CountyScore

South Central Connecticut Planning Region

Connecticut · CT

#7 in Connecticut
54.1
County Score

County Report Card

About South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

South Central Connecticut meets national standards

With a composite score of 54.1, South Central Connecticut exceeds the national median of 50.0 by about four points, indicating above-average livability compared to counties nationwide. The region offers typical conditions for the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties.

Below average for Connecticut

South Central Connecticut scores 54.1, below Connecticut's state average of 56.9, positioning it in the lower half of the state's planning regions. The region lags behind most other Connecticut areas in overall livability.

Health and low risk provide foundation

The region scores 86.0 on health outcomes and boasts the lowest risk score of 4.9 among Connecticut regions, indicating strong healthcare access and very low economic risk. These provide a stable foundation for residents.

Housing costs and income lag significantly

South Central Connecticut struggles with a cost score of 52.7 and income score of 39.7, the latter the second-lowest in the state. The median home value of $328,300 paired with median household income of $86,266 creates affordability pressure for homebuyers.

For those prioritizing safety and health

South Central Connecticut suits risk-averse families and individuals who value healthcare access and low economic volatility above all else. It's less ideal for those seeking affordable housing or income growth, but appeals to those wanting security and medical reliability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax45.1Cost52.7SafetyComing SoonHealth86SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.7Risk4.9WaterComing Soon
🏛45.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤86
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare South Central Connecticut Planning Region with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Prince George's County
Maryland
54.1
Median income: $100,708
Dutchess County
New York
54.1
Median income: $97,273
Ventura County
California
54
Median income: $107,327
Bronx County
New York
54
Median income: $49,036
Putnam County
New York
54.2
Median income: $127,405

Deep Dives

South Central Connecticut Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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