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Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

CT

#8 in Connecticut

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
28.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.2Lawn Care 69.4Health 64.3

County Report Card

About Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut

Greater Bridgeport near bottom nationally

At 28.4, Greater Bridgeport's composite score places it in the 28th percentile nationally—nearly 22 points below the U.S. median of 50.0. This is among the weakest livability scores in the nation, driven by multiple pressing challenges.

Worst-performing region in Connecticut

Greater Bridgeport's 28.4 score is the lowest among all Connecticut planning regions, falling 9.9 points below the state average of 38.3. It faces unique headwinds that distinguish it even within a state struggling with affordability and taxes.

Incomes offer a foundation for growth

With a median household income of $87,135 and an income score of 90.2, Greater Bridgeport residents earn competitively. This income base represents the region's primary strength and provides a starting point for addressing other livability challenges.

Safety, health, and housing costs collide

Safety (29.4), health (64.3), and risk (8.2) scores all lag badly, while housing costs are steep—median rent of $1,482/month and home values of $397,000—for an area with lower health outcomes. The combination creates a difficult environment for families seeking safe, healthy, and affordable neighborhoods.

Not recommended without strong local ties

Greater Bridgeport is best suited only for those with deep community roots or specific job anchors who can tolerate safety concerns and high housing costs. For most families considering a move, the weak scores across health, safety, and affordability make other Connecticut regions far more attractive.

204060801002.14.329.464.390.28.259.7Tax2.1Cost4.3Safety29.4Health64.3Schools—Income90.2Risk8.2Water—Weather59.728.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region DNA

Foverall

How Greater Bridgeport Planning Region compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (90.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.1-49.9
Cost
4.3-43.7
Safety
29.4-25.6
Health
64.3+14.299999999999997
Income
90.2+39.2
Risk
8.2-38.8
Weather
59.7
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Think property taxes are too high in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region?

Many homeowners in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$397,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,482/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$397,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$59,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,135/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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Compare Greater Bridgeport Planning Region with South Central Connecticut Planning Region →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Western Connecticut Planning Region
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38.3
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
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South Central Connecticut Planning Region
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28.2
Westchester County
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45.6
Putnam County
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Suffolk County
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Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
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Nassau County
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Deep Dives

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Greater Bridgeport leads state in taxes

At 2.154%, Greater Bridgeport has Connecticut's highest effective tax rate and ranks in the nation's top 20% by burden. The median property tax of $8,550 towers above the national median of $2,690, reflecting both premium home values ($397,000) and aggressive local rates.

Steepest rates in Connecticut

Greater Bridgeport's 2.154% rate edges out all other Connecticut regions, surpassing the state average of 1.855% by 16%. Its median tax of $8,550 exceeds the state average by $2,085—the highest in the state—making it a notably expensive place to own property.

Clearly outpaces regional peers

Greater Bridgeport's 2.154% rate substantially exceeds South Central Connecticut (2.034%) and Capitol (2.143%), and nearly doubles Southeastern Connecticut's 1.751%. Owners here pay roughly $3,400 annually more than those in Southeastern Connecticut despite similar home values.

Premium homes, premium taxes

A median-valued home of $397,000 generates an annual tax bill of $8,550 in Greater Bridgeport. With a mortgage, expect $8,712; without, you'll pay $8,199—among the highest annual property taxes in the entire region.

Assessment appeals pay off here

Given Greater Bridgeport's high tax bills, even small assessment reductions yield substantial savings. Many homeowners overlook the appeal process, leaving hundreds or thousands of dollars annually on the table.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Bridgeport region strains under housing costs

Greater Bridgeport's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds the national affordability ceiling, meaning renters here dedicate significantly more of their paychecks to housing than the sustainable 30% threshold allows. With median income at $87,135—still above the national median of $74,755—the region still faces tighter constraints than most U.S. markets.

