Cities and Towns in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Founded in 1731, Worcester County is one of 14 counties in the state of Massachusetts. Historically, Worcester County was formed from parts of Hampshire County, Middlesex County and Suffolk County. Government abolished in 1998. The city of Worcester is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Worcester County has a population of 862,029 and area of 1,513 square miles (3,919 km²).

List of all cities in Worcester County, MA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Allmerica, MA 01653 508/774
Ashburnham, MA 01430 978/351
Athol, MA 01331 978/351
01368 978/351
Auburn, MA 01501 508/774
Baldwinville, MA 01436 978/351
Barre, MA 01005 978/351
Berlin, MA 01503 978/351
Blackstone, MA 01504 508/774
Bolton, MA 01740 978/351
Boylston, MA 01505 508/774
Brookfield, MA 01506 508/774
Central Mass P & D Center, MA 01546 508/774
Charlton, MA 01507 508/774
Charlton City, MA 01508 508/774
Charlton Depot, MA 01509 508/774
Cherry Valley, MA 01611 508/774
Clinton, MA 01510 978/351
Douglas, MA 01516 508/774
Dudley, MA 01571 508/774
Dudley Hill, MA 01570 508/774
East Blackstone, MA 01504 508/774
East Brookfield, MA 01515 508/774
East Douglas, MA 01516 508/774
East Millbury, MA 01527 508/774
East Princeton, MA 01517 508/774
East Templeton, MA 01438 978/351
Edgemere, MA 01545 508/774
EMC, MA 01580 508/774
Fayville, MA 01745 508/774
Fiskdale, MA 01518 508/774
Fitchburg, MA 01420 978/351
Gardner, MA 01440 978/351
01441 978/351
Gilbertville, MA 01031 413
Globe Village, MA 01550 508/774
Grafton, MA 01519 508/774
Greendale, MA 01606 508/774
Hardwick, MA 01037 413
Harvard, MA 01451 978/351
Hassanamisco Indian Reservat, MA 01519 508/774
Holden, MA 01520 508/774
Hopedale, MA 01747 508/774
Hubbardston, MA 01452 978/351
Jefferson, MA 01522 508/774
Lambs Grove, MA 01562 508/774
Lancaster, MA 01523 978/351
Leicester, MA 01524 508/774
Leominster, MA 01453 978/351
Linwood, MA 01525 508/774
Lunenburg, MA 01462 978/351
Manchaug, MA 01526 508/774
Mendon, MA 01756 508/774
Milford, MA 01757 508/774
Millbury, MA 01527 508/774
01586 508/774
Millerville, MA 01504 508/774
Millville, MA 01529 508/774
Morningdale, MA 01505 508/774
National Grid Co, MA 01582 508/774
New Braintree, MA 01531 508/774
North Brookfield, MA 01535 508/774
North Grafton, MA 01536 508/774
North Lancaster, MA 01523 978/351
North Oxford, MA 01537 508/774
North Uxbridge, MA 01538 508/774
Northborough, MA 01532 508/774
Northbridge, MA 01534 508/774
Oakdale, MA 01583 508/774
Oakham, MA 01068 508/774
Old Furnace, MA 01031 413
Otter River, MA 01436 978/351
Oxford, MA 01540 508/774
Paxton, MA 01612 508/774
Petersham, MA 01366 978/351
Phillipston, MA 01331 978/351
Princeton, MA 01541 978/351
Richardson Corners, MA 01508 508/774
Rochdale, MA 01542 508/774
01534 508/774
Royalston, MA 01331 978/351
01368 978/351
Rutland, MA 01543 508/774
Sandersdale, MA 01550 508/774
Saundersville, MA 01560 508/774
Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508/774
01546 508/774
South Ashburnham, MA 01430 978/351
South Barre, MA 01074 978/351
South Grafton, MA 01560 508/774
South Lancaster, MA 01561 978/351
South Royalston, MA 01368 978/351
Southborough, MA 01745 508/774
01772 508/774
Southbridge, MA 01550 508/774
Spencer, MA 01562 508/774
Sterling, MA 01564 978/351
Sterling Junction, MA 01564 978/351
Still River, MA 01467 978/351
Sturbridge, MA 01518 508/774
01566 508/774
Sutton, MA 01590 508/774
Templeton, MA 01468 978/351
Tyco, MA 01441 978/351
Upton, MA 01568 508/774
Uxbridge, MA 01569 508/774
Verizon, MA 01654 508/774
Warren, MA 01083 413
Webster, MA 01570 508/774
Webster Square, MA 01603 508/774
West Boylston, MA 01583 508/774
West Brookfield, MA 01585 508/774
West Millbury, MA 01586 508/774
West Side, MA 01602 508/774
West Upton, MA 01568 508/774
West Warren, MA 01092 413
Westborough, MA 01580 508/774
01581 508/774
01582 508/774
Westboylston, MA 01583 508/774
Westbrookfield, MA 01585 508/774
Westminster, MA 01441 978/351
01473 978/351
Wheelwright, MA 01094 413
Whitinsville, MA 01588 508/774
Wilkinsonvile, MA 01590 508/774
01590 508/774
Winchdon Springs, MA 01477 978/351
Winchendon, MA 01475 978/351
Winchendon Springs, MA 01477 978/351
Worcester, MA 01601 508/774
01602 508/774
01603 508/774
01604 508/774
01605 508/774
01606 508/774
01607 508/774
01608 508/774
01609 508/774
01610 508/774
01612 508/774
01613 508/774
01614 508/774
01615 508/774
01653 508/774
01654 508/774
01655 508/774

