Living in Stoughton WI offers residents a mix of small-town charm, cultural heritage, and modern convenience. Situated along the scenic Yahara River, the city has a historic downtown that's walkable, filled with local shops, restaurants, community events, and cultural landmarks such as the Stoughton Opera House, which has a rich history and first opened its doors in 1901. Stoughton is a safe, affordable place to live, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a strong Norwegian heritage.
For outdoor lovers, living in Stoughton WI has an abundance of opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation with many parks and trails to explore, as well as nearby Lake Kegonsa. Stoughton claims to be the birthplace of the "coffee break" and hosts the annual Stoughton Coffee Break Festival every summer to celebrate it.
Where Is Stoughton, WI?
Stoughton is a city in Dane County, Wisconsin, situated along the Yahara River. Stoughton is about 20 miles southeast of Madison and is part of the Madison metropolitan area.
Map of Stoughton, WI
Find out more about living in Stoughton WI with this map:
Stoughton WI Population and Demographics
The Stoughton population is 13,173. Stoughton is known for its rich Norwegian heritage. In the mid-to-late 1800s, large numbers of Norwegian immigrants settled in the area as farmers and continued living in Stoughton WI. They brought with them their language, customs, and traditions, many of which still influence Stoughton’s culture today.
Syttende Mai, or the annual Norwegian Constitution Day festival, features parades, folk dancing, traditional foods like lefse and lutefisk, and Scandinavian music. Stoughton’s Norwegian-style architecture, folk costumes, and local businesses reflect the ongoing Norwegian influence in Stoughton.
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stoughton Wisconsin:
- White alone, 92.9%
- Black or African American alone, 0.9%
- American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.2%
- Asian alone, 0.4%
- Two or more races, 3.8%
- Hispanic or Latino, 1.5%
Here's an overview of Stoughton's demographics:
- Population density: 2,179.49 per square mile
- Median age group: 41.3
- Sex ratio: 49.4% Males, 50.6% Females
- Median income: $78,517
- Educational attainment: 94.6% high school degree or higher, 40.4% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 2.8%
- Veteran population: 572
The safety of its residents and the whole family is very important to the people living in Stoughton WI, and the Stoughton Police Department, and its 29 sworn officers, partners with the community to prevent crime through respectful, inclusive practices that value every individual in the community. They are committed to serving with courage, fostering strong partnerships, and upholding the highest standards of integrity.
Stoughton is a very safe place to live. The crime rate is 39% lower than the national average. In Stoughton, there are an estimated 1,388 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime is 65% below the national average. The estimated number of violent crimes per 100,000 people is 126.
Stoughton WI Cost of Living
The cost of living in Stoughton WI is 8% higher than the national average. The biggest contributor to the cost of living in Stoughton WI is housing, as housing costs are 14% higher than the national average. The median home value in Stoughton is $382,500, and the average cost per square foot of the Stoughton WI homes currently for sale is $236. Take a look at the many current homes for sale Stoughton WI offers. Stoughton WI real estate can be competitive!
If you are looking to rent in the city of Stoughton, rental costs are about $1,443 per month for 790-square-foot Stoughton WI apartments, according to RentCafe. By comparison, Madison residents pay around $1,786 per month in rent. You can find apartments and homes for rent in Stoughton WI on RentCafe.
Typical Stoughton Living Expenses
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.45
- Dozen eggs: $4.04
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.03
- Average Stoughton monthly utility bill: $222.24
Source: Numbeo, Madison
The Best Neighborhoods in Stoughton
Living in Stoughton WI offers residents a wide selection of home styles, from Victorian homes, built at the end of the 1800s through the early 1900s, to newer properties built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. You can also find new construction options in downtown Stoughton. Here are some of the great neighborhoods in Stoughton:
A new construction neighborhood offering a range of 3 and 4-bedroom, single-family homes. On-site amenities for those living in Stoughton WI include a park, playground, and green space. A variety of eateries and shops are nearby, and more have been established in the past year.
Close to Main Street, this features homes from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s, including Queen Anne, Italianate, Craftsman, and Victorian-style homes, with tree-lined streets. Close to downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Newly built single-family and duplex-style homes. Neighborhood amenities include a central park with walking trails, a pavilion, a playground, a soccer field, and a splash pad. Walk to downtown for easy access to local shops and dining. Schools are minutes away.
Stoughton WI Weather & Climate
Stoughton has a humid continental climate that brings cold winters and warm summers. During the winter months, low temperatures average a chilly 10-20°F, and highs get up to around 30-45°F. Those living in Stoughton WI will need winter clothing. In summer, the weather Stoughton WI sees is average temperatures ranging from a low of about 50-70°F to highs of around 70-90°F.
Stoughton gets about 36 inches per year. The national average is 38 inches. The national average snowfall is 28 inches per year, but Stoughton gets around 41 inches. On average, there are 182 sunny days per year in Stoughton, making it great for outdoor activities and beautiful scenic views. The best time of year to visit those living in Stoughton WI is mid-June to early September.
