First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Worcester County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansLiving in West Brookfield, Massachusetts
West Brookfield is a town in south Worcester County, split off from Brookfield and incorporated in 1848. It sits on the old Boston Post Road, once the halfway stop on the stage route between Worcester and Springfield, and its center faces Lake Wickaboag, a 320-acre pond just west of the town common.
West Brookfield at a glance
- $10.75Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $4,446Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 30-35 minDrive to Worcester
- WorcesterCounty
West Brookfield's zip code
West Brookfield uses a single ZIP code, 01585, for the whole town.
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| West Brookfield center | 01585 | Along Route 9 and the town common, where Town Hall and the library are located. |
Things to do in West Brookfield, MA
Start with Lake Wickaboag and Rock House Reservation, then 1 more below.
Lake Wickaboag
A 320-acre pond bordering the town center, with a town beach and boat ramp off Cottage Street. Swimming is permitted at the town beach with a lifeguard on duty in summer, and the lake is used for kayaking, canoeing, sailing and powerboating.
Town beach, Cottage Street, West Brookfield, MA
Plan a visitRock House Reservation
A wooded reservation centered on a large rock shelter exposed by glacial retreat, used historically as a winter camp. Trails cross the property year-round.
Rock House Rd, West Brookfield, MA
Merriam-Gilbert Public Library
The town's public library, built in 1880 with funding from Charles Merriam, co-founder of the Merriam-Webster dictionary company.
West Brookfield town common
Plan a visit
A little history
West Brookfield was first settled by Europeans in 1665 as part of Brookfield, and was set off and incorporated as its own town in 1848.
The town sat on the Boston Post Road, the historic stage route between Worcester and Springfield, giving it an early role as a stopover point.
West Brookfield is the birthplace of the suffragist Lucy Stone and of brothers George and Charles Merriam, publishers of Webster's Dictionary.
Parks, trails and outdoors in West Brookfield
Lake Wickaboag and Rock House Reservation give West Brookfield its outdoor recreation, from lake swimming and boating to wooded trails.
- Lake WickaboagTown beach, boat ramp and swimming area on a 320-acre pond bordering the town center.More information
- Rock House ReservationTrails around a glacially exposed rock shelter once used as a Native American winter camp.
Walkability and getting around West Brookfield
West Brookfield's small town common along Route 9 has sidewalks connecting Town Hall, the library and a few shops, but most of the town, including the area around Lake Wickaboag, is built for driving.
Drive times
- Worcester, about 20 miles30-35 min
- Worcester Regional Airport, about 22 miles35-40 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
West Brookfield has no fixed-route public bus service or train station confirmed by official sources.
West Brookfield property taxes
West Brookfield's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,075 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $4,446, on an average assessed value of $413,594.
West Brookfield's FY2026 tax rates
$10.75per $1,000, residential
- Residential$10.75 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$413,594
- Average single-family tax bill$4,446
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $13.23 |
| FY2023 | $11.99 |
| FY2024 | $11.23 |
| FY2025 | $10.78 |
| FY2026 | $10.75 |
Look up a West Brookfield property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 508-867-1421
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in West Brookfield
What we check on a West Brookfield purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, septic & wells, no curbside trash.
Check the flood zone first
Land bordering Lake Wickaboag and the Quaboag River watershed can fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones near the water's edge. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for West BrookfieldSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the West Brookfield Fire Department before the sale closes.
West Brookfield Fire Department pageTitle 5 septic inspection applies at sale
Many properties in West Brookfield, especially outside the town center, are on private septic systems and wells rather than town sewer. Massachusetts requires a Title 5 septic inspection before most home sales, arranged through the local Board of Health.
Trash goes to the Drop Off Center, not curbside pickup
West Brookfield does not run curbside trash collection. Residents bring household waste to the town's Drop Off Center on Wigwam Road, open Saturdays. Buyers should budget for a transfer-station routine rather than weekly pickup.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in West Brookfield?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a West Brookfield address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to West Brookfield: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in West Brookfield: National Grid for power.
- ElectricNational Grid
- WaterWest Brookfield Water Department serves the town's developed areas
- Trash and recyclingWest Brookfield does not offer curbside trash collection; residents bring waste to the town's Drop Off Center.
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
West Brookfield Drop Off Center
Wigwam Road, West Brookfield, MA 01585 Saturday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Transfer station detailsTown Hall offices and contacts
West Brookfield Town Hall is at 2 East Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585. Main line: 508-867-1421.
- Town HallMain line and website508-867-1421
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.508-867-1421
- AssessorsProperty values and assessments.508-867-1421
- Tax Collector / TreasurerProperty tax billing and payment.508-867-1421
- Building / Zoning Enforcement OfficerBuilding permits, inspections and zoning enforcement.508-867-1421
- Board of HealthSeptic (Title 5), wells and public health.508-867-1421
- Water DepartmentPublic water service.508-867-1421
- Fire DepartmentFire safety, inspections and smoke-certificate compliance.508-867-1421
- Recreation CommitteeTown recreation programs and facilities.
- Merriam-Gilbert Public LibraryThe town's public library.
- Quaboag Regional School DistrictThe town's regional school district (Quaboag Regional Middle/High School).
West Brookfield, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in West Brookfield, MA?
West Brookfield's FY2026 residential tax rate is $10.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in West Brookfield?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $4,300 a year at $10.75 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does West Brookfield have a split tax rate?
No. West Brookfield uses a single rate of $10.75 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in West Brookfield?
The average single-family tax bill in West Brookfield was $4,446 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $413,594.
What county is West Brookfield, MA in?
West Brookfield is in Worcester County.
What ZIP code does West Brookfield use?
West Brookfield uses a single ZIP code, 01585, for the whole town.
Is trash pickup curbside in West Brookfield?
No. West Brookfield has no curbside collection; residents bring trash to the town's Drop Off Center on Wigwam Road, open Saturdays.
Who supplies electricity in West Brookfield?
National Grid serves West Brookfield, based on the utility named in the town's published solar-interconnection notices.
How far is West Brookfield from Worcester?
West Brookfield is about 20 miles from Worcester, roughly a 30-35 minute drive.
Can you swim in Lake Wickaboag?
Yes. West Brookfield maintains a town beach on Lake Wickaboag with a lifeguard on duty during the summer season.
Towns near West Brookfield
Neighbors of West Brookfield, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- West Brookfield, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of West Brookfield official website: wbrookfield.com
- Contact Us - Town of West Brookfield: wbrookfield.com
- Lake Wickaboag - Town of West Brookfield: wbrookfield.com
- Drop Off Center - Town of West Brookfield: wbrookfield.com
- West Brookfield - Massachusetts Municipal Association: mma.org
- Wickaboag Pond - Mass.gov: mass.gov
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score®, provided live by Walk Score.
- Checked September 25, 2026.