Major Cities and Towns in Worcester County, Massachusetts

1. Worcester

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 38.46 square miles
  • Population: 206,518 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 01601, 01602, 01603, 01604, 01605, 01606, 01607, 01608, 01609, 01610
  • Latitude: 42.2626° N
  • Longitude: 71.8023° W

Location and History

Worcester is the county seat and the second-largest city in Massachusetts, located approximately 45 miles west of Boston. Settled in 1673 and incorporated in 1722, Worcester played a significant role during the American Revolution and later became an industrial powerhouse in the 19th century, known for manufacturing textiles, shoes, and machinery. The city earned the nickname “Heart of the Commonwealth” due to its central location in Massachusetts. In the 20th century, Worcester’s economy diversified, and it became known for its educational and medical institutions. Today, Worcester is a vibrant city with a strong mix of industry, culture, and higher education.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Worcester is home to several prominent colleges, including the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Landmarks include the Worcester Art Museum, which boasts a renowned collection of art spanning centuries, and Mechanics Hall, an architectural gem used for concerts and events. The DCU Center serves as a major venue for sports and entertainment. Worcester also features Elm Park, one of the oldest public parks in the U.S., and the EcoTarium, a science and nature museum. The city hosts annual events like the Worcester Music Festival and the stART on the Street art festival, reflecting its cultural vibrancy.

2. Fitchburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 28.12 square miles
  • Population: 41,946 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 01420
  • Latitude: 42.5834° N
  • Longitude: 71.8023° W

Location and History

Fitchburg is located in the northern part of Worcester County, about 50 miles northwest of Boston. Incorporated in 1764, the city developed along the banks of the Nashua River, where water-powered mills supported the early textile industry. Fitchburg thrived during the 19th century as a center for manufacturing, particularly paper production. The city’s historic downtown features Victorian-era architecture, reflecting its industrial prosperity. Fitchburg’s strategic location along the Boston & Albany Railroad also contributed to its growth. Today, Fitchburg is known for its blend of urban and natural landscapes, as well as its efforts to revitalize its downtown area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fitchburg State University, a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, is one of the city’s key educational institutions. Fitchburg is also served by Fitchburg High School. Notable landmarks include the Fitchburg Art Museum, which features regional and international art exhibitions, and Coggshall Park, a 212-acre park known for its scenic walking trails and picturesque pond. The historic Rollstone Boulder, once perched atop Rollstone Hill, now sits in the center of town as a symbol of the city’s heritage. The nearby Wachusett Mountain State Reservation offers hiking, skiing, and panoramic views of the region.