Among Connecticut's least affordable counties

Greater Bridgeport ranks among the state's most expensive regions for renters, with a 20.4% rent-to-income ratio well above Connecticut's 18.1% average. At $1,482 per month, median rent here is $73 higher than the statewide average, reflecting regional cost pressures.

Priciest option in southwest Connecticut

Greater Bridgeport's $1,482 monthly rent tops both its western neighbor (Naugatuck Valley at $1,288) and its southern neighbor (South Central at $1,463 is nearly identical). This region commands premium prices within its subregion.

Housing gobbles larger income share

A Greater Bridgeport household earning $87,135 spends approximately $17,812 annually on rent (20.4%) or $25,896 on mortgage costs for a median home valued at $397,000—the highest home price among all eight regions. Housing consumes a noticeably larger slice of the budget here than state averages.

Premium housing market for relocators

Greater Bridgeport appeals to higher-earning professionals willing to pay for proximity and urban amenities, but budget-conscious movers should compare it against neighboring regions like Naugatuck Valley or Northeastern Connecticut for significantly lower costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Greater Bridgeport substantially exceeds U.S. income

The Greater Bridgeport Planning Region's median household income of $87,135 runs 16.5% above the national median of $74,755. Despite economic challenges facing some urban areas, this region maintains strong household earning power.

Below Connecticut average but still solid

Greater Bridgeport's median household income trails the state average of $93,307 by about 6.6%. This places the region in the lower-middle tier of Connecticut's planning areas, though still above most U.S. counties.

Competitive with regional peers

At $87,135, Greater Bridgeport's income sits between South Central Connecticut ($86,266) and Naugatuck Valley ($86,365). The region performs comparably to nearby planning areas facing similar economic conditions.

Housing costs demand careful budgeting

The region's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold, signaling tighter housing costs relative to income. Median home values of $397,000 are the highest in the state, requiring significant income commitment for homeowners.

Maximize earnings with smart planning

With higher housing costs eating into household budgets, strategic financial planning becomes essential. Explore employer retirement benefits, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and side income opportunities to build wealth despite housing pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

Greater Bridgeport outperforms national safety marks

Greater Bridgeport maintains a safety score of 97.3, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,688.5 per 100,000 people. This is substantially better than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5. The region offers a more secure environment for residents compared to many similarly sized metropolitan areas nationwide.

Trailing the Connecticut statewide average

The region's safety score of 97.3 falls just below the Connecticut average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1,688.5 also sits above the state average of 1,277.0. While Greater Bridgeport is safe, it experiences higher incident frequencies than the more rural parts of the state.

Comparing safety to nearby planning regions

Greater Bridgeport is safer than South Central Connecticut, where the crime rate reaches 2,576.1 per 100,000. It also shows lower total crime than the Capitol Region's 1,915.0. Local law enforcement across 6 agencies works to maintain this relative edge over adjacent urban corridors.

Violent crime trends above the state average

The regional violent crime rate of 221.8 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 118.5, though still below the national 369.8. Property crime constitutes 1,466.7 of the total incidents recorded in 2022. This data suggests that while serious crimes occur, the majority of police activity involves theft or property damage.

Enhance your home's defensive perimeter

Strong locks and visible alarm systems are effective deterrents against the property crimes common in the region. Most incidents are crimes of opportunity that residents can mitigate with consistent security habits. Taking proactive steps ensures your home remains a safe sanctuary in the Greater Bridgeport area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Bridgeport region sits just above national norm

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region's composite risk score of 91.76 places it in the relatively moderate category, slightly above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This balanced profile reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types, with particular concentration in coastal and urban-related risks.

Middle-of-the-pack risk across Connecticut

Greater Bridgeport ranks fourth among Connecticut's eight planning regions by disaster risk, sitting between Naugatuck Valley (93.19) and Southeastern Connecticut (88.64). The region's moderate composite score masks significant variation in individual hazard types.

Comparable risk to coastal planning regions

Greater Bridgeport's 91.76 score closely mirrors Naugatuck Valley (93.19) and slightly exceeds South Central Connecticut (95.13) in some hazards but falls below it overall. As a coastal region, it shares similar hurricane and flood profiles with other Long Island Sound planning areas.

