Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut — County Report Card

CT

#4 in Connecticut
41.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.9Health 81.5Lawn Care 67

County Report Card

About Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Southeastern meets national livability standard

At 41.5, Southeastern Connecticut ranks in the 53rd percentile nationally, slightly below the U.S. median of 50.0 but still within the better half of American counties. The region offers solid, above-average livability.

Fourth-best region in Connecticut

Southeastern's 41.5 score ranks fourth among Connecticut planning regions and exceeds the state average of 38.3 by 3.2 points. It qualifies as one of the state's more livable areas overall.

Affordability and moderate safety blend well

Southeastern shines with cost score 8.8 (median rent $1,316, homes $293,900) and safety score 61.9, offering a solid balance of affordability and security. Tax rate of 1.751% is also competitive, easing financial pressure on households.

Lower incomes and mixed health outcomes

Median household income of $84,185 (income score 87.9) trails most other regions, and health scores of 81.5 are decent but not exceptional. These moderate weaknesses prevent the region from ranking higher despite strong affordability.

Solid choice for value-conscious families

Southeastern Connecticut suits families prioritizing affordable housing and reasonable safety over premium incomes or elite healthcare. If you want a balanced, reasonable cost of living with decent schools and a safe community, this region delivers.

Score breakdown

Tax6.1Cost8.8Safety61.9Health81.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome87.9Risk11.4WaterComing SoonWeather65.1
🏛6.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠8.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼87.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡61.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
11.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱67
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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Deep Dives

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Southeastern Connecticut taxes stay moderate

At 1.751%, Southeastern Connecticut's effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 1.6%, placing it near the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $5,146 nearly doubles the national median of $2,690, but remains the second-lowest in Connecticut.

Below-average within Connecticut

Southeastern's 1.751% rate falls 6% below Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, making it one of the most affordable regions in the state. The median tax of $5,146 substantially undercuts the state average of $6,465 by $1,319—the second-lowest in Connecticut.

Most affordable in the southeast

Southeastern's 1.751% rate beats South Central (2.034%) and Capitol (2.143%), though it trails Northeastern Connecticut (1.543%) slightly. Homeowners here pay roughly $1,200 less annually than those in South Central on comparable properties.

Moderate rates on moderate homes

A median home valued at $293,900 carries an estimated annual tax of just $5,146 in Southeastern Connecticut. Mortgage holders pay $5,201, while those without mortgages pay $5,061—positioning the region as one of Connecticut's most tax-friendly areas.

Appeal if numbers seem high

Even Southeastern Connecticut's affordable taxes can harbor assessment errors that inflate bills. A simple appeal review costs nothing and may recover hundreds of dollars annually if your assessed value doesn't match current market reality.

Cost of Living in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Southeastern Connecticut above affordability line

Southeastern Connecticut's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Connecticut's 18.1% average but remains comfortably within national affordability standards. With median household income of $84,185—above the national median of $74,755—the region maintains manageable housing costs despite being slightly pricier than state average.

Middle-tier affordability in state rankings

Southeastern Connecticut ranks mid-range statewide with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio just above the state average of 18.1%. Its $1,316 monthly rent sits above most regions, placing it among Connecticut's moderate-to-pricier markets.

Pricier than northeastern counterpart

Southeastern Connecticut's $1,316 rent exceeds nearby Northeastern Connecticut's $1,153 by $163 monthly ($1,956 annually), though it undercuts south-central regions like Greater Bridgeport ($1,482). This positions it in the middle-to-higher cost bracket regionally.

Moderate housing burden for earners

A Southeastern Connecticut household earning $84,185 allocates approximately $15,918 annually to rent (18.8%) or $19,620 to mortgage costs on a median home valued at $293,900. The region sits slightly above state averages for housing cost burden, leaving modest but adequate income for other household needs.

Solid option between cost and location

Southeastern Connecticut offers a balanced choice for relocators: more affordable than Greater Bridgeport or South Central, yet pricier than Northeastern or Northwest regions. If coastal proximity matters more than maximum savings, this region delivers moderate cost with reasonable housing-to-income ratios.

