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South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

CT

#9 in Connecticut

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
28.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.5Health 83.3Lawn Care 75.8

County Report Card

About South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

South Central trails the national bar

At 28.2, South Central Connecticut ranks in the 28th percentile nationally, nearly 22 points below the U.S. median of 50.0. This places the region among the least livable counties in America.

Second-weakest region in Connecticut

South Central's 28.2 score ranks second-worst in Connecticut, just ahead of Greater Bridgeport, and trails the state average of 38.3 by 10 full points. The region faces acute livability pressures.

Income and health provide foundation

South Central's median household income of $86,266 yields a score of 89.5, and health access scores a respectable 83.3. These strengths anchor the region despite significant challenges in other areas.

Safety crisis dominates livability concerns

An alarming safety score of just 12.4—lowest in Connecticut—is the region's critical flaw, coupled with high housing costs (median rent $1,463, homes $328,300) and modest cost affordability (5.3). Families struggle to find safe, reasonably priced neighborhoods.

Not recommended without compelling reason

South Central Connecticut is suitable only for those with deep professional or family roots who can navigate safety concerns. For most families, the combination of poor safety, high costs, and overall low livability makes other regions far more attractive.

Score breakdown

Tax3Cost5.3Safety12.4Health83.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome89.5Risk4.9WaterComing SoonWeather66.8
🏛3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.8
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
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32.9
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
42.2
Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
Connecticut
28.4
Suffolk County
New York
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Western Connecticut Planning Region
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Capitol Planning Region
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Northwest Hills Planning Region
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Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
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Deep Dives

South Central Connecticut Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

South Central taxes run moderately high

At 2.034%, South Central Connecticut's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.6%, landing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $6,676 is nearly 2.5 times the national median, reflecting premium home values of $328,300.

Above average across Connecticut

South Central's 2.034% rate runs 10% higher than Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The median tax of $6,676 slightly exceeds the state average of $6,465, indicating both higher home values and moderately aggressive tax rates.

Fairly typical for the region

South Central's 2.034% rate sits near Naugatuck Valley (2.038%) but below Greater Bridgeport (2.154%) and well above the River Valley (1.762%). Annual tax differences of $500–$1,500 separate South Central from lower-rate regions on comparable properties.

Premium values, premium taxes

A median home valued at $328,300 generates an estimated annual tax of $6,676 in South Central Connecticut. Mortgage holders pay $6,727, while those without mortgages pay $6,576—a significant annual expense in an otherwise affluent region.

Assessment errors are common

South Central's higher-value homes are sometimes overassessed relative to recent sales. Appealing your assessment could save $300–$1,000 annually—a worthwhile effort in a high-tax region.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via CostByCounty

South Central bears high housing burden

South Central Connecticut's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ties with Greater Bridgeport as the state's highest, exceeding the national affordability standard and creating genuine cost pressure on renters. Though median income of $86,266 exceeds the national median, it's insufficient to offset the region's elevated housing costs.

Connecticut's costliest rental region

South Central ties Greater Bridgeport at a 20.4% rent-to-income ratio, the worst affordability in Connecticut and well above the state average of 18.1%. At $1,463 monthly rent, South Central ranks among the state's priciest, creating affordability challenges for renters.

Premium pricing in central corridor

South Central's $1,463 rent slightly undercuts Greater Bridgeport's $1,482 but significantly exceeds the Capitol Region ($1,351) and Naugatuck Valley ($1,288) to its west. This makes South Central the second-priciest region in west-central Connecticut.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

A South Central household earning $86,266 spends approximately $17,600 annually on rent (20.4%) or $22,752 on mortgage costs for a median home valued at $328,300. Combined with higher regional costs, housing consumes a larger-than-ideal share of typical household income.

Premium market for urban living

South Central Connecticut commands top-tier prices for urban amenities and proximity, making it best suited for higher-earning relocators willing to prioritize location over cost efficiency. Budget-conscious movers should compare it against neighboring Naugatuck Valley or Capitol Region for 10-15% housing cost savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

South Central earns well above nation

The South Central Connecticut Planning Region's median household income of $86,266 runs 15.4% above the U.S. median of $74,755. Urban and suburban communities in the region maintain solid earning power.

Below state average among planning regions

The South Central Region's median household income of $86,266 trails the state average of $93,307 by 7.6%. The region ranks in the lower tier of Connecticut's planning areas.

Comparable to Naugatuck Valley peers

At $86,266, South Central Connecticut earns similarly to the Naugatuck Valley ($86,365). Both regions face comparable economic conditions and income challenges relative to wealthier parts of Connecticut.

Housing costs create budget pressure

The region's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio matches Greater Bridgeport's as the state's highest, signaling significant housing cost burdens. Median home values of $328,300 consume a notable share of household earnings.

Prioritize savings despite housing costs

With higher housing expenses, deliberate financial planning becomes essential for wealth building. Explore negotiating lower rents, refinancing mortgages, and automating savings to capture even small monthly surpluses that compound over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates slightly exceed national averages

South Central Connecticut has a total crime rate of 2,576.1 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.9, the lowest among the featured regions. While still relatively safe, the area faces more challenges than its rural neighbors.

Below the state average for safety

The region's safety score of 95.9 is lower than the Connecticut state average of 98.0. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 2,576.1 is more than double the state average of 1,277.0. These figures reflect the urban complexities handled by the 16 reporting agencies in the region.

