Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dartmouth, MA
Considering a move to Dartmouth, MA? This scenic town of 31,403 offers suburban charm, a strong community, and a median home price of $452,000, with average rents around $1,550. Dartmouth enjoys a low violent crime rate (176 per 100K), short 25-minute average commutes, and access to top schools and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. With 53% sunny days and a cost of living index of 120.3, Dartmouth blends coastal New England living with good schools and excellent healthcare—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Dartmouth, MA
Demographics - Dartmouth, MA
Dartmouth is home to approximately 31,400 residents, offering a population density that balances suburban comfort with community connection. The median age of 38.4 and a diverse mix—predominantly White, with growing Black, Asian, and other communities—create a welcoming environment. Around 12% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting the town's inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
31,403
Density:
694 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.7%
Black:
3.7%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dartmouth, MA?
Dartmouth's cost of living is about 20% higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $452,000 and average rents of $1,550. Residents benefit from moderate utility and healthcare costs, but should budget for higher housing and grocery expenses. State income taxes range from 5% to 9%, making financial planning an important consideration for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$452,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,580
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.3
Grocery:
115.1
Housing:
127.7
Utilities:
109.9
Transportation:
116.0
Health Care:
107.6
Miscellaneous:
106.2
Crime
Is Dartmouth, MA a safe place to live?
Dartmouth is a relatively safe community, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,338 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 569 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is lower than many similarly sized towns. Overall, safety and peace of mind are key features of life in Dartmouth.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
176
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,338
Crime Index:
1,514
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 569
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Dartmouth, MA year-round?
Dartmouth experiences all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 22°F and summer highs reaching 82°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, making it inviting for outdoor activities. Residents can expect mild springs and crisp autumns, typical of coastal New England.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Dartmouth’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $84,900 and a family income over $100,000. The community boasts a high educational attainment, with over 91% holding a high school diploma and 36% having a bachelor's degree or higher. Low unemployment and a modest poverty rate contribute to a stable, comfortable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$40,800
Household Income:
$84,900
Family Income:
$102,900
Per Capita Income:
$37,400
Income Male:
$48,900
Income Female:
$40,800
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
11.8%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
25.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.1%
Education
How are the schools in Dartmouth, MA?
Dartmouth offers strong educational opportunities, with well-regarded public schools like Dartmouth High and Middle School, as well as reputable private options. The town is home to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, providing higher education and cultural enrichment right in the community. Parents and students benefit from quality education at all levels, supporting academic growth and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Dartmouth High School
Street:
555 Bakerville Rd
Phone:
508-961-2700
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Dartmouth Middle School
Street:
366 Slocum Rd
Phone:
508-961-2700
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Stang High School
Street:
500 Slocum Rd
Phone:
508-996-5602
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
City:
Dartmouth
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Bristol Community College
City:
Fall River
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
6,200
Healthcare
Dartmouth residents enjoy excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like St. Luke's and Charlton Memorial nearby and 2.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Nearly 97% of residents have health insurance, ensuring broad coverage and peace of mind. The area’s healthcare index reflects strong, reliable medical services for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
101 Page St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone:
(508) 997-1515
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southcoast Health - Charlton Memorial Hospital
Address:
363 Highland Ave, Fall River, MA 02720
Phone:
(508) 679-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.7%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dartmouth, MA?
The housing market in Dartmouth is robust, with a median home price of $452,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 74.5%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,550, and homes have appreciated by over 7% in the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, making this a competitive market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$452,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Dartmouth residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in nearby New Bedford. The local DMV provides convenient services for registration, licensing, and renewals. For more information, residents can visit the official Massachusetts RMV website or call their main office.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
278 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
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.