Hurricane and flood threats dominate the coast

Hurricane risk (95.08) and flood risk (94.80) are the primary concerns, reflecting the region's coastal and urban geography prone to coastal storms and flash flooding. Earthquake risk (86.42) adds a secondary but meaningful threat, while wildfire and tornado risks remain comparatively low.

Hurricane and flood insurance are essential

If you own property in Greater Bridgeport, flood insurance is not optional—it's critical given your 94.80 flood risk score and your region's hurricane exposure. Verify your homeowners policy covers wind damage from storms, and consider a separate flood policy to protect against the region's most probable hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via WaterByCounty

Limited Public Records for Drinking Water Compliance

Drinking water health violation data is not currently reported for this region in the federal SDWIS database. This lack of data makes it impossible to provide a regional grade or comparison against state performance. Residents are encouraged to review local utility reports to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Watershed Assessment Still Pending for This Region

The federal §303(d) assessment has not yet covered the water bodies within the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region. Because of this, there is no official impairment percentage to compare against the state's 60.0% average. These water bodies await future reporting cycles to determine their environmental health status.

No Recent Monitoring Data in Federal Database

The federal EPA Water Quality Portal currently contains no monitoring records or site data for this region from the past five years. Without these results, there is no centralized visibility into local water chemistry or physical conditions. Expanded monitoring efforts are necessary to track long-term watershed trends.

Mill River Experiencing Critically Low Flow

The Mill River near Fairfield is currently running at just 9 cfs, representing only 22% of its long-term mean. This significant drop indicates severe hydrologic stress compared to typical seasonal volumes. Low flows can impact aquatic habitats and concentrate pollutants within the remaining water.

Focus on Conservation Amid Low Streamflow

Because streamflow in the Mill River is at a critical 22% of typical levels, residents should prioritize water conservation to protect local supplies. Since watershed impairment data is not yet available, households using private wells should proactively test for common contaminants. Awareness of local water levels is essential for managing regional environmental health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Lawn Care in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Favor Healthy Lawns

Greater Bridgeport scores a 69.4 on the lawn difficulty index, nearly matching the state average of 71.1. This score indicates a favorable environment that is much easier to manage than the national median of 50.0. Gardeners here benefit from moderate coastal influences that stabilize growing conditions.

Consistent Rain Supports Turf Growth

The region receives 49.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is at the top end of the ideal range for grass health. With 13 extreme heat days annually, the region is warmer than the state average of 9 days but cooler than its northern neighbors. This balance allows for a robust mowing schedule throughout the mild summer months.

Building a Strong Soil Base

Detailed regional soil composition data is currently unavailable, making independent soil tests vital for local homeowners. To ensure your lawn thrives, aim for a balanced pH and well-draining substrate tailored to coastal Connecticut's unique landscape. Regular aeration can help manage compaction in areas where local data on texture is missing.

Managing Nine Weeks of Drought

Over the past year, the region faced 9 weeks of drought conditions, which is lower than many neighboring Connecticut counties. Currently, 100.0% of the area is classified as abnormally dry, suggesting a need for supplemental watering. Keeping grass taller during these dry spells helps shade the soil and preserve precious moisture.

Start Your Coastal Lawn Success

Fescues and perennial ryegrasses are excellent choices for the 51.6°F average annual temperature found here. Plan your major seeding projects for the fall to avoid the stress of the 13 annual extreme heat days. Healthy turf established now will easily withstand the region's 29.1°F January average.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greater Bridgeport Planning Region's county score?
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 28.4 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 Greater Bridgeport Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region ranks #8 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 Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region is $8,550, with an effective tax rate of 2.15%. This earns Greater Bridgeport Planning Region a tax score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region?
The median household income in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut is $87,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greater Bridgeport Planning Region earns an income score of 90.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region scores 28.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate Greater Bridgeport 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 Greater Bridgeport Planning Region with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.