Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dedham, MA
Considering a move to Dedham, MA? This historic Boston suburb has a population of 25,364 and offers an attractive blend of family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and easy commutes averaging about 29 minutes. The median home price is $675,000, with average rents around $2,200, reflecting a higher cost of living balanced by strong household incomes and low crime rates. Residents enjoy excellent healthcare access, a highly educated community, and classic New England seasons with 56% sunny days—making Dedham a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Dedham, MA
Demographics - Dedham, MA
Dedham is home to about 25,364 residents, with a median age of 43.7 and a population density of 2,700 per square mile. The community is predominantly White (82.1%), with a mix of other ethnic backgrounds and 13.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance and diverse age range contribute to a dynamic suburban atmosphere.
Population:
25,364
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.7
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.1%
Black:
6.9%
Asian:
4.1%
Others:
6.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dedham, MA?
The cost of living in Dedham is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 145.0. Housing is a major factor, as the median home value is $675,000 and average rents are $2,200 per month, though many residents offset these costs with strong household incomes. Other expenses, such as utilities and groceries, are also above average, reflecting Dedham’s desirable location and amenities.
Median House Value:
$675,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,680
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
145.0
Grocery:
117.5
Housing:
178.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
110.2
Miscellaneous:
108.5
Crime
Is Dedham, MA a safe place to live?
Dedham experiences relatively low crime rates, with just 160 violent crimes and 1,410 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being involved in a violent crime is about 1 in 625, and property crime is about 1 in 71, making the town a safe choice for families and individuals. This safety contributes to Dedham’s appeal as a secure and welcoming community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,410
Crime Index:
1,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Dedham, MA year-round?
Dedham enjoys classic New England weather, featuring cold winters with lows around 21°F and warm summers reaching highs of 84°F. Residents experience all four seasons, with roughly 56% sunny days and an average annual rainfall of 47.8 inches. The varied climate allows for a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Dedham's households benefit from a strong median income of $109,800, and only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The community is highly educated, with 95.8% holding a high school diploma or higher, and more than half attaining a bachelor’s degree or more. The average commute is about 29 minutes, and public transportation is used by over 10% of locals, supporting both convenience and work-life balance.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$109,800
Family Income:
$132,400
Per Capita Income:
$53,100
Income Male:
$67,500
Income Female:
$56,300
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
10.1%
Commute Time:
29.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
54.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dedham, MA?
Dedham offers quality educational options, with well-regarded public schools such as Dedham High School and Oakdale Elementary maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is available, including the prestigious Noble and Greenough School, and higher education institutions like Boston College and Massachusetts Bay Community College are within a short drive. This strong educational network supports lifelong learning for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Dedham High School
Street:
140 Whiting Ave
Phone:
781-310-1100
Students:
770
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Name:
Oakdale Elementary School
Street:
147 Cedar St
Phone:
781-310-6000
Students:
335
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2

Private Schools
Name:
Noble and Greenough School
Street:
10 Campus Dr
Phone:
781-320-7265
Students:
630

Colleges
Name:
Massachusetts Bay Community College
City:
Wellesley Hills
State:
MA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,400
Name:
Boston College
City:
Chestnut Hill
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
14,600
Healthcare
Dedham residents have excellent access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham and Newton-Wellesley Hospital nearby. The area boasts a high physician density of 3.6 per 1,000 people and nearly 98% health insurance coverage. These factors ensure comprehensive medical services and peace of mind for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham
Address:
148 Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492
Phone:
(781) 453-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Address:
2014 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
Phone:
(617) 243-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.9%
Health Care Index:
81.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dedham, MA?
The Dedham housing market is robust, with a median home price of $675,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 68.5%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,200 and a low vacancy rate of 3.7%. Home values have appreciated 7.1% in the past year, reflecting steady demand and a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Dedham residents are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston. The RMV provides a full range of services for drivers, including licensing, registration, and title transfers. Residents can access information and make appointments online or by phone for added convenience.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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.