3. Leominster

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 29.67 square miles
  • Population: 43,782 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 01453
  • Latitude: 42.5251° N
  • Longitude: 71.7598° W

Location and History

Leominster, located just south of Fitchburg, is known as the “Pioneer Plastics City” due to its pivotal role in the development of the plastics industry. Settled in 1653 and incorporated in 1740, Leominster was initially an agricultural community but transitioned to manufacturing in the 19th century, with industries focusing on combs and, later, plastics. The city became the birthplace of the modern-day plastic industry, with many innovations taking place in Leominster factories. Today, Leominster remains a center for manufacturing while also offering a suburban feel with easy access to major cities like Worcester and Boston.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Leominster is home to Leominster High School and St. Bernard’s High School, along with several elementary and middle schools. Key landmarks include the Doyle Community Park, a large green space with walking trails, and the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center, honoring John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), who was born in Leominster. The Leominster Historical Society preserves the city’s rich history, while the Plastics Museum highlights its role in the evolution of the plastics industry. The nearby Sholan Farms, a community-owned orchard, celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage and hosts seasonal events like apple picking and harvest festivals.

4. Southbridge

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 20.89 square miles
  • Population: 17,740 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 01550
  • Latitude: 42.0755° N
  • Longitude: 72.0332° W

Location and History

Southbridge is located in the southwestern corner of Worcester County, near the Connecticut border. Incorporated in 1816, Southbridge became known as a hub for optical manufacturing, with the American Optical Company establishing itself as a major employer in the 19th and 20th centuries. The company was the largest manufacturer of eyewear and optical products in the world, earning Southbridge the nickname “Eye of the Commonwealth.” While the decline of the American Optical Company affected the local economy, Southbridge has worked to diversify, maintaining its industrial roots while focusing on community revitalization.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Southbridge High School serves the local student population, along with Trinity Catholic Academy, a private school. Notable landmarks include the Optical Heritage Museum, which preserves the history of the American Optical Company and the optical industry in Southbridge. The Jacob Edwards Library, a prominent public library, serves as a cultural and educational hub for the town. The historic Southbridge Common is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era buildings. Additionally, Westville Lake Recreation Area offers hiking, picnicking, and boating, providing residents and visitors with scenic outdoor spaces. The Southbridge Fest is a popular annual event that celebrates local culture, music, and food.

5. Gardner

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 23.01 square miles
  • Population: 21,287 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 01440
  • Latitude: 42.5751° N
  • Longitude: 71.9981° W

Location and History

Gardner, known as the “Chair City” for its historical prominence in the furniture-making industry, is located in the northern part of Worcester County. The town was incorporated in 1785 and became an industrial center in the 19th century, with furniture manufacturing, especially chairs, becoming its signature industry. Gardner produced millions of chairs annually, earning it a global reputation for quality furniture production. The city’s manufacturing base diversified over time, and while the furniture industry has diminished, Gardner remains an important regional center for manufacturing and retail.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gardner is home to Gardner High School and Mount Wachusett Community College, a key educational institution offering associate degrees and workforce training programs. Major landmarks include the Gardner Museum, which preserves the city’s history and industrial heritage, and Dunn State Park, a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Gardner’s chair-making history is commemorated by a giant chair in the city center, symbolizing its legacy as the “Chair City.” The nearby Mount Wachusett provides outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing and hiking, making Gardner an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Shrewsbury

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

  • Area: 21.70 square miles
  • Population: 38,325 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 01545
  • Latitude: 42.2959° N
  • Longitude: 71.7129° W

Location and History

Shrewsbury is located just east of Worcester and has evolved from a rural farming community in the 18th century into a suburban town with a rich industrial history. Incorporated in 1727, Shrewsbury was known for its agriculture, particularly apple orchards, before transitioning to manufacturing in the 19th century, producing leather goods, hats, and sleighs. Shrewsbury’s growth accelerated in the 20th century as it became a suburban community for residents working in Worcester and Boston. Today, Shrewsbury offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a desirable place to live in central Massachusetts.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shrewsbury is served by Shrewsbury High School, which is known for its academic excellence. Notable landmarks include the General Artemas Ward House Museum, which preserves the home of one of the American Revolution’s military leaders, and Dean Park, a large public park with sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths. The Lake Quinsigamond State Park, located on the town’s western edge, offers boating, fishing, and picnicking opportunities. Shrewsbury’s annual Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival celebrates the town’s history and community spirit with a parade, craft fair, and family-friendly activities, drawing residents and visitors alike.