With a composite score of 60.1, Lower Connecticut River Valley significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects multiple livability factors working in the region's favor.
2 / 5
Highest-scoring region in Connecticut
Lower Connecticut River Valley leads all eight Connecticut planning regions with a score of 60.1, well above the state average of 56.9. The region represents the best overall livability in the state across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Health, income, and tax efficiency excel
The region boasts an exceptional health score of 92.4, the highest among Connecticut regions, plus strong income levels (median $101,117) and the lowest effective tax rate in the state at 1.762%. This combination creates an environment where residents enjoy excellent healthcare, solid earning power, and tax efficiency.
4 / 5
Housing costs represent the main concern
The cost score of 55.0 and median home value of $359,000 suggest housing remains the area's primary affordability challenge. While manageable compared to other Connecticut regions, housing prices could strain middle-income families.
5 / 5
Ideal for affluent families valuing health
Lower Connecticut River Valley is Connecticut's premier choice for professionals and families who prioritize excellent healthcare, strong incomes, and tax advantages. It suits those with solid financial footing who want the best possible health outcomes and tax efficiency.
About Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut
River Valley ranks well above national average
With a composite score of 60.1, Lower Connecticut River Valley significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects multiple livability factors working in the region's favor.
Highest-scoring region in Connecticut
Lower Connecticut River Valley leads all eight Connecticut planning regions with a score of 60.1, well above the state average of 56.9. The region represents the best overall livability in the state across measured dimensions.
Health, income, and tax efficiency excel
The region boasts an exceptional health score of 92.4, the highest among Connecticut regions, plus strong income levels (median $101,117) and the lowest effective tax rate in the state at 1.762%. This combination creates an environment where residents enjoy excellent healthcare, solid earning power, and tax efficiency.
Housing costs represent the main concern
The cost score of 55.0 and median home value of $359,000 suggest housing remains the area's primary affordability challenge. While manageable compared to other Connecticut regions, housing prices could strain middle-income families.
Ideal for affluent families valuing health
Lower Connecticut River Valley is Connecticut's premier choice for professionals and families who prioritize excellent healthcare, strong incomes, and tax advantages. It suits those with solid financial footing who want the best possible health outcomes and tax efficiency.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛52.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.762%, the Lower Connecticut River Valley's effective tax rate sits slightly above the national median of 1.6%, placing it in the middle 40% of U.S. counties. Its median property tax of $6,326 is more than double the national median, but driven heavily by premium home values of $359,000.
Below-average Connecticut rates
The River Valley's 1.762% rate falls 5% below Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, making it one of the more affordable regions. The median tax of $6,326 closely mirrors the state average of $6,465, offering relative relief on higher-valued properties.
A tax bargain in the region
The River Valley's 1.762% rate substantially undercuts Capitol (2.143%) and Greater Bridgeport (2.154%), and beats South Central Connecticut (2.034%). Homeowners here pay roughly $1,000 less annually than those in Capitol on comparable properties.
High values, moderate rate
A median home valued at $359,000 carries an estimated annual tax of just $6,326. Mortgage holders pay slightly more at $6,437, while those without mortgages pay $6,121—a favorable outcome for such high-value property.
Even moderate taxes deserve review
Connecticut's assessment process occasionally inflates values, even in lower-rate areas like the River Valley. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could uncover assessment errors worth hundreds annually.
The Lower Connecticut River Valley boasts the state's best rent-to-income ratio at just 16.6%, comfortably below the national affordability threshold and well ahead of the national median household income context. With median income of $101,117—the highest across all eight regions—this area offers genuine financial breathing room for renters and homeowners alike.
Connecticut's most affordable housing market
River Valley's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest statewide, beating Connecticut's 18.1% average by 1.5 percentage points. This combination of high income and moderate rents makes it the state's clear affordability leader.
Value leader in eastern Connecticut
At $1,399 per month, River Valley rents match the state average exactly, yet its $101,117 median income substantially exceeds surrounding regions like Southeastern ($84,185) and Northeastern ($87,564). This income-to-cost advantage makes River Valley the clear winner for affordability among eastern and central regions.
