Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Grafton, MA
Considering a move to Grafton, MA? This friendly town of 19,664 residents features a top-rated school system, a median home price of $505,000, and competitive rents averaging $1,650. Grafton boasts very low crime rates, high educational attainment (over 55% with bachelor’s degrees or higher), and convenient access to excellent healthcare and nearby colleges. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, short commutes, and a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere—making Grafton a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Grafton, MA
Demographics - Grafton, MA
Grafton is home to about 19,664 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a community that is predominantly White, alongside notable Asian and Black populations. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a multicultural atmosphere, with over 8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a blend of suburban comfort and small-town charm.
Population:
19,664
Density:
830 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
7.6%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Grafton, MA?
Living in Grafton means a cost of living index above the national average, driven mainly by housing costs with a median home value of $505,000 and typical rents around $1,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also somewhat higher than average, reflecting the area’s desirable amenities and quality of life. State income taxes range from 5% to 9%, making budgeting an important consideration for new residents.
Median House Value:
$505,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
127.8
Grocery:
116.0
Housing:
139.2
Utilities:
114.5
Transportation:
121.0
Health Care:
112.7
Miscellaneous:
108.9
Crime
Is Grafton, MA a safe place to live?
Grafton offers a notably safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 65 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 171. The city’s low crime index makes it an appealing place for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. Residents enjoy a strong sense of security and community throughout the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
585
Crime Index:
650
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 171
Weather
What is the weather like in Grafton, MA year-round?
Residents in Grafton experience all four seasons, including snowy winters with lows around 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year. This climate offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities year-round.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in Grafton benefit from strong incomes, with a median household income of $120,750 and a low poverty rate under 5%. Nearly all adults have finished high school, and over half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the town’s highly educated and prosperous community. Average commutes are about 31 minutes, and public transportation use remains modest.
Median Income:
$51,200
Household Income:
$120,750
Family Income:
$136,900
Per Capita Income:
$49,500
Income Male:
$64,000
Income Female:
$54,200
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
5.5%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
55.3%
Education
How are the schools in Grafton, MA?
Grafton is known for its strong public schools, such as Grafton High School and Grafton Middle School, which maintain favorable student-teacher ratios and dedicated staff. Private and alternative educational options, as well as nearby higher education institutions like Clark University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, provide residents with ample learning opportunities. The town’s commitment to education makes it an ideal choice for families prioritizing academic excellence.
Public Schools
Name:
Grafton High School
Street:
24 Providence Rd
Phone:
508-839-5425
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Grafton Middle School
Street:
22 Providence Rd
Phone:
508-839-5420
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
Touchstone Community School
Street:
54 Leland St
Phone:
508-839-0038
Students:
115
Colleges
Name:
Clark University
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
City:
Worcester
State:
MA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Grafton residents have access to excellent healthcare, with major hospitals like UMass Memorial Medical Center and Saint Vincent Hospital just a short drive away. The area has a high rate of insured individuals (96.4%) and an above-average number of physicians per capita, ensuring quality medical services for families and individuals. Healthcare in the region is both comprehensive and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Address:
55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
Phone:
(508) 334-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Vincent Hospital
Address:
123 Summer St, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone:
(508) 363-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.4%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Grafton, MA?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $505,000 and an owner-occupancy rate exceeding 76%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,650 and a low vacancy rate, indicating steady demand. Recent home values have appreciated over 7% in the past year, highlighting a healthy and growing real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$505,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Worcester. The DMV offers a full range of services and maintains an informative website for scheduling appointments and accessing resources. This makes managing driving-related needs straightforward for Grafton locals.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
611 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
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.