Massachusetts Almanac: State Facts and Figures

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Massachusetts Almanac

Official Name

Massachusetts

Capital

Boston

Nick Name

Bay State, Old Colony State

Motto

Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.)

Location & Region

42.33602 N, 071.01789 W

Northeast

Constitution Ratified

1780

Statehood

February 06, 1788

6th state

Population

6,349,097

601.5 sq mi.

13th

Largest City
(by population)

Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge

Bordering States

Connecticut - New Hampshire - New York - Rhode Island - Vermont Coastline: 192 mi.

Number of Counties

14 Counties and 7 Geographical Census Areas

Largest County
(by population)

Middlesex County
No Form of County Government

1,465,396

824 sq mi.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time

Massacusetts Climate and Weather

Weather in Massachusetts is diverse and changeable. It can go from sunny to rainy (or, in winter, snowy) several times a week. Coastal areas usually have more moderate temperatures in summer and winter than the Berkshires in the west. Summer in Massachusetts is generally comfortable, though temperatures will climb above 90 F/32 C at least once each summer in all parts of the state. Cape Cod is kept cool by ocean breezes, though the mid 80s F/27-29 C are not unusual. In July, temperatures in central Massachusetts range 60-81 F/16-27 C, with some days above 90 F/32 C. Fall high temperatures can range from 60 to the low 70s F/15-22 C. Winter temperatures are moderately cold (11 to 29 F/-13 to -2 C, on average), with heavier snows in the west and central portions (60-80 in/152-203 cm) and less on the Cape.

Highest Temperature

107 degrees
August 7, 1975 - Chester and New Bedford

Lowest Temperature

-35 degrees
January 12, 1981 - Chester

Avg Temp: High - Low

81.8 degrees

15.6 degrees

Massachusetts Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)

Mean Elevation

500

Highest Point

Mt. Greylock

3,487

Lowest Point

Atlantic Ocean

Sea level

Massachusetts Land Area (Square Miles)

Geographic Center

Total Area

10,554.57

44th

Land Area¹

7,840.02

Water Area²

2,714.55

25.71%

Forested Land Area³

65.1%

Dimensions
(Length - Width)

190 miles

50 miles

Source: (U.S. Census, April 1, 2000)
1. Dry land and land temporarily or partially covered by water, such as marshland, swamps, etc.; streams and canals under one-eighth statute mile wide; and lakes, reservoirs, and ponds under 40 acres.
2. Permanent inland water surface, such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds having an area of 40 acres or more; streams, sloughs, estuaries, and canals one-eighth statute mile or more in width; deeply indented embayments and sounds, and other coastal waters behind or sheltered by headlands or islands separated by less than 1 nautical mile of water, and islands under 40 acres in area. Excludes areas of oceans, bays, sounds, etc. lying within U.S. jurisdiction but not defined as inland water.
3. 1997

Almanac Provided by SHG Resources