Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dalton, MA
Thinking of moving to Dalton, MA? With a friendly population of about 6,300, Dalton offers affordable living with median home prices near $266,000 and rents averaging $970. You'll enjoy low crime rates, quick 22-minute commutes, and a strong public school system in a scenic, four-season New England setting. Dalton is ideal for those seeking small-town charm, solid education, and easy access to healthcare and higher education in the Berkshires.
Demographics - Dalton, MA
Demographics - Dalton, MA
Dalton is home to around 6,330 residents, with a median age of 46.2, reflecting a balanced and mature community. The town is predominantly White (94.1%) and maintains a close gender ratio, while only 3.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
6,330
Density:
290 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dalton, MA?
The cost of living in Dalton is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $266,000 and average rents at $970. Utilities and healthcare are modestly priced, and local state taxes range from 5% to 9%, making the town affordable compared to other Massachusetts communities.
Median House Value:
$266,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,610
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$630
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108
Grocery:
106
Housing:
99
Utilities:
112
Transportation:
104
Health Care:
107
Miscellaneous:
103
Crime
Is Dalton, MA a safe place to live?
Dalton enjoys low crime rates, with just 152 violent crimes and 1,055 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents face a 1 in 658 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a generally safe and secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
152
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,055
Crime Index:
1,207
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 658
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Dalton, MA year-round?
Dalton experiences classic New England weather, featuring cold winters with lows around 15°F and pleasant summers reaching up to 80°F. The town receives about 45.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, supporting a variety of outdoor activities across all seasons.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Dalton’s households earn a median income of $71,200, with a relatively low poverty rate of 7.1% and an average commute time of 22 minutes. Most residents have a high school diploma or higher, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the town’s suburban character.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$71,200
Family Income:
$89,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,400
Income Male:
$49,800
Income Female:
$42,100
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
35.1%
Education
How are the schools in Dalton, MA?
Dalton offers a strong public school system with small class sizes, including Craneville Elementary and Nessacus Regional Middle School. Private schooling is available at St. Agnes Academy, and higher education options are easily accessible at Berkshire Community College and Williams College, both within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
Craneville Elementary School
Street:
71 Park Ave
Phone:
413-684-0030
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Name:
Nessacus Regional Middle School
Street:
35 Fox Rd, Dalton
Phone:
413-684-0780
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Agnes Academy
Street:
30 Carson Ave, Dalton
Phone:
413-684-3143
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Berkshire Community College
City:
Pittsfield
State:
MA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Williams College
City:
Williamstown
State:
MA
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, including Berkshire Medical Center just minutes away in Pittsfield. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and a 97.2% health insurance coverage rate, Dalton offers strong healthcare resources for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Berkshire Medical Center
Address:
725 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone:
(413) 447-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
81.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dalton, MA?
Dalton’s housing market features a high owner-occupancy rate of 75.3%, with median home prices at $266,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $970. The area sees steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates, indicating a stable and attractive market for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$266,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for Dalton residents are provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles at 333 East St in nearby Pittsfield. The office offers full motor vehicle services and can be reached at 857-368-8000 or online through the state DMV website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
333 East St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone:
857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.