Is Stoughton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Stoughton

Stoughton, Massachusetts, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant cultural and economic hub of Boston. This Norfolk County town provides a community atmosphere with a rich history, making it an appealing location for individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle. Stoughton is known for its friendly neighborhoods and a commitment to community engagement, evident in its various local events and initiatives.

The town’s strategic location, approximately 17 miles from Boston, allows residents to enjoy the amenities of a major city while residing in a more peaceful setting. Stoughton’s appeal is further enhanced by its access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities, contributing to a high quality of life. The community actively works towards maintaining its charm while embracing growth and development.

Is it Safe to Live in Stoughton?

Stoughton’s crime rates are notably lower than the national average. The town has recorded a violent crime rate of 65.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 38.3% below the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). Property crime also fares well, with an average rate of 79.3 per 100,000 residents, falling 51.5% below the national average (as reported by FBI crime data).

While Stoughton is considered safe, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Property crime, in particular, has a rate of 10.88 per 1,000 residents, which is considered above average when compared to all U.S. communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, the southwest part of the city is generally considered the safest area by residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs in Stoughton

The housing market in Stoughton presents a median home value of approximately $602,514 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure has seen a slight increase of 0.4% over the past year, indicating a stable market. Homes in Stoughton tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 11 days to pending status (as reported by Zillow).

Rental costs in Stoughton are also a significant factor for those considering a move. The average rent across all property types and bedroom counts stands at $2,676 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This is considerably higher than the national average rent, which is $2,000 (as reported by Zumper).

Median Home Prices

The median sale price of a home in Stoughton was $525,000 in March 2026, showing a 1.8% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $341, which is also up by 5.2% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). These figures suggest a healthy and appreciating real estate market.

Rental Market

For renters, the market in Stoughton shows a median rent of $2,495 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This is 28% higher than the national average, indicating a robust rental demand. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $2,360 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment commands an average of $2,590 per month (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

Stoughton’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to a stable job market. The town’s unemployment rate is currently at 4.9% as of February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). This rate is consistent with the broader economic trends in Massachusetts, which has an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of March 2026 (as reported by Mass.gov).

The average annual salary in Stoughton is approximately $49,766 per year, equating to about $23.93 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For those employed by the Town of Stoughton itself, the average annual salary is around $97,896 as of April 2026 (as reported by Glassdoor). This reflects a range of opportunities across municipal services and private sector employment.

Major Employers

Key employers in Stoughton contribute significantly to the local economy and provide diverse employment opportunities. Grossman’s Inc., a retailer of building materials, is a notable local company (as reported by Zippia). Other significant employers include Steward Health Care and New England Sinai Hospital, which are major healthcare providers in the area (as reported by Zippia and Indeed).

The town also benefits from a presence of various retail and service-based businesses, such as Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and Target, providing numerous job openings across different sectors (as reported by Indeed). These large companies, along with smaller local businesses, form the backbone of Stoughton’s employment landscape.

Average Salary and Wages

The average annual salary for all jobs in Stoughton is reported to be $49,766 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure is composed of an average hourly wage of $23.93. The median wage in Stoughton is $44,700 per year, with the top 75th percentile earning around $60,800 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

For specific professions, the average salary for a teacher in Stoughton is approximately $49,307 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Employees of the Town of Stoughton, Massachusetts, earn an average annual salary of $97,896 (as reported by Glassdoor), with typical ranges between $86,000 and $111,025.

Climate in Stoughton

Stoughton experiences a climate typical of New England, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, with average high temperatures around the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters can be cold and snowy, with average low temperatures dropping into the 20s Fahrenheit.

The town receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, distributed fairly evenly across the seasons. However, recent climate trends indicate an increase in heavy rainstorms and more frequent days reaching 90 degrees or more (as reported by Neponset River Watershed Association). Stoughton is also experiencing more drought conditions and more intense, windy storms (as reported by Neponset River Watershed Association).

Average Temperatures

The average high temperature in Stoughton during the summer months typically reaches around 85°F, while winter lows can average in the mid-20s°F (as reported by NOAA). Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to enjoy outdoor activities.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Stoughton typically receives around 45-50 inches of precipitation annually, with a mix of rain and snow. The town has noted an increase in heavy rainstorms in recent years (as reported by Neponset River Watershed Association). This trend suggests a need for preparedness for more intense weather events.

Education in Stoughton

Stoughton Public Schools serves the educational needs of the town’s K-12 student population. The district is rated with a B+ overall by Niche, indicating a solid educational environment. Stoughton High School also holds a B+ rating, reflecting its performance in academics and student life (as reported by Niche).

The district is recognized for its diversity, ranking among the top school districts in Massachusetts for diversity. Stoughton Public Schools also performs well in areas such as athletics and college preparation, with Stoughton High School being noted for its athletic programs and college prep offerings (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

Stoughton Public Schools as a whole receive an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). This rating is based on a comprehensive analysis of key statistics and millions of user reviews. The district is ranked #91 out of 217 Best School Districts in Massachusetts (as reported by Niche).

Stoughton High School specifically is graded B+ by Niche. It is ranked #28 out of 391 for Most Diverse Public High Schools in Massachusetts and #68 out of 419 for Best High Schools for Athletes in Massachusetts (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 53% of students at the high school are proficient in math and 62% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Stoughton

Stoughton’s population was recorded at 29,281 at the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The town’s population is projected to reach 29,464 by 2026, indicating a slight growth rate (as reported by CUBIT). The median age in Stoughton is 45.7 years, with a slightly older demographic compared to the national average (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial makeup of Stoughton is diverse, with White individuals forming the largest group at approximately 57.2% (as reported by CUBIT). This is followed by Black or African American residents at 18.4%, and those identifying with two or more races at 8.2% (as reported by CUBIT). Hispanic or Latino residents constitute about 3.2% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).

Population and Age Distribution

As of the 2020 census, Stoughton had a population of 29,281 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Stoughton is 45.7 years (as reported by World Population Review). Approximately 15.2% of the population are children under 15, with 9.7% in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults aged 25 to 44 make up 24.2%, while 30% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket, and about 20.8% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Stoughton includes approximately 57.6% White residents, 19.2% Black or African American residents, and 6.7% Asian residents (as reported by Point2Homes). Additionally, 6.2% identify as another race, and 9.9% include residents of two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 4.69% of the population (as reported by World Population Review).