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Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

CT

#7 in Connecticut

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
31
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.6Health 83.8Lawn Care 66.4

County Report Card

About Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

Capitol Region trails national average

With a composite score of 30.9, Capitol Region ranks in the 31st percentile nationally, well below the national median of 50.0. This places the region among the bottom third of U.S. counties on overall livability, signaling significant room for improvement across multiple dimensions.

Below average even for Connecticut

Capitol Region scores 30.9 against Connecticut's state average of 38.3, ranking it among the weaker-performing planning regions in the state. The gap suggests that while Connecticut overall has challenges, this region faces particular headwinds in livability metrics.

Strong incomes and solid health care

Capitol Region's true asset is a median household income of $91,541, yielding an income score of 92.6—among the highest in the state. Health outcomes also stand out with a score of 83.8, reflecting relatively good access to medical services and wellness infrastructure.

Tax burden and housing costs strain residents

Tax and risk scores of just 2.2 and 2.6 indicate serious challenges: an effective tax rate of 2.143% and a median home value of $298,200 eat into household budgets. Safety concerns (24.0) and housing affordability (7.2) also lag, making it harder for middle-income families to feel secure and stable.

Best for high-earners tolerating taxes

Capitol Region suits affluent professionals and established families who prioritize strong incomes and health services over tax relief or affordable housing. If you earn well and can absorb a 2%+ tax burden, this region's good healthcare and job market may justify staying despite elevated costs.

204060801002.27.22483.892.62.650.5Tax2.2Cost7.2Safety24Health83.8Schools—Income92.6Risk2.6Water—Weather50.531/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Capitol Planning Region DNA

Foverall

How Capitol Planning Region compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Capitol Planning Region is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (92.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.2-49.8
Cost
7.2-40.8
Safety
24-31
Health
83.8+33.8
Income
92.6+41.599999999999994
Risk
2.6-44.4
Weather
50.5
Sponsored

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$298,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,351/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$298,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$54,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $91,541/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

Hampden County
Massachusetts
32.8
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
42.2
Northwest Hills Planning Region
Connecticut
48.8
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
32.9
South Central Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
28.2
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
53.5
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
41.6
Hampshire County
Massachusetts
49.4

Deep Dives

Capitol Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Capitol Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Capitol taxes rank high nationally

At 2.143%, Capitol's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.6%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here reaches $6,390—more than double the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher home values and steeper rates.

Middle-ranked within Connecticut

Capitol's 2.143% rate runs 15% higher than Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, ranking it among the more expensive regions. The median tax of $6,390 slightly undercuts the state average of $6,465, revealing how regional rate differences offset similar home values.

Higher than most nearby regions

Capitol's 2.143% rate exceeds the Lower Connecticut River Valley (1.762%) and Northeastern Connecticut (1.543%), though it trails Greater Bridgeport (2.154%). Homeowners here pay roughly $1,000 more annually than those in Northeastern Connecticut on comparable-value homes.

Median home, median tax

A home valued at $298,200 in Capitol carries an estimated annual tax of $6,390. Mortgage-paying homeowners face slightly higher bills at $6,436 due to collection mechanisms, while those who own outright pay $6,303.

You might be overassessed

Connecticut homeowners frequently discover their properties are assessed above market value. Appealing your assessment could reduce your annual tax burden—a worthwhile step if your home's true value has declined or been inflated during valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Capitol Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Capitol Region beats national affordability

Renters in the Capitol Planning Region spend just 17.7% of income on rent, well below the national threshold where housing becomes unaffordable (typically 30%). This region's median household income of $91,541 significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755, making housing more attainable here than in most of the country.

Among Connecticut's most affordable areas

The Capitol Region's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the middle-to-better tier statewide, beating the Connecticut average of 18.1%. At $1,351 per month for median rent, it's actually $58 cheaper than the state average, offering genuine relief for renters across income levels.

