Plum Island Massachusetts Map

About Plum Island, Massachusetts

Plum Island is a locality in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It has a population of approximately 3,000. The population density is 480.0 people per km². Plum Island is located at 42.8126°N, 70.8134°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 1951.

Plum Island, a slender ribbon of sand and marsh, lies cradled by the Atlantic's restless embrace and the placid waters of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. It lies 5.9 miles north-north-east of North Shore, MA (from North Shore, MA: bearing 23°T), and is situated 3.2 miles east of Newburyport. Its landscape is a study in contrasts: wind-sculpted dunes, their grasses whispering secrets to the sea breeze, give way to the intricate, tidal tapestry of salt marshes, where egrets stalk silently through the reeds. Low-slung cottages, painted in a cheerful array of blues, greens, and yellows, cling to the island's spine, their weathered shingles speaking of countless storms weathered and summers savored. The air here carries the clean, bracing scent of salt and brine, a constant reminder of the ocean's proximity, while the cries of gulls form an ever-present chorus. The history of Plum Island is intrinsically tied to the rhythms of the sea and the bounty it provides. Once a vital stop for fishermen and traders, its shores have witnessed centuries of human endeavor, from early colonial settlements to its present-day role as a cherished natural sanctuary. The island's economy, though modest, still draws sustenance from the ocean, with local charter boats offering excursions and the distant hum of lobster traps a familiar sound. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a significant portion of Plum Island, draws birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide, drawn by the migratory marvels that grace its shores. This protected status has preserved the island's wild heart, a testament to a community that values its natural heritage as much as its own storied past.

About This Plum Island Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Plum Island, Massachusetts — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 42.812592, -70.813384. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Plum Island and Essex County.

Detailed location data for Plum Island includes the ZIP code (01950), telephone area code (339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978), county seat of Essex County (Salem), and school district assignment. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Plum Island is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.