Things to Do in Stoughton WI
Looking for things to do while living in Stoughton WI? Stoughton offers fun and entertaining activities, places to visit, and entertainment options for all ages. In addition, check out Kegonsa Plaza Shops, Nordic Nook, and the Wish Upon Boutique for shopping opportunities. For daily goods, check out the Walmart Stoughton WI location. Here are some top attractions near Stoughton:
Lake Kegonsa State Park covers 342 acres along 3,200-acre Lake Kegonsa. The park features a swimming beach, picnic areas with reservable shelters, a boat launch, and a campground. Fishing in the lake and hiking along the trails through oak woodlands, prairies, and wetlands are popular activities.
2405 Door Creek Rd, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-9695
The historic Stoughton Opera House, with a 124-year history in Stoughton, hosts a wide range of musical and theatrical performances throughout the year, including rock, folk, and classical concerts, plays, comedy shows, and more.
81 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 877-4400
Livsreise means “Life’s Journey”, and the Livreise Norwegian Heritage Center tells the story of the voyage from Norway in the 1800s and highlights the beautiful and historic sights, as well as the ongoing preservation of cultural traditions in America. The center features interactive displays, historical artifacts, and immersive storytelling that bring the immigrant experience to life. Explore your Norwegian ancestry with the genealogy research tools.
277 W Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 873-7567
Additional Attractions Near Stoughton, WI
Looking for more to do while living in Stoughton WI? Stoughton is home to 20 parks that offer an array of amenities and activities. Nordic Ridge Park has a playground, picnic tables, and a splash pad. Viking County Park spans 77 acres along the Yahara River and offers fishing, hiking, biking, and a 15-acre off-leash dog park with two dog swimming beaches.
East Side Park has play equipment, baseball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, horseshoes, and more. Other Stoughton parks include basketball courts, softball and soccer fields, a skate park, a bike park, a disc golf course, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
Restaurants Stoughton WI
Stoughton offers a variety of eateries and dining options. You can find everything from classic burgers to Mediterranean and Mexican fare. Stoughton’s restaurants cater to a variety of tastes. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Stoughton:
Viking Brew Pub is a fun, historic Viking-themed restaurant and bar that offers American fare, such as burgers, pulled pork, sandwiches, tacos, and wings. They have plenty of beers on tap, a large indoor/outdoor patio, and host a variety of fun events throughout the year.
211 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 719-5041
La Cantina is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving excellent food and refreshing cocktails. They offer indoor and outdoor seating on sunny days. Menu highlights include Nachos Al Carbon, Lemon Lime Enchiladas, and Chicken Fajitas.
620 Nygaard St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 400-1266
For authentic Mediterranean cuisine in Stoughton, Ben’s is the place to go. Each meal is crafted to perfection and brings you a taste of the Mediterranean. From sizzling souvlakis to creamy hummus and vibrant Greek salads, Ben’s dishes feature fresh, authentic flavors.
210 S Water St, Stoughton, WI 53589, (608) 982-3726
Jobs in Stoughton WI
Young professionals love living in Stoughton WI. The major industries in Stoughton include healthcare, retail trade, and construction. Stoughton’s proximity to Madison offers many additional employment possibilities. One of the major employers near Stoughton is Stoughton Trailers, the fifth largest manufacturer of semi-trailer equipment in North America and the ninth largest in the world. The company employs approximately 1,500 people and is a significant employer in Dane County.
Other top employers in Stoughton include Nelson Global Products, Cummins Filtration, Epic Systems, and UW Health. If you’re looking for a job in Stoughton, take a look at job openings on Indeed, the City of Stoughton Employment opportunities, and the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce.
Schools in Stoughton WI
Stoughton is served by the Stoughton Area School District (SASD), which consists of Fox Prairie Elementary, Kegonsa Elementary, Sandhill Elementary, River Bluff Middle, and Stoughton High School. SASD is an award-winning district known for its high-quality educational programs, dedicated staff, and engaged students. Serving nearly 3,000 students, which includes virtual learning options and a 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) program, SASD collaborates closely with parents and the community.
SASD students excel as scholars, athletes, musicians, and innovators, earning numerous accolades such as multiple WIAA Awards of Excellence, Spirit of Excellence awards, and National Merit Scholar semifinalists. SASD boasts one of the highest graduation rates in Dane County at 98% by fostering a culture of learning and inclusion.
If you’re interested in private schools for your children, some of the best private schools near Stoughton include St. Ann School, Abundant Life Christian School, and Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin.
For post-secondary education options, some of the best colleges and universities near Stoughton include Herzing University Madison, the University of Wisconsin, Madison Area Technical College, and Maranatha Baptist University.
The Stoughton Public Library is a great place to spend a day while living in Stoughton WI. You can find an excellent selection of books, music, DVDs, and more. Check out the calendar of events for upcoming programs and events for children, teens, and adults.
Stoughton WI Statistics & Information
- Stoughton county: Dane County
- Stoughton area: 6.35 square miles
- Stoughton WI zip code: 53589
- Stoughton area codes: 608
- Stoughton elevation: 876 feet
- Stoughton time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and-6)
- Closest airport to Stoughton: Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), 21 miles away
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