Competitive rents in central Connecticut

Capitol Region rents of $1,351/month sit between its neighbors: the Naugatuck Valley to the west rents for $1,288, while the South Central region to the south commands $1,463. This positioning makes the Capitol Region a moderate-cost option in the state's central corridor.

Housing takes manageable income share

The typical Capitol Region household earning $91,541 annually allocates about $16,213 per year to rent (17.7%) or $21,420 to mortgage costs on a median home valued at $298,200. Together, these figures show housing is neither squeezing nor dominating local household budgets.

Stability with reasonable housing costs

If you're relocating to Connecticut, the Capitol Region offers solid value: above-average incomes paired with below-average rents create breathing room in your budget. Compare this region's 17.7% rent ratio against pricier neighbors like South Central (20.4%) to see your potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Capitol Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Capitol Region outpaces nation on income

Households in the Capitol Planning Region earn a median of $91,541 annually—22% above the U.S. median of $74,755. This income advantage places the region well above typical American households and reflects the economic strength of Connecticut's central corridor.

Middle of the pack statewide

The Capitol Planning Region's median household income trails Connecticut's state average of $93,307 by just 1.9%. Among the state's planning regions, this places the area in a competitive position, neither leading nor lagging significantly.

Comparing incomes across Connecticut regions

The Capitol Region's $91,541 median sits between Lower Connecticut River Valley ($101,117 at the top) and South Central Connecticut ($86,266). This makes it a moderate-income hub within the state's diverse economic landscape.

Rent consumes a manageable share

At 17.7%, the region's rent-to-income ratio falls below the national warning threshold of 30%, suggesting housing affordability is stable. Median home values of $298,200 align reasonably with income levels, making homeownership viable for many households.

Build on your above-average earnings

With income 22% above the national average, Capitol Region households have real opportunity to invest beyond housing. Consider directing surplus earnings into retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, or emergency savings to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Capitol Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

Capitol Region remains safer than national average

The Capitol Planning Region reports a total crime rate of 1,915.0 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the region a safety score of 97.0 out of 100. While the local rate is moderate, residents enjoy higher overall safety than many urban centers across the country.

Slightly behind Connecticut's high safety standards

While safe by national standards, the region's 97.0 safety score is slightly lower than the Connecticut state average of 98.0. The total crime rate of 1,915.0 also exceeds the statewide average of 1,277.0 per 100,000. This indicates that while the region is secure, it faces more frequent incidents than neighboring rural planning areas.

A middle ground among Connecticut regions

The Capitol Planning Region is safer than South Central Connecticut, which sees a higher crime rate of 2,576.1 per 100,000. However, it trails the Northeastern region's exceptionally low rate of 127.5. It functions as a mid-tier safety zone within the state's diverse planning regions.

Property crime drives local incident reports

Violent crime remains low at 164.1 per 100,000, which is less than half the national rate of 369.8. The vast majority of reported incidents involve property crime, which accounts for 1,750.9 of the total 1,915.0 crimes. For most residents, the primary safety concern is the protection of personal belongings rather than physical threats.

Securing your property in the Capitol Region

Since property crime makes up the bulk of local reports, home security is a smart investment. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras provide significant peace of mind. Staying informed through the 29 reporting agencies in the region helps residents monitor local safety trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Disaster Risk in Capitol Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Capitol Region faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 97.36, Capitol Planning Region ranks in the relatively high category—significantly above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This places the region among more vulnerable areas when considering all natural hazards combined, from flooding to earthquakes.

Second-highest risk county in Connecticut

Capitol Planning Region is the second-most at-risk planning region in the state, trailing only South Central Connecticut's score of 95.13. Among Connecticut's eight planning regions, Capitol's 97.36 score reflects concentrated exposure to multiple hazard types.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Capitol Planning Region's risk score substantially exceeds its neighbors: Naugatuck Valley (93.19), Southeastern Connecticut (88.64), and Northwest Hills (79.61). Only South Central Connecticut, its southwestern neighbor, faces comparable or higher overall disaster risk.

