MassachusettsPop. 60,433Smaller cities
Is Taunton a Good Place to Live? Taunton, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Taunton ranks #611 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #275 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
Taunton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Taunton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Taunton?
Taunton's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,324/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $521,740, 21% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Taunton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $521,740#855 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,096/mo#757 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $422,800#842 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,324/mo#563 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20%#447 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Taunton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Taunton is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Taunton safe?
Taunton recorded 386 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 28% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #697 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #308 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Taunton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,057 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Taunton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 386#697 of 1,085 | 303 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,057#243 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Taunton?
The median household in Taunton earns $79,283, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Taunton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $79,283#631 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Taunton?
The median resident of Taunton is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1023 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Taunton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.9%#1023 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Taunton's schools and health?
Taunton's 9 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $18,383 spent per pupil. 33.6% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Taunton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,383#313 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.6%#665 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,702 students are enrolled in Taunton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Taunton?
The average commute in Taunton is 29.3 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 0.5% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Taunton scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 31.4°F, with 47.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Taunton | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.3 min#1065 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.8%#1099 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80% | 62% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.7% | 4.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8% | 14.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.4#653 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.8 | 19.1 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 41.3 | 20.7 | 3 |
| Mar | 48.1 | 27.2 | 5.2 |
| Apr | 59.4 | 36.1 | 4.3 |
| May | 70 | 45.7 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 54.5 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 84.2 | 60.5 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 83 | 58.8 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 50.5 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 64.3 | 40.5 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 32 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 44.1 | 24.6 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Taunton Muni Airport.
| Measure | Taunton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Taunton Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Taunton?
Bristol County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bristol County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Taunton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#112 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bristol County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bristol County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0096% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0036% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 17% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Taunton compare with similar-size cities?
Taunton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #275 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,433.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| White Plains, NYPop. 60,666 | #52 | 70.8 | $110,763 | $2,269/mo | 115 | 27.4 min |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| San Rafael, CAPop. 60,433 | #501 | 58.0 | $119,435 | $2,377/mo | 365 | 25.3 min |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | #653 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 | 24.8 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Taunton compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Taunton ranks #17 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 24% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 28% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Massachusetts home.
| City | Rank in MA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #1 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #2 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #3 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #4 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #5 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #6 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #7 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #8 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #9 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #10 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #11 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #12 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #13 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #14 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #15 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #16 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #17 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #18 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 |
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #19 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #20 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #21 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #22 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 |
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #23 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #24 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #25 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 |
All 25 Massachusetts cities we track, by overall score. Massachusetts statewide: median income $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Taunton's score calculated?
Taunton scores 56.5 out of 100, #611 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Massachusetts's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Taunton. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Taunton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
74.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Taunton. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Taunton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
71.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Taunton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
62.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Taunton. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Taunton. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Taunton. Similar-size median 50.0.
35.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Taunton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
78.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Taunton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Taunton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Taunton
Is Taunton, MA a good place to live?
Taunton ranks #611 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #275 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), and trails on high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Taunton?
Taunton's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,324/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $521,740, 21% below the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Taunton?
Taunton recorded 386 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 28% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #697 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #308 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Taunton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,057 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Taunton?
The median household in Taunton earns $79,283, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Taunton?
Median rent in Taunton is $1,324/mo (Census), #563 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,096/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Taunton?
The typical home value in Taunton is $521,740, up 4% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $422,800.
How are the public schools in Taunton?
Taunton's 9 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $18,383 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Taunton?
The average commute is 29.3 minutes, #1065 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 10.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Taunton?
Taunton averages 50.4°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 31.4°F in winter, with 47.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Taunton walkable?
Taunton scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Taunton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bristol County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Taunton?
Bristol County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Taunton?
Taunton has 60,433 residents. The median resident of Taunton is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1023 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Taunton compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Taunton ranks #17 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 56.5 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 24% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 28% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Taunton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Taunton's population of 60,433 are White Plains, NY (#52 overall), Meriden, CT (#599 overall), Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall), San Rafael, CA (#501 overall), and Euless, TX (#653 overall). Taunton is #611.