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Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

CT

#1 in Connecticut
54.3
County Score
Safety 92Income & Jobs 90.9Health 89.8

County Report Card

About Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Northeast shines above national median

Northeastern Connecticut's score of 53.5 ranks it in the 65th percentile nationally, exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0 by 3.5 points. This region offers livability that outpaces most American counties.

Second-best region in Connecticut

With a score of 53.5, Northeastern Connecticut ranks second among the state's planning regions, trailing only Lower Connecticut River Valley. It sits 15 points above Connecticut's 38.3 state average, marking it as a clear winner statewide.

Affordable and safe communities

Northeastern Connecticut excels across affordability (cost score 12.3), with median rent of just $1,153/month and home values at $281,300—lowest in the state. Safety (92.0) and health (89.8) also score exceptionally well, creating secure, family-friendly neighborhoods.

Lower income and risk exposure

The region's median household income of $87,564 and income score of 90.6 trail several wealthier areas, and risk exposure scores at 37.3, suggesting vulnerability to environmental or economic shocks. These offset the strong safety and affordability profile.

Perfect for families seeking value

Northeastern Connecticut is ideal for middle-income families wanting safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and strong community health without premium price tags. If you value safety, affordability, and solid schools over high incomes, this is Connecticut's best overall choice.

204060801001413.49289.890.937.362.4Tax14Cost13.4Safety92Health89.8SchoolsIncome90.9Risk37.3WaterWeather62.454.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region DNA

Foverall

How Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (90.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14-38
Cost
13.4-34.6
Safety
92+37
Health
89.8+39.8
Income
90.9+39.900000000000006
Risk
37.3-9.700000000000003
Weather
62.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

Whether buying or refinancing in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$307,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,155/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$307,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $90,589/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 6 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Northeastern Connecticut leads affordably

At just 1.543%, Northeastern Connecticut boasts Connecticut's lowest effective tax rate and sits comfortably below the national median of 1.6%. The median property tax of $4,340 is the state's most affordable, roughly 60% of the national median—a remarkable value for homeowners.

Connecticut's tax bargain

Northeastern Connecticut's 1.543% rate runs 17% below Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, making it the clear winner statewide. At $4,340, its median property tax is the lowest in the state by a substantial margin, undercutting the state average of $6,465 by over $2,100.

Unmatched affordability in the state

Northeastern Connecticut's 1.543% rate beats every neighboring region decisively—Capitol (2.143%), South Central (2.034%), and Southeastern (1.751%). Annual tax savings exceed $2,000 for homeowners here compared to those in Greater Bridgeport, making it Connecticut's most tax-friendly area.

Lowest-cost taxes in the state

A median home valued at $281,300 carries just $4,340 in annual property taxes—far below the state average despite comparable home values. Mortgage holders pay $4,371, while those without mortgages pay $4,275, offering genuine relief for Connecticut homeowners.

Even low taxes merit review

Even in Northeastern Connecticut's favorable tax environment, assessment errors occasionally occur. A quick appeal review could confirm your assessment is accurate or unlock small but meaningful refunds.

Income & Jobs in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Northeast region exceeds national income

The Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region's median household income of $87,564 runs 17.2% above the U.S. median of $74,755. Rural and semi-rural areas here maintain competitive earning levels.

Just below Connecticut's state average

The Northeastern Region's median household income of $87,564 trails the state average of $93,307 by 6.1%. The region ranks in the lower-middle tier of Connecticut's planning areas.

Outearns Southeastern Connecticut slightly

At $87,564, the Northeastern Region earns more than Southeastern Connecticut ($84,185), though both rank below wealthier central regions. The two regions form Connecticut's lower-income corridor.

Excellent housing affordability

The region's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is among Connecticut's best, reflecting rural housing costs. Median home values of $281,300 are among the state's lowest, making homeownership highly accessible.

Invest savings from affordable housing

Low housing costs relative to income give Northeastern households exceptional opportunity to save. Direct the difference between actual and potential housing costs into investment accounts, education funds, or retirement to build lasting wealth.

Safety in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

One of the safest regions in America

Northeastern Connecticut boasts an incredible safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 127.5 per 100,000 is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This area represents an exceptionally secure environment that is virtually unmatched on the national stage.

A leader in Connecticut public safety

This region far exceeds the Connecticut state average safety score of 98.0. While the state average crime rate is 1,277.0, Northeastern Connecticut reports only 127.5 incidents per 100,000. It is consistently one of the safest performing planning regions in the entire state.

Outperforming all neighboring planning regions

Northeastern Connecticut is significantly safer than the Capitol Region, which has a crime rate fifteen times higher at 1,915.0. It even beats the safe Northwest Hills region, which sits at 411.7. For those seeking the lowest crime rates in Connecticut, this region is the clear leader.

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here

The violent crime rate is a remarkable 19.9 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 107.6, meaning very few residents experience any form of criminal activity. The data from 2 reporting agencies paints a picture of a peaceful, low-stress community.

Peace of mind through basic protection

While crime is extremely rare, maintaining basic home security ensures the region stays that way. Simple habits like locking doors and using exterior lighting are usually all that is needed here. Residents can enjoy their community with a level of confidence rarely found elsewhere.

Lawn Care in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Thriving Lawns in the Northeast

The Northeastern region boasts a lawn difficulty score of 74.3, well above the state average of 71.1 and the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a climate that is naturally hospitable to traditional lawn species. Maintaining a green yard here is generally easier than in more urbanized Connecticut regions.

Steady Rain and Typical Heat

The region sees 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, which falls right in the sweet spot for healthy grass. While there are 12 extreme heat days annually, slightly above the state average of 9, the 52.1°F average temperature supports a long growing window. This balance provides ample moisture with only moderate summer stress.

Know Your Soil's Potential

Regional soil data is limited, so homeowners should perform a pH test to ensure it falls between 6.0 and 7.0. Because specific drainage and texture data are unavailable, observing how water pools after a storm can help you identify drainage needs. Adding organic matter like compost can improve any soil type, whether sandy or clay-heavy.

Short Droughts and Dry Soils

This region experienced only 8 weeks of drought over the past year, fewer than most other areas in the state. However, with 100.0% of the county currently abnormally dry, consistent monitoring of soil moisture is still necessary. Using drought-resistant seed mixes can help bridge the gap during these temporary dry spells.

The Right Start for Grass

The 74.4°F July average is great for tall fescue, which handles the 12 annual heat days with ease. Aim for a fall seeding to allow roots to mature before the ground hits its 30.2°F January average. Your lawn will benefit from the region's overall favorable 52.1°F annual climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region's county score?
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region ranks #1 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 Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region is $4,375, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region a tax score of 14/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region?
The median household income in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is $90,589 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region earns an income score of 90.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate Northeastern Connecticut 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 Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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