Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Norfolk, MA
Considering a move to Norfolk, MA? This charming town of about 12,000 residents features a high median home value of $675,000 and rents averaging $2,200, reflecting its desirable location and family-friendly reputation. Enjoy very low crime rates (only 37 violent crimes per 100K), top-rated schools, and a highly educated community with over 65% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. With a peaceful suburban feel, excellent healthcare access, and easy commutes to Boston, Norfolk is ideal for those seeking safety, quality education, and a strong sense of community.
Demographics - Norfolk, MA
Demographics - Norfolk, MA
Norfolk, MA is a close-knit suburban community with a population of nearly 12,000 and a median age of 42. The town is predominantly White, with small Asian and Black communities, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. Its moderate population density and high percentage of English speakers contribute to a welcoming, family-oriented environment.
Population:
11,938
Density:
590 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.1%
Black:
2.9%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Norfolk, MA?
Living in Norfolk comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 142.5, driven largely by a median home value of $675,000 and typical rents around $2,200 per month. Utility and transportation costs here also run above national averages, reflecting the area’s desirable location and quality of life. State income taxes range from 5% to 9%, impacting overall affordability for residents.
Median House Value:
$675,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,475
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.5
Grocery:
116.9
Housing:
171.2
Utilities:
119.8
Transportation:
124.0
Health Care:
119.2
Miscellaneous:
110.1
Crime
Is Norfolk, MA a safe place to live?
Norfolk is known for its exceptional safety, with just 37 violent crimes and 216 property crimes per 100,000 residents—far below national averages. Residents enjoy a low risk of crime, with odds of experiencing a violent incident at just 1 in 2,700. This makes Norfolk especially attractive for families and those prioritizing peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
37
Property Crimes Per 100k:
216
Crime Index:
253
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,700
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 550
Weather
What is the weather like in Norfolk, MA year-round?
Norfolk experiences all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 17°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. Annual rainfall is about 50 inches, and the area enjoys sunshine 56% of the year. The climate allows residents to enjoy a mix of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community boasts a strong economic profile, with a median household income of $182,800 and a low poverty rate of 2.4%. Most residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment is low at 3.5%. While the average commute is nearly 38 minutes, public transportation is available, supporting those who work in the Boston metro area.
Median Income:
$64,000
Household Income:
$182,800
Family Income:
$195,300
Per Capita Income:
$56,700
Income Male:
$92,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
2.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.2%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
8.3%
Commute Time:
37.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.1%
Bachelors or More:
65.2%
Education
How are the schools in Norfolk, MA?
Families in Norfolk have access to highly regarded public schools, such as Freeman-Kennedy School and King Philip Regional High School, which feature favorable student-teacher ratios around 14:1. There are private school options nearby and several colleges within a short drive, including Dean College and Wheaton College. Over 65% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the community’s strong emphasis on education.
Public Schools
Name:
Freeman-Kennedy School
Street:
70 Boardman St
Phone:
508-528-1266
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
King Philip Regional High School
Street:
201 Franklin St, Wrentham, MA
Phone:
508-384-1000
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Montrose School
Street:
29 North St, Medfield, MA
Phone:
508-359-2423
Students:
225
Colleges
Name:
Dean College
City:
Franklin
State:
MA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Wheaton College
City:
Norton
State:
MA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
1,750
Healthcare
Norfolk residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Norwood Hospital and Milford Regional Medical Center nearby. The town has a high physician-to-resident ratio (3.6 per 1,000) and nearly universal health insurance coverage at 97.2%. These factors ensure quality medical care for individuals and families alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Norwood Hospital
Address:
800 Washington St, Norwood, MA 02062
Phone:
(781) 769-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Milford Regional Medical Center
Address:
14 Prospect St, Milford, MA 01757
Phone:
(508) 473-1190
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Norfolk, MA?
The housing market in Norfolk is competitive, with a median home price of $675,000 and the vast majority of homes being owner-occupied (92.4%). Rental options are limited but relatively stable, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $2,200 and a low rental vacancy rate of 3.1%. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% over the past year, indicating a strong and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
92.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Norfolk residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest major office in Boston. The DMV offers comprehensive services including licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. Most transactions can also be handled online for added convenience.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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.