Strong income shields housing burden
A River Valley household earning $101,117 allocates just $16,788 annually to rent (16.6%) or $21,900 to mortgage costs on a median home valued at $359,000. The region's high incomes mean housing costs consume less of the typical household budget than anywhere else in Connecticut.
Prime relocation target for value seekers
If affordable Connecticut living is your goal, River Valley delivers: highest median income combined with near-average rents creates the state's most favorable housing affordability profile. Move here and you'll spend measurably less on housing than peers in costlier regions like Greater Bridgeport or South Central.
The Lower Connecticut River Valley's median household income of $101,117 towers 35% above the national median of $74,755. This is the highest-earning planning region in Connecticut and ranks among the nation's most prosperous areas.
Connecticut's top-earning planning region
The Lower Connecticut River Valley's $101,117 median exceeds the state average of $93,307 by 8.4%, making it the clear income leader across all Connecticut planning regions. This region consistently outperforms peer areas throughout the state.
Significantly outearns neighboring regions
At $101,117, the River Valley earns substantially more than even the Capitol Planning Region ($91,541). The region's income premium reflects its concentration of professional services, manufacturing, and educated workforce.
Comfortable housing affordability
The region's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is among Connecticut's best, well below affordability concerns. With median home values at $359,000 and strong incomes, homeownership remains achievable for most households.
Leverage superior earnings for growth
Top regional incomes create unique wealth-building opportunities unavailable in lower-earning areas. Households should consider aggressive retirement savings, investment diversification, and long-term wealth strategies to capitalize on their income advantage.
Lower Connecticut River Valley reports the state's best health outcomes with just 12.2% of residents in poor or fair health. This low rate suggests strong preventive care practices and healthier lifestyle patterns across the region.
Best Insurance Coverage in Connecticut
Lower Connecticut River Valley's 4.3% uninsured rate is the lowest in the state, beating Connecticut's 6.0% average by nearly 40%. This means 95.7% of residents have active health coverage.
Outperforming All Connecticut Regions
Lower Connecticut River Valley leads Connecticut with both the best health outcomes (12.2% poor/fair) and lowest uninsured rate (4.3%). No other planning region matches this combination of strong health status and robust insurance coverage.
Solid Mental Health Provider Access
The region maintains 519 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering solid access to counseling and behavioral health services. This provider network supports residents managing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Maintain Your Strong Coverage
Lower Connecticut River Valley's residents are well-insured, but staying covered requires regular updates to your plan. Review your coverage options annually at healthcare.gov to ensure you maintain the best plan for your family's needs.
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region scores 83.84 on the composite risk scale—notably below Connecticut's average of 87.62 and in the relatively moderate category. This lower profile reflects a more balanced hazard environment compared to coastal and urban planning regions.
Lowest-risk planning region in the state
Lower Connecticut River Valley ranks eighth (lowest) among Connecticut's eight planning regions by disaster risk. Its 83.84 score represents the most favorable overall risk profile in the state, though localized flood hazards along river corridors remain significant.
Safest option among coastal regions
Lower Connecticut River Valley's 83.84 score outperforms nearly all neighboring planning regions, trailing only Northwest Hills (79.61) and Northeastern Connecticut (62.75). Among coastal and mixed-geography areas, it offers the most balanced risk profile.
Riverine flooding is your primary concern
Flood risk (90.33) is the dominant hazard, though notably lower than in more coastal regions, reflecting the importance of river management and floodplain awareness. Hurricane (87.69) and wildfire (43.64) risks are moderate, while tornado and earthquake threats remain secondary.
River valley properties need flood insurance
Properties near the Connecticut River or flood-prone tributaries must secure flood insurance, as it isn't covered by standard homeowners policies—your 90.33 flood risk score makes this essential. For properties on higher ground away from waterways, your relatively moderate overall risk allows for a more flexible insurance strategy.