The median household income for the area was $54,128 in 2005, which is a bit below the Ontario average of $60,455. The area has three major newspapers to help keep you up to date as to what is going on in the world and around town, the Beacon Herald, The Stratford City Gazette and the Stratford Citizen.
 

Major employers in the area are manufacturing and construction industries followed by wholesale and retail trade and health and education. Business services, the finance and real estate industries are areas of employment with the least amount of employees. The major products manufactured here are motor vehicle parts, metal goods, plastic goods, clothing, furniture, and printed materials. 

 

Stratford is known as an area with a lifestyle few other communities can compete with in Ontario or anywhere for that matter. Buying a home here can be one of the best investments you can make. It is also fast becoming an area that people are retiring to and buying vacation property in. 

 

Average single-family home prices range from a few high-end properties of over $900,000. The average price is about $550,000 for a 2,000 square foot home to the lower end of homes below $180,000. Of course, location will vary prices as will proximity to shopping, schools, transportation etc. There are some condominiums available, mostly in the downtown area that average about $350,000 for a two-bedroom unit. There are many rental apartments available in buildings that range in price from about $575 for a one bedroom to around $900 a month for a three bedroom.