yes
Protects farmland and farming operations from nuisance suits if in operation for at least one year and not in violation of applicable laws. Includes zoning protections for agricultural uses.
Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 243, § 6
Counties in Massachusetts
14 counties · Click column headers to sort
| County | Population | Median Home | Property Tax | Growing Days | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable County | 229,436 | $519,100 | $3,929 | 84 | Relatively Moderate |
| Berkshire County | 128,763 | $266,400 | $3,726 | 80 | Relatively Moderate |
| Bristol County | 576,699 | $385,000 | $4,518 | 83 | Relatively Moderate |
| Dukes County | 20,543 | $998,100 | $4,970 | 85 | Very Low |
| Essex County | 806,103 | $535,300 | $6,099 | 79 | Relatively High |
| Franklin County | 70,980 | $284,100 | $4,467 | 79 | Relatively Low |
| Hampden County | 464,575 | $258,100 | $4,174 | 81 | Relatively Moderate |
| Hampshire County | 153,931 | $344,200 | $4,991 | 80 | Relatively Low |
| Middlesex County | 1,623,109 | $654,300 | $7,037 | 80 | Relatively High |
| Nantucket County | 14,065 | $1,265,600 | $3,553 | 85 | Very Low |
| Norfolk County | 722,112 | $612,100 | $6,840 | 81 | Relatively Moderate |
| Plymouth County | 529,548 | $475,500 | $6,158 | 82 | Relatively Moderate |
| Suffolk County | 785,443 | $650,900 | $4,341 | 80 | Relatively Moderate |
| Worcester County | 858,898 | $363,200 | $4,922 | 80 | Relatively Moderate |
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