City of Worcester

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Worcester, Massachusetts, with a population of about 170,000 people, is a leading New England industrial center and the second largest city in Massachusetts. It is located on the Blackstone River in central Massachusetts, about midway between Boston and Springfield. Manufacturing, insurance, transportation, and most recently, biotechnological research, are important industries for the city.

Worcester is an important cultural resource and a center of higher education for the region. The Worcester Art Museum, American Antiquarian Society, New England Science Center, and the Higgins Armory Museum are some of the diverse cultural institutions that enrich the lives of Worcester residents and attract visitors from other communities. Schools such as the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Assumption College, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School are located in Worcester.

Incorporated as a town in 1722 and as a city in 1848, Worcester's population grew as industrial jobs attracted thousands of immigrants to the city. Worcester reached its peak population of about 200,000 in 1950. Since then, some families have migrated to surrounding towns such as Holden, Shrewsbury, Boylston, Leicester, and Auburn. Worcester serves as the hub for this large urbanized community.

For more information, visit the official City of Worcester municipal web site.