Stoughton (pronounced Stoat-n) is a unique Wisconsin city known for its heritage rooted in Norwegian culture and as the birthplace of the beloved “coffee break.” Living in Stoughton offers residents adequate culture and access to unique events like the Norwegian Independence Day.
Wondering, “Is Stoughton a good place to live?” Yes, the community is excellent for raising a family, advancing your education, or growing your business. You’ll have access to the 77-acre Viking County Park, the University of Wisconsin is only 19 miles away, and the city hosts 295 employer firms.
If you decide moving to Stoughton is right for you, let the best Madison movers at Dairyland Movers handle your upcoming move.
Stoughton was founded in 1847 by Luke Stoughton and has a deep Norwegian heritage; its sister city is Gjøvik, Norway. After the Napoleonic War, Norwegian immigrants began settling in Stoughton in 1865. At one point, over three-fourths of the community spoke Norwegian.
Stoughton WI is located in Dane County, south of Mad City. It’s 19.9 miles from Madison to Stoughton and 80.9 miles to Milwaukee.
Thanks to its ideal location and heritage, Stoughton is one of the best suburbs of Madison. Other communities near it include McFarland, Oregon, and Dunkirk.
The Stoughton population is 13,173, with a population density of 2,074 residents per square mile. The median age in Stoughton is 41.3, which represents a balanced mix of younger families, professionals, and retirees. The largest age group is children ages 0-9, or 14% of the population, representing a focus on community and education. The median household income is $78,517, only $21 below the national average.
Arguably, what sets Stoughton Wisconsin apart from other cities near Madison is its rich Norwegian heritage. According to statistics, 28.9% of the city’s population is Norwegian. 93.9% of the population is White (92.9% non-Hispanic or Latino), 4% is two or more races, and 1.5% is Hispanic or Latino. Only 0.9% of people living in Stoughton WI are Black or African American, and 0.4% are Asian. The smallest racial group is American Indian or Alaska Native, with only 0.2% of the population.
Notable from Stoughton include Ole Amundsen Buslett, John Edward Erickson, and Jerry Frei.
Is Stoughton a good place to live, considering its crime rate? According to the FBI, Stoughton is a very safe place to live.
The crime rate in Stoughton is 12.3% lower than the state and 36.5% lower than the country. There is only a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime when living in Stoughton WI.
Its violent crime rate follows a similar trend:
Fourteen violent crimes took place in the last year, which means there is only a 1 in 925 chance of a violent crime happening to you after moving to Stoughton.
While the property crime rate here is only 1.3% lower than in the state, it remains 30% lower than in the country.
One hundred and seventy-seven property crimes took place over the past year, leaving a 1 in 73 chance you will ever experience property crime when residing here. When you compare Stoughton’s 1,475 crime rate per 100,000 people with the crime rate in Madison (2,697), you’ll see Stoughton is a very safe suburb.
The Stoughton WI Police Department has 24 sworn officers protecting the community’s residents.
Stoughton has a Cost of Living Index of 100, making it as affordable as the average US city. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need a household income of $114,970 to live comfortably in Dane County.
Typical Stoughton* living expenses:
Source: Numbeo
*The above statistics are for Madison, meaning prices in Stoughton may differ. Household bills here are $692 lower yearly than the average US city—talk about affordability.
Although the prices have increased by 10.4% in the past year, the Stoughton real estate market remains affordable. 3.5% more homes sold here than in 2023, and 6.7% more properties were listed for sale. The median sale price in Stoughton is $303,100, which is well below the US median of $419.200. Stoughton WI homes for sale typically sell within 65 days of being listed, with 27.6% selling above the listing price.
This city is home to various great neighborhoods to fit anyone's needs. You will find historic Queen Anne and Italianate structures on the city’s southwest side and Neo-Classical architectural styles near Main Street.
Are you seeking new construction homes in Stoughton? Consider the following:
There are tons of 55 plus communities in Madison WI, but did you know this quaint town has some, too?
Kettle Park Senior Living offers top-notch amenities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and community features such as modern apartments, fitness classes, and social events.
Buying isn’t for everyone; if you want to rent in Stoughton, here are the top apartment complexes to consider.
The town’s historical areas boast beautiful built and maintained homes.
