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Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.4Health 89.8Safety 82.6

County Report Card

About Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut

Northwest Hills meets national standard

At 48.8, Northwest Hills ranks in the 56th percentile nationally, nearly matching the U.S. median of 50.0. The region offers average-to-above-average livability compared to most American counties.

Among Connecticut's strongest performers

Northwest Hills scores 48.8, placing it third in Connecticut and well above the state average of 38.3 by 10.5 points. It ranks among the state's most livable regions overall.

Affordability meets safety and income

Northwest Hills delivers a winning combination: cost score of 11.4 (median rent $1,169, homes $311,700), strong safety at 82.6, and solid income at 92.4 with median earnings of $91,035. This balance makes it attractive across multiple household types.

Tax burden edges into discomfort

Tax score of 5.0 reflects a 1.800% effective tax rate, which, while reasonable, remains higher than some neighboring regions. This is the primary drag on an otherwise strong livability profile.

Ideal for families balancing values

Northwest Hills suits families seeking safe, affordable communities with good incomes and strong health services, even if taxes aren't rock-bottom. If you want balance across multiple livability factors without extremes, this region delivers.

Score breakdown

Tax5Cost11.4Safety82.6Health89.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome92.4Risk20.4WaterComing SoonWeather52.1
🏛5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
32.9
Capitol Planning Region
Connecticut
31
Dutchess County
New York
43.9
Berkshire County
Massachusetts
44.1
Hampden County
Massachusetts
32.8
Columbia County
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South Central Connecticut Planning Region
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Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
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42.2

Deep Dives

Northwest Hills Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 7 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Northwest Hills stays near national median

At 1.800%, Northwest Hills' effective tax rate slightly exceeds the national median of 1.6%, placing it in the middle 45% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $5,609 is roughly double the national median of $2,690, but reasonable given home values of $311,700.

Slightly below Connecticut average

Northwest Hills' 1.800% rate runs 3% below Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, making it slightly more affordable than the typical region. The median tax of $5,609 undercuts the state average of $6,465 by roughly $860, offering good value for property owners.

Competitive rates in the northwest

Northwest Hills' 1.800% rate falls between Naugatuck Valley (2.038%) and the River Valley (1.762%), and well below Capitol (2.143%). Owners here enjoy roughly $400–$700 in annual savings versus Naugatuck Valley residents on similar properties.

Reasonable taxes on moderate homes

A median home valued at $311,700 carries an estimated annual tax of $5,609 in Northwest Hills. With a mortgage, you'll pay $5,661; without, $5,510—keeping the region affordable and stable for property owners.

Verify your assessment value

Connecticut homeowners frequently discover overassessments hidden in tax bills. Filing an appeal is simple and free—potentially recovering hundreds of dollars in annual taxes if your home's assessed value exceeds its market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Hills region offers strong affordability

Northwest Hills residents enjoy the second-best rent-to-income ratio across Connecticut at 15.4%, well below the national affordability threshold and among the most favorable in New England. With median income of $91,035 exceeding the national average of $74,755, housing costs remain well-managed for households here.

Second-best housing affordability statewide

Northwest Hills ranks second in Connecticut for affordability with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio, bested only by Northeastern Connecticut's 15.8%. At $1,169 monthly rent, the region ties for second-lowest in the state, reflecting its cost-conscious positioning.

Affordable alternative in northwest corridor

Northwest Hills' $1,169 rent rivals Northeastern Connecticut's $1,153 and substantially undercuts the Capitol Region ($1,351) and Greater Bridgeport ($1,482) to its east. This makes it the cost leader in the state's northwestern corridor.

Income supports modest housing costs

A Northwest Hills household earning $91,035 spends approximately $13,982 annually on rent (15.4%) or $19,752 on mortgage costs for a median home valued at $311,700. The region balances above-average income with some of Connecticut's lowest rents, creating substantial household financial flexibility.

Rural charm meets affordability

Northwest Hills appeals to relocators seeking rural character combined with Connecticut affordability: only Northeastern Connecticut beats its housing cost ratio, and both offer measurable savings versus the state's western and southern regions. Your housing budget stretches further here without sacrificing income potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Hills region runs well above national income

The Northwest Hills Planning Region's median household income of $91,035 is 21.8% above the national median of $74,755. This rural region punches above its weight economically.

Slightly below Connecticut's state average

The Northwest Hills' median household income of $91,035 trails the state average of $93,307 by 2.4%. The region ranks in the upper-middle tier of Connecticut's planning areas.

Competes with central Connecticut regions

At $91,035, the Northwest Hills earns nearly as much as the Capitol Planning Region ($91,541). The region demonstrates that rural areas can maintain competitive income levels with more urbanized corridors.

Excellent housing affordability

The region's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is among Connecticut's lowest, signaling comfortable housing costs. Median home values of $311,700 are moderate, making homeownership quite achievable for households.

Convert affordability into wealth building

Strong incomes combined with low housing ratios create ideal conditions for wealth accumulation. Households should maximize retirement contributions, build diversified investment portfolios, and consider additional income streams to leverage their financial advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

Northwest Hills offers elite national safety

With a safety score of 99.3, the Northwest Hills are among the safest places to live in the United States. The total crime rate of 411.7 per 100,000 is far below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This region provides a highly secure lifestyle far removed from national crime trends.

