Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

Connecticut · CT

#5 in Connecticut
55.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut

Naugatuck Valley exceeds the national median

Naugatuck Valley's composite score of 55.8 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by nearly six points, placing it comfortably in the top half of U.S. counties. The region offers above-average livability across its measured dimensions.

Right in line with Connecticut average

Naugatuck Valley scores 55.8, nearly matching Connecticut's state average of 56.9, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's planning regions. The region represents fairly typical conditions for Connecticut.

Most affordable housing in Connecticut

Naugatuck Valley boasts the highest cost score of 62.9 among Connecticut regions, with the lowest median gross rent ($1,288/month) and median home value of $290,800. Combined with a health score of 84.8, the region offers exceptional value for cost-conscious families.

Income and tax burdens lag behind leaders

The region's income score of 39.8 and tax score of 45.0 rank among Connecticut's lowest, with an effective tax rate of 2.038%. These factors suggest limited wage growth and higher tax obligations relative to top-performing regions.

Perfect for budget-conscious families

Naugatuck Valley is ideal for families prioritizing affordability and cost savings, particularly those buying their first home or stretching their budgets. It offers Connecticut's best housing values with solid health outcomes, though residents should expect moderate incomes and tax rates.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax45Cost58.5SafetyComing SoonHealth84.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.8Risk6.8WaterComing Soon
🏛45
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠58.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼39.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
84.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
6.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Naugatuck Valley Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Naugatuck Valley taxes run moderately high

At 2.038%, Naugatuck Valley's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.6%, landing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $5,926 is more than double the national median of $2,690, though below Connecticut's state average.

Slightly above Connecticut average

Naugatuck Valley's 2.038% rate edges above Connecticut's state average of 1.855% by roughly 10%, placing it in the mid-to-upper tier statewide. The median tax of $5,926 runs about $540 below the state average of $6,465, reflecting slightly lower home values relative to tax rates.

Mid-range among Connecticut regions

Naugatuck Valley's 2.038% rate falls between South Central Connecticut (2.034%) and Capitol (2.143%), and well above the River Valley (1.762%). Annual tax differences of $400–$900 emerge when comparing similar homes across these neighboring regions.

Moderate values, moderate taxes

A median home valued at $290,800 carries an estimated annual tax of $5,926. Homeowners with mortgages face $6,054, while those without pay $5,657—keeping the Valley relatively affordable within Connecticut.

Every dollar counts in appeals

Saving $500–$1,000 annually through a successful assessment appeal is realistic in Naugatuck Valley. The process is free and many homeowners never attempt it, leaving tax savings unclaimed.

Cost of Living in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Valley rents strain income slightly

Naugatuck Valley's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Connecticut's state average of 18.1% and remains well within affordability at the national level. With median income of $86,365—above the national median of $74,755—residents here enjoy relative stability, though less cushion than wealthier Connecticut regions.

Moderate affordability in state rankings

Naugatuck Valley ranks in Connecticut's middle tier for housing affordability, with a 17.9% rent-to-income ratio just shy of the state average. Its $1,288 median rent is the lowest among all eight regions, offering budget-conscious renters meaningful savings.

Cheapest rents in west-central region

At $1,288 per month, Naugatuck Valley undercuts the Greater Bridgeport region ($1,482) and Capitol Region ($1,351) by substantial margins—$194 and $63 monthly, respectively. This cost advantage makes it the most rent-friendly option in the west-central corridor.

Budget-friendly housing market

A Naugatuck Valley household earning $86,365 spends approximately $15,431 annually on rent (17.9%) or $20,772 on mortgage costs for a median home valued at $290,800. The lowest rents statewide, combined with moderate incomes, create genuine affordability for working families.

Best rent value in Connecticut

Relocating renters should seriously consider Naugatuck Valley: it offers the state's lowest median rent ($1,288) paired with reasonable incomes and a balanced housing-to-income ratio. Your monthly rent savings compared to nearby Bridgeport ($194) or Capitol Region ($63) add up to real money over a year.

Income & Jobs in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Valley income outpaces national levels

The Naugatuck Valley's median household income of $86,365 is 15.5% above the U.S. median of $74,755. The region maintains solid earning power despite economic restructuring over past decades.

Below state average but competitive

The Naugatuck Valley's median household income trails Connecticut's state average of $93,307 by 7.4%. The region ranks in the lower-middle tier among Connecticut's planning areas.

Comparable to similar regional economies

At $86,365, the Naugatuck Valley earns similarly to South Central Connecticut ($86,266) and Greater Bridgeport ($87,135). The region performs in line with Connecticut's more economically challenged planning areas.

Manageable housing costs

The region's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy and well below the 30% threshold for housing stress. Median home values of $290,800 are moderate, making homeownership accessible for many households.

Build savings despite modest incomes

With manageable housing costs, Naugatuck Valley households can prioritize financial goals beyond rent or mortgages. Focus on employer retirement plans, automatic savings transfers, and debt reduction to strengthen long-term financial security.

Health in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via HealthByCounty

Naugatuck Valley's Mixed Health Outlook

Naugatuck Valley reports a 15.8% poor/fair health rate, putting the region in line with many U.S. communities. While not alarming, this figure reflects consistent health challenges that warrant attention and investment.

Slightly Higher Uninsured Rate

Naugatuck Valley's 6.4% uninsured rate edges above Connecticut's 6.0% state average, affecting roughly one in 16 residents. This gap suggests room for improvement in insurance accessibility across the region.

Mid-Range Health Compared to State

Naugatuck Valley's 15.8% poor/fair health rate places it in the middle of Connecticut's regions—better than Greater Bridgeport (17.2%) but worse than Lower Connecticut River Valley (12.2%) and Northwest Hills (14.0%). Its uninsured rate of 6.4% is also moderate within the state.

Limited Mental Health Provider Access

Naugatuck Valley offers 371 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, one of the lowest rates in Connecticut. Residents seeking therapy or counseling may face longer wait times and travel distances for behavioral health care.

Check Your Coverage Options Today

With 6.4% of Naugatuck Valley residents uninsured, now's the time to review your coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local community health center to compare Medicaid eligibility, ACA plans, and employer benefits for your household.

Disaster Risk in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Naugatuck Valley faces above-average hazards

Naugatuck Valley Planning Region scores 93.19 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category but well above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This elevated score reflects consistent exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and hurricanes.

Third-highest risk in Connecticut

Naugatuck Valley ranks third among Connecticut's eight planning regions, behind only South Central Connecticut (95.13) and Capitol Planning Region (97.36). This position reflects concentrated multi-hazard exposure in a mixed urban and suburban landscape.

Higher risk than inland neighbors

Naugatuck Valley's 93.19 score substantially exceeds nearby Northwest Hills (79.61) and Greater Bridgeport (91.76), placing it among the state's higher-risk regions. Only Capitol Planning Region to the north poses comparable or greater overall disaster risk.

Flooding and hurricanes drive your exposure

Flood risk (96.34) and hurricane risk (95.12) are nearly equivalent and represent your region's primary hazards, reflecting valley geography and proximity to coastal storm systems. Tornado risk (73.06) adds a secondary but significant threat, particularly during spring and fall seasons.

Bundle flood and wind coverage immediately

With flood risk at 96.34 and hurricane risk at 95.12, flood insurance is non-negotiable and wind damage coverage must be verified in your homeowners policy. Consider additional protection for your property given Naugatuck Valley's third-place ranking for state risk—standard policies often leave dangerous gaps.

ByCounty Network

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