Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

CT

#6 in Connecticut
32.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.6Health 79Lawn Care 72.4

County Report Card

About Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut

Naugatuck Valley below national average

At 32.8, Naugatuck Valley ranks in the 33rd percentile nationally, falling 17.2 points below the U.S. median of 50.0. The region faces livability challenges comparable to many struggling counties across America.

Middling performance within Connecticut

Naugatuck Valley's score of 32.8 sits below Connecticut's 38.3 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's planning regions. While not the worst, it underperforms most of its neighbors.

Affordable housing and decent health care

Naugatuck Valley stands out for the most affordable housing in Connecticut: a median gross rent of just $1,288/month and cost score of 8.6. Health care access is solid at 79.0, and median income of $86,365 provides reasonable earning power.

Safety and tax burden weigh heavily

Safety scores lag at 31.8, and despite lower housing costs, the effective tax rate of 2.038% remains burdensome for working families. These factors combine to offset the region's affordability advantages.

Best for budget-conscious families

Naugatuck Valley suits families prioritizing low housing costs and decent wages over premium safety or schools. If you're price-sensitive and can accept modest safety conditions, this region offers Connecticut's best housing bargain.

204060801002.98.631.87989.66.860.8Tax2.9Cost8.6Safety31.8Health79SchoolsIncome89.6Risk6.8WaterWeather60.832.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Naugatuck Valley Planning Region DNA

Foverall

How Naugatuck Valley Planning Region compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Naugatuck Valley Planning Region is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (89.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (2.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
2.9-49.1
Cost
8.6-39.4
Safety
31.8-23.2
Health
79+29
Income
89.6+38.599999999999994
Risk
6.8-40.2
Weather
60.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region?

Many homeowners in Naugatuck Valley 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

$290,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,288/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$290,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$51,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,365/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Naugatuck Valley Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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.

Safety in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

Naugatuck Valley stays below national crime rates

Naugatuck Valley maintains a safety score of 97.5, which is supported by a total crime rate of 1,607.7 per 100,000. This rate is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5 reported in 2022. The region remains a safe place for families and businesses compared to the national landscape.

Matching Connecticut's high safety expectations

The region's 97.5 safety score is just shy of the 98.0 Connecticut state average. However, its total crime rate of 1,607.7 is higher than the state's average of 1,277.0. Local authorities in the 13 reporting agencies work diligently to bridge this gap and improve regional rankings.

Local safety compared to neighboring regions

The Naugatuck Valley is safer than its neighbor, Greater Bridgeport, which has a crime rate of 1,688.5. It also significantly outperforms South Central Connecticut's rate of 2,576.1. These comparisons highlight the region's relative security within the western Connecticut area.

Property incidents represent the majority of crime

Property crime accounts for 1,465.4 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is much lower at 142.3. The violent crime rate remains well below the national average of 369.8, indicating a low risk of physical harm. Most reported issues involve theft or vandalism rather than serious interpersonal violence.

Simple steps for a safer home

Since property crime is the most common issue, securing garage doors and windows is a vital precaution. Installing a modern home security system can further reduce the risk of becoming a statistic. Residents are encouraged to stay active in neighborhood watch programs to keep the valley safe.

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.

Water Quality in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Signal Currently Unavailable

The federal SDWIS database currently lacks health violation records for this region's water systems. Without this data, residents cannot compare local drinking water quality to state or national violation averages. We recommend contacting local water utilities for their latest Safe Drinking Water Act compliance reports.

Total Impairment Reported for Assessed Waters

According to the 2022 cycle, 100% of the assessed water bodies in this region are considered impaired. This is significantly higher than the Connecticut state average of 60.0%. Primary impairments are driven by E. Coli and significant modifications to the natural flow regime.

Gaps in Federal Water Quality Monitoring

There are no monitoring records for this region in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for the past five years. This lack of data makes it difficult to track the specific chemical concentrations affecting the valley. Establishing new monitoring sites would provide the data needed to address the 100% impairment rate.

Housatonic River Flow Drops to 18%

At the Stevenson gauge, the Housatonic River is currently discharging 491 cfs, just 18% of its long-term mean. This extremely low flow indicates a severe departure from typical seasonal conditions. Such low levels can exacerbate existing water quality issues by reducing the river's capacity to dilute pollutants.

Urgent Water Management and Quality Awareness

With 100% of assessed waters impaired and flow at a critical 18%, residents should strictly follow local water conservation guidelines. High E. Coli levels are a known risk here, so avoid contact with surface waters during these low-flow periods. Well owners should be extra vigilant with testing as low river levels can affect groundwater recharge.

Lawn Care in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Growing Conditions in Naugatuck

Naugatuck Valley earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 72.4, outperforming both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 71.1. This indicates a highly favorable environment for sustainable lawn care with relatively low maintenance. The local climate provides a solid foundation for year-round turf health.

High Rainfall and Cool Summers

The region receives 50.4 inches of rain annually, which is just above the ideal range for turf but ensures plenty of water. With only 2 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces significantly less heat stress than the state average of 9 days. This cooler profile means slower evaporation and less frequent summer watering.

Optimize Your Ground Foundation

Specific soil texture and drainage data are not available for the region, making local sampling the best path forward. Most Connecticut soils benefit from lime applications if the pH drops below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Testing your specific yard will reveal if you are dealing with heavy clay or fast-draining sand.

Resilience During Dry Intervals

The area spent 13 weeks in drought over the past year and is currently 100.0% abnormally dry. Because of the high 50.4-inch annual rainfall, the lawn usually recovers quickly once normal precipitation resumes. To conserve water, prioritize irrigation for high-traffic areas during these dry stretches.

Cool Temps Favor New Growth

A July average of 69.5°F makes this one of the coolest summer regions in Connecticut, perfect for cool-season grasses. Early spring or late summer are the best times to seed to avoid the 24.7°F January frost. With such few heat days, your new lawn will have an easy time establishing itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's county score?
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 32.9 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 Naugatuck Valley Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region ranks #6 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 Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region is $5,926, with an effective tax rate of 2.04%. This earns Naugatuck Valley Planning Region a tax score of 2.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region?
The median household income in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut is $86,365 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Naugatuck Valley Planning Region earns an income score of 89.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region scores 32.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate Naugatuck Valley 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 Naugatuck Valley Planning Region with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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