Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

Connecticut · CT

#1 in Connecticut
64.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Northeastern Connecticut ranks among the best

With a composite score of 64.2, Northeastern Connecticut significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 14 points, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional conditions across multiple livability dimensions.

Connecticut's second-highest scoring region

Northeastern Connecticut ranks second among Connecticut's eight planning regions with a score of 64.2, trailing only Lower Connecticut River Valley at 60.1. The region offers among the state's best overall livability conditions.

Lowest taxes and best housing affordability

Northeastern Connecticut excels with the state's lowest effective tax rate of 1.543% (tax score 58.9) and the lowest median gross rent of $1,153/month, reflecting a cost score of 62.9. These factors make it Connecticut's most tax-and-housing-efficient region for budget-conscious residents.

Income growth and risk exposure need attention

The region's income score of 40.5 indicates lower median household income ($87,564) compared to top performers, and its risk score of 37.3 is the highest among Connecticut regions. These suggest limited wage growth opportunities and elevated economic risk exposure.

Best for retirees and tax-minimization seekers

Northeastern Connecticut is ideal for retirees, cost-conscious workers, and anyone prioritizing tax efficiency and affordable housing over income growth. It offers exceptional value and lowest tax burden in the state, but suits those with stable or passive income streams rather than those seeking wage advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.9Cost62.9SafetyComing SoonHealth88.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.5Risk37.3WaterComing Soon
🏛58.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠62.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼40.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
88.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
37.3
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

Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Cost of Living in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Northeast Connecticut: best affordability ratio

Northeastern Connecticut claims the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at just 15.8%, beating both Connecticut's 18.1% average and the national affordability standard by comfortable margins. With median income of $87,564 paired with affordable rents, this region delivers the state's strongest housing value proposition.

Connecticut's most affordable region

Northeastern Connecticut ranks first statewide for housing affordability, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio that beats every other region by at least one percentage point. Its $1,153 monthly rent is the second-lowest across Connecticut, unlocking genuine savings for renters.

Eastern Connecticut's rent-saving champion

Northeastern Connecticut's $1,153 rent undercuts Southeastern Connecticut ($1,316) by $163 monthly and ties with similar northeastern locations, making it the clear savings leader in the eastern half of the state. This $163 monthly advantage equals nearly $2,000 in annual savings.

Lowest housing-income ratio statewide

A Northeastern Connecticut household earning $87,564 allocates just $13,840 annually to rent (15.8%) or $19,284 to mortgage costs on a median home valued at $281,300. This leaves substantially more income available for savings, healthcare, education, and other necessities.

Unbeatable value for budget movers

Northeastern Connecticut offers Connecticut's most favorable rent-to-income ratio (15.8%), making it an exceptional choice for cost-conscious relocators seeking affordability without sacrificing income potential. Compared to pricier regions like Greater Bridgeport or South Central, you'll save thousands annually while maintaining financial stability.

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.

Health in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via HealthByCounty

Northeast Region Shows Decent Health

Northeastern Connecticut's 14.5% poor/fair health rate is below Connecticut's median and better than national trends. This suggests residents here benefit from relatively good overall health and wellness practices.

Below-Average Uninsured Rate

Northeastern Connecticut's 5.3% uninsured rate beats Connecticut's 6.0% state average, reflecting stronger insurance coverage across the region. This means 94.7% of residents have active health protection.

Consistently Strong Across the Region

Northeastern Connecticut's 14.5% poor/fair health rate is better than most state regions, ranking fourth-best overall and well above Greater Bridgeport (17.2%) and South Central (15.6%). Its 5.3% uninsured rate also ranks among Connecticut's better performers.

Adequate Mental Health Provider Network

The region has 379 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering reasonable access to counseling and behavioral health services. While not the highest, this provider density supports residents seeking mental health treatment.

Keep Coverage Strong Year-Round

Northeastern Connecticut residents enjoy strong insurance rates, but coverage gaps still affect 5.3% of the population. If you're uninsured or need to switch plans, visit healthcare.gov or contact community health centers in your town for help navigating your options.

Disaster Risk in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Northeast Connecticut is the state's safest region

Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores 62.75—the lowest composite risk in the entire state and substantially below Connecticut's average of 87.62. This favorable profile places the region in the relatively low category and reflects more limited exposure to multiple natural hazards.

Lowest disaster risk in Connecticut

Northeastern Connecticut ranks last (safest) among Connecticut's eight planning regions, with a score 25 points below the state average. This distinction reflects both geographic factors and lower exposure to coastal and urban-specific hazards.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Northeastern Connecticut's 62.75 score is the lowest in the state and dramatically outperforms all neighboring regions, including Northwest Hills (79.61) and Southeastern Connecticut (88.64). This region offers the most favorable natural disaster risk profile in Connecticut.

Hurricane exposure is your main concern

Hurricane risk (86.15) is the dominant hazard despite the region's overall low-risk status, while flood risk (75.22) remains moderate. Wildfire (22.90) and tornado (28.34) risks are minimal, and earthquake risk (61.42) is the lowest in the state.

Standard coverage likely sufficient for your area

Northeastern Connecticut's relatively low overall risk score means standard homeowners and wind insurance may provide adequate protection for most properties. However, properties near water bodies should still verify flood coverage, and all residents should confirm wind and storm damage provisions given the region's 86.15 hurricane risk.

ByCounty Network

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