Exceeding Connecticut's high safety bar

The region's safety score of 99.3 easily surpasses the Connecticut average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 411.7 is also significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,277.0. Northwest Hills remains a top-tier performer for public safety within the state.

A peaceful enclave among CT regions

Northwest Hills is much safer than the Naugatuck Valley, where crime rates are four times higher at 1,607.7. While it has more reported incidents than the Northeastern region (127.5), it remains one of the state's most secure areas. The region provides a quiet, low-crime alternative to the central corridors.

Property crime remains the only notable factor

Violent crime is exceptionally rare, occurring at a rate of only 19.5 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 392.2 of the total 411.7 incidents, which is still very low by any standard. Safety here is defined by a lack of serious physical threats to the community.

Preserving a high standard of safety

Residents in the Northwest Hills can maintain their safety by simply staying aware of their surroundings. Basic measures like motion lights and secure windows effectively deter the rare property crimes that occur. High safety scores are best maintained through consistent community involvement and basic security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via HealthByCounty

Northwest Hills: Connecticut's Healthiest

Northwest Hills reports Connecticut's second-lowest poor/fair health rate at 14.0%, signaling genuinely strong health outcomes across the region. Residents here enjoy health status comparable to many well-performing U.S. communities.

Near-Perfect Insurance Coverage

Northwest Hills' 5.6% uninsured rate ranks among Connecticut's best, beating the state's 6.0% average and meaning 94.4% of residents carry active coverage. This robust insurance landscape supports consistent access to preventive and routine care.

Among State's Top Performers

Northwest Hills' 14.0% poor/fair health rate is second-best in Connecticut, trailing only Lower Connecticut River Valley (12.2%), and significantly better than Greater Bridgeport (17.2%) and Naugatuck Valley (15.8%). Its 5.6% uninsured rate also ranks favorably statewide.

Functional Mental Health Infrastructure

Northwest Hills maintains 389 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing reasonable access to behavioral health services. While not the densest network, this provider base supports residents managing mental health needs.

Maintain Excellent Coverage Standards

Northwest Hills residents benefit from outstanding insurance rates, but the 5.6% uninsured should still find coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact community health organizations to ensure everyone in your household has year-round health protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Northwest Hills below state average risk

Northwest Hills Planning Region scores 79.61 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category and well below Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This favorable profile reflects limited coastal exposure and lower urban density compared to other planning regions.

Second-safest planning region in state

Northwest Hills ranks second-lowest (most favorable) among Connecticut's eight planning regions, surpassed in safety only by Northeastern Connecticut's 62.75 score. Its 79.61 score represents a notably safer profile than the state average.

Safest inland region in Connecticut

Northwest Hills' 79.61 score exceeds only Northeastern Connecticut (62.75) among all regions and significantly outperforms nearby Lower Connecticut River Valley (83.84). As an inland, rural region, it offers one of the state's most favorable risk profiles.

Flooding remains your primary hazard

Flood risk (88.01) is the primary concern for Northwest Hills, reflecting seasonal precipitation and stream flooding in this terrain. Hurricane (86.78) and tornado (42.88) risks are secondary, while wildfire (39.95) and earthquake (66.32) threats are comparatively minimal.

Flood insurance recommended for vulnerable properties

Properties in flood-prone areas or near streams should secure separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude this hazard—particularly important given your 88.01 flood risk score. For most inland properties on higher ground, standard coverage is typically sufficient to protect against the region's moderate overall hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Lawn Care in Northwest Hills Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Lawns in the Northwest Hills

Northwest Hills features a lawn difficulty score of 71.3, making it slightly easier than the state average and much easier than the national score of 50.0. The region's natural environment is well-suited for traditional turf maintenance. Despite the high score, local terrain and microclimates still play a large role in individual success.

High Rainfall and Varied Heat

With 46.8 inches of annual precipitation, your lawn receives consistent natural hydration throughout the year. The region faces 15 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 9. This suggests that while water is plentiful, summer heat can still be a challenge for certain grass types.

Customize Your Soil Strategy

In the absence of regional soil data, a personal soil test is the most important step for a Northwest Hills lawn. Achieving the ideal pH of 6.0 to 7.0 ensures that your grass can actually use the nutrients you provide. Pay close attention to drainage on sloped properties, as data on soil texture is currently unavailable.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

The region spent 12 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the land is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a sharp mower blade is essential, as clean cuts help grass retain moisture during these dry periods. This helps the lawn stay resilient against the 15 annual days of extreme heat.

Best Grasses for the Hills

Cool-season mixes thrive here, especially with a July average of 72.0°F providing a comfortable summer baseline. Plant your seeds in early September to give them a head start before the 25.7°F January average sets in. The region's 49.4°F annual temp provides a solid foundation for perennial lawn health.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northwest Hills Planning Region's county score?
Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 48.8 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 Northwest Hills Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
Northwest Hills Planning Region ranks #2 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 Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in Northwest Hills Planning Region is $5,609, with an effective tax rate of 1.80%. This earns Northwest Hills Planning Region a tax score of 5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northwest Hills Planning Region?
The median household income in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut is $91,035 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northwest Hills Planning Region earns an income score of 92.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
Northwest Hills Planning Region scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate Northwest Hills 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 Northwest Hills Planning Region with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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