Like the climate in Madison, Stoughton, Wisconsin, has a humid continental climate (Koppen Dfa) with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing. Spring brings milder weather, and summers are warm and humid, with highs in the 80s, making it the warmest season. Fall features vibrant foliage and cooler temps, with precipitation spread throughout the year. Snowfall is common in winter and occasional summer thunderstorms. You’ll experience the most snow in January, which gets around 4.6″.
One of the best times to visit Stoughton is in May, so you can attend the nationally recognized Norwegian festival and enjoy the mild spring temperatures.
Is Stoughton a good place to live for busybodies? Yes, as there are tons of things to do in Stoughton. The top shopping options are in Madison at West Towne Mall and Hilldale Shopping Center, but downtown Stoughton offers quaint shops and storefronts. Explore exactly what the city of Stoughton has to offer.
Have fun with the whole family at Viking Lanes in Stoughton. There is a bar and grill with delicious eats and drinks, an arcade, and hours of fun to be had.
1410 US-51, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-5959
Mandt is one of the top parks in Stoughton, boasting all the outdoor activities one could want. You’ll find a skate park, community center, pickleball courts, and walking areas.
400 Mandt Pkwy, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-7528
This city is home to countless beautiful outdoor spaces, and Viking County Park is one of them. There are trails and an area where you can fish the Yahara River, which hosts more than 19 fish species. An off-leash park is attached to the park, which is ideal for those with furry friends.
County Hwy N, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 224-3730
Stoughton Parks and Recreation maintains the city parks and hosts a handful of community events. The annual Syttende Mai Festival and the Stoughton Fair are two of the city's top events.
Are you looking for tasty food options before deciding to move to Stoughton? Here are the best restaurants in Stoughton WI, which is known for its Scandinavian-inspired cuisine.
Viking Brew Pub offers live entertainment options and delicious dining. It’s a Nordic-themed eatery, making it regionally unique. Reviews rave about the meatballs, wraps, cheese curds, and cod.
211 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 719-5041
Deaks Pub is a casual eatery serving up famous Bloody Marys, perfectly cooked fried fish, a massive salad bar, and cold brews.
1017 Nygaard St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-4066
Spinners Pizza is ideal for a busy weeknight—it’s quick, affordable, and delicious! This highly reviewed restaurant is known for its low prices, quick service, mouthwatering breadsticks, and unique Italian beef sandwiches.
2125 McComb Rd STE 110, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 205-6438
Jobs in Stoughton WI are available, especially in its leading industries, like healthcare, retail trade, and construction. Young professionals and working families find the 23.8-minute commute to Mad Town’s booming economy one of its most attractive qualities. Madison is the fastest-growing city in Wisconsin and boasts a $66,115.608 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The largest businesses in Stoughton are Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin, UScellular, and TDS Telecom. The City of Stoughton WI jobs is a great option when searching for public sector work.
There are hundreds of businesses in Stoughton, from advertising and marketing jobs to public utilities and environmental services; this Wisconsin gem has a diverse economy ready to support any career.
Is Stoughton a good place to live, considering the average salaries? Households earn just below the national average, and the income per capita is $64,245. According to Salary Expert, the average hourly rate here is $30.89.
Stoughton has a great education system and is home to various public and private schools. The Stoughton Area School District (SASD) serves 3,000 students spanning five schools. Three of the district elementary schools are located in the city limits (Fox Prairie Elementary, Kegonsa Elementary, and Sandhill Elementary), along with Stoughton High School and O’Donnell Middle School.
For the past five years, SASD has received the WIAA Award of Excellence, and according to the state's report card, all five SASD schools meet or exceed the Wisconsin School Board's expectations. The district was even recognized for its student inclusivity; Stoughton public schools are a safe place for your child to learn and grow.
If you have children under five, consider a few of the city’s top preschools, including Pumpkin Patch Preschool, Weebleworld Child Care Center, and The Learning Experience.
The Stoughton Public Library is a great place to find additional educational resources. It offers unique programs like Kid Lit Kits, 1000 books for Kindergarten, and countless community events. From indoor playtime for the littles to adult yoga for mom and dad, the county’s library system has many ways to get involved.
Another way to stay connected to your community is by subscribing to the area’s local newspaper, the Stoughton Courier Hub. They cover breaking news, upcoming events, events and local happenings, and more.
Explore more to do with this Stoughton map!
Is Stoughton a good place to live? Yes, it’s one of the best places to live in the region! Ready to call this unique spot home? For your free estimate, call our Stoughton movers at Dairyland Moving & Storage at (608) 856-6683.
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