Highest crime rate among nearby regions

South Central Connecticut experiences more crime than the Capitol Region, which has a rate of 1,915.0. It also sees significantly more activity than the Lower Connecticut River Valley (1,083.6). Residents here live in the most active crime environment of the eight regions listed.

Property crime is the primary local concern

The regional property crime rate stands at 2,322.1, which is higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is recorded at 254.0 per 100,000, remaining lower than the national violent rate of 369.8. This indicates that while incidents are more frequent, they are predominantly non-violent.

Prioritize home security and awareness

Given the higher property crime rates, investing in a robust home security system is highly recommended. Active monitoring and well-lit entryways can significantly reduce the likelihood of theft. Staying connected with local law enforcement helps residents stay ahead of shifting safety trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via HealthByCounty

South Central Faces Moderate Challenges

South Central Connecticut's 15.6% poor/fair health rate reflects moderate health challenges affecting the region. While not critical, this rate indicates room for improvement in preventive care and chronic disease management.

Slightly Below-Average Insurance Coverage

South Central Connecticut's 5.7% uninsured rate essentially matches Connecticut's 6.0% state average, meaning coverage rates here align with statewide norms. About 94.3% of residents carry active health insurance.

Middle of the Pack Statewide

South Central Connecticut's 15.6% poor/fair health rate ranks sixth among eight regions—better than Greater Bridgeport (17.2%) and Naugatuck Valley (15.8%), but worse than Lower Connecticut River Valley (12.2%) and Northwest Hills (14.0%). Its uninsured rate mirrors the statewide average.

Excellent Mental Health Provider Access

South Central Connecticut leads most regions with 606 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, second only to Capitol Region's 656. This strong provider network ensures residents have robust access to counseling, therapy, and behavioral health treatment.

Close Coverage Gaps in Your Community

With 5.7% of South Central residents uninsured, there's still work to do. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit healthcare.gov, call 2-1-1 Connecticut, or connect with community health centers in your area to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and affordable care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

South Central Connecticut faces highest state risk

South Central Connecticut Planning Region scores 95.13 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively high category and substantially above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This elevated profile reflects concentrated coastal exposure and urban density across multiple natural hazards.

Highest-risk planning region in Connecticut

South Central Connecticut ranks first (most vulnerable) among Connecticut's eight planning regions, with the highest composite risk score of 95.13. This leadership in vulnerability reflects the region's large population centers and coastal geography.

Riskier than all other coastal regions

South Central Connecticut's 95.13 score exceeds all neighboring regions, including Greater Bridgeport (91.76), Southeastern Connecticut (88.64), and Naugatuck Valley (93.19). Only Capitol Planning Region (97.36) poses comparable overall disaster risk.

Hurricane and flood are existential threats

Hurricane risk (97.00) and flood risk (96.88) are nearly maximal, making coastal storms and flooding the region's primary natural disaster concerns. Tornado risk (77.96) and earthquake risk (91.54) add secondary but meaningful threats across the densely populated region.

Comprehensive flood and wind insurance critical

With hurricane risk at 97.00 and flood risk at 96.88, South Central Connecticut residents must secure flood insurance immediately—it is not included in standard policies. Verify your homeowners policy includes comprehensive wind damage coverage and consider umbrella liability protection given the region's first-place ranking for state disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Lawn Care in South Central Connecticut Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Conditions for South Central Lawns

South Central Connecticut boasts a difficulty score of 75.8, tied for the easiest in the state and far better than the national 50.0 average. The natural climate here minimizes the common hurdles to maintaining a lush, green yard. This region is a premier location for homeowners seeking a low-stress lawn experience.

Low Heat Stress and Good Rain

Annual precipitation of 45.2 inches provides a steady water supply for most turf varieties. The region only deals with 8 extreme heat days per year, which is below the Connecticut average of 9. This lack of intense heat means your grass is less likely to brown or go dormant in the peak of summer.

Testing for Peak Performance

While regional soil stats are unavailable, the best lawns in the state start with a professional soil analysis. You should aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and adjust your fertilization based on specific local results. Without data on clay or sand levels, manual observation of soil drainage is your best tool.

Navigating 15 Weeks of Drought

The region experienced 15 weeks of drought conditions over the last year and currently sits at 100.0% abnormally dry. To combat this, water deeply and less often to encourage roots to search for moisture deeper in the soil. This practice builds a lawn that can withstand the current dry spell and future rainfall gaps.

Perfect Timing for Planting

A July average of 74.0°F is very favorable for bluegrass and ryegrass blends in this coastal-adjacent climate. Aim for a fall planting window to capitalize on the region's 52.6°F average annual temperature. This allows your new lawn to establish strongly before the January lows of 31.8°F arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Central Connecticut Planning Region's county score?
South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 28.2 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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
South Central Connecticut Planning Region ranks #9 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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in South Central Connecticut Planning Region is $6,676, with an effective tax rate of 2.03%. This earns South Central Connecticut Planning Region a tax score of 3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in South Central Connecticut Planning Region?
The median household income in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is $86,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. South Central Connecticut Planning Region earns an income score of 89.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
South Central Connecticut Planning Region scores 28.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate South Central 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 South Central Connecticut 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.