Flooding and earthquakes lead your hazards

Flood risk dominates at 99.05—nearly maximal—making heavy precipitation events and riverine overflow acute concerns for residents and infrastructure. Earthquake risk (93.48) and tornado risk (90.46) also run substantially above state average, creating a multi-hazard landscape that requires year-round preparation.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance excludes both flood and earthquake damage, yet Capitol Planning Region faces critical exposure to both. Review your policy today and secure separate flood insurance—especially vital given the region's 99.05 flood risk score—and consider earthquake coverage for peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Capitol Planning Region

via WaterByCounty

Regional Drinking Water Compliance Data Unavailable

Federal records currently show no health violation data for this region's drinking water systems over the last five years. Without a standard violation rate, comparing local performance to the state average remains difficult for residents. You should check with your local water provider for the most recent Consumer Confidence Report.

Two-Thirds of Local Water Bodies Face Impairment

During the 2022 reporting cycle, 66.7% of assessed water bodies in the region failed to meet Clean Water Act standards. This rate is higher than the Connecticut state average of 60.0%. The primary causes for failure include E. Coli contamination and modifications to the natural flow regime.

Limited Monitoring Records in Federal Portals

No water-quality monitoring records are currently available for this area in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This lack of data prevents a clear assessment of chemical or physical trends across the region's watersheds. Increased local sampling would help establish a baseline for environmental health.

Connecticut River Flows Below Seasonal Typical

The primary gauge at Thompsonville shows a current discharge of 13,700 cfs, which is 79% of its long-term mean. This lower volume reflects a period of reduced runoff compared to historical averages for the Connecticut River. Hydrologists monitor these levels to manage regional water supply and habitat health.

Monitor Bacteria and Manage Water Use

With high E. Coli impairments, residents should avoid swimming in or drinking from unmonitored surface waters. The current streamflow at 79% of typical suggests a need for awareness regarding water conservation during this drier-than-usual period. Homeowners on private wells should consider regular bacteria testing given the regional impairment profile.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Lawn Care in Capitol Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn in Capitol Region

The Capitol Region earns a lawn difficulty score of 66.4, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. While it trails the Connecticut state average of 71.1, the local environment generally supports healthy turf with moderate effort. Local hardiness data is limited, so checking local microclimates remains essential for success.

Ample Rain Meets Above Average Heat

Annual precipitation of 48.8 inches sits perfectly within the ideal lawn range, reducing the need for intensive irrigation. However, the region faces 16 extreme heat days per year, which is nearly double the state average of 9 days. This extra heat requires more vigilant summer monitoring to prevent grass from entering early dormancy.

Check Your Soil Health First

While specific regional soil data is unavailable, Connecticut lawns typically require periodic testing for pH and nutrient levels. Most local turf thrives when the pH is maintained between 6.0 and 7.0 to maximize nutrient uptake. Without local survey data, homeowners should prioritize a professional soil test before the spring growing season.

Staying Green During Dry Spells

The region spent 13 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 100.0% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to encourage deep root growth. This strategy helps lawns survive periods where natural rainfall falls short of the 48.8-inch annual average.

Pick the Right Grass Mix

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are the best fit for this climate's 72.6°F July average. Aim to seed in late summer or early fall when soil temperatures are warm but the air is beginning to cool. This timing gives young roots the best chance to establish before the January lows of 24.9°F arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capitol Planning Region's county score?
Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 31 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Capitol Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
Capitol Planning Region ranks #7 among all counties in Connecticut on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in Capitol Planning Region is $6,390, with an effective tax rate of 2.14%. This earns Capitol Planning Region a tax score of 2.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Capitol Planning Region?
The median household income in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut is $91,541 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Capitol Planning Region earns an income score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
Capitol Planning Region scores 31/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate Capitol Planning Region is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Capitol Planning Region with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.