Income & Jobs in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Southeastern region outpaces U.S. income

The Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region's median household income of $84,185 is 12.6% above the national median of $74,755. Despite economic transitions, the region maintains above-average earning levels.

Connecticut's lowest-earning planning region

The Southeastern Region's median household income of $84,185 trails the state average of $93,307 by 9.8%, making it Connecticut's lowest-earning planning area. The region faces greater income challenges than all peer areas.

Outearned by nearby Northeastern region

At $84,185, Southeastern Connecticut earns less than the neighboring Northeastern Region ($87,564). Both regions comprise Connecticut's lower-income tier, though Southeastern faces steeper economic headwinds.

Manageable housing costs overall

The region's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio remains reasonable and below affordability thresholds. Median home values of $293,900 are moderate, though they still represent significant commitments for households in this income range.

Focus on consistent savings discipline

With lower regional incomes, consistent savings habits become especially powerful for long-term wealth building. Even modest automatic transfers to savings, combined with employer retirement benefits, can compound into substantial security over decades.

Safety in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via CrimeByCounty

Southeastern Connecticut stays well below national averages

Southeastern Connecticut earns a strong safety score of 98.6 with a total crime rate of 881.6 per 100,000. This is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5 recorded in 2022. The region stands out as a secure coastal area for residents and visitors alike.

Outperforming the Connecticut state average

The region's safety score of 98.6 exceeds the Connecticut average of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 881.6 is also significantly better than the state average of 1,277.0. This makes Southeastern Connecticut one of the safer planning regions in the state.

Safer than nearby urban planning regions

Southeastern Connecticut is much safer than the Capitol Region, which reports a crime rate of 1,915.0. It also maintains a lower rate than the Lower Connecticut River Valley's 1,083.6. These 12 reporting agencies successfully maintain a high standard of public order.

Violent crime remains under the state average

The violent crime rate in the region is 99.2 per 100,000, which is lower than the Connecticut average of 118.5. Property crime accounts for 782.4 of the total incidents, representing the bulk of law enforcement's focus. The low violent crime rate indicates a very high level of personal safety for residents.

Simple precautions for a safe home

With property crime as the main factor, using smart locks and outdoor cameras is a proactive way to stay safe. Basic security habits are very effective in this region where opportunistic crime is low. Community vigilance helps ensure Southeastern Connecticut remains a top-tier safe zone.

Health in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via HealthByCounty

Southeast Region Shows Steady Health

Southeastern Connecticut's 15.5% poor/fair health rate reflects typical health challenges found across many U.S. regions. This moderate outcome suggests consistent but improvable health status among residents.

Slightly Above Average Uninsured Rate

Southeastern Connecticut's 6.1% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Connecticut's 6.0% state average, meaning coverage lags just behind the statewide mark. About 93.9% of residents carry active health insurance.

Lower-Middle Performance Statewide

Southeastern Connecticut's 15.5% poor/fair health rate ranks middle-of-the-pack—better than Greater Bridgeport (17.2%) and South Central (15.6%), but worse than Lower Connecticut River Valley (12.2%) and Northwest Hills (14.0%). Its uninsured rate sits just slightly above the state average.

Solid Mental Health Provider Network

Southeastern Connecticut offers 523 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing good access to counseling and behavioral health services. This network supports residents seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges.

Ensure Your Family Stays Covered

With 6.1% of Southeastern Connecticut residents uninsured, closing coverage gaps matters for your health and wallet. Visit healthcare.gov, contact your local health department, or reach out to community health centers to compare Medicaid, ACA plans, and employer options for your household.

Disaster Risk in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Southeastern Connecticut moderately above average

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores 88.64 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category and just slightly above Connecticut's state average of 87.62. This profile reflects balanced exposure across coastal and inland hazards.

Mid-range risk among Connecticut regions

Southeastern Connecticut ranks fifth among Connecticut's eight planning regions, sitting comfortably in the middle of the state's risk distribution. Its 88.64 score reflects a mixed coastal-suburban geography with moderate multi-hazard exposure.

Similar risk to other coastal peers

Southeastern Connecticut's 88.64 score closely mirrors Greater Bridgeport (91.76) and Lower Connecticut River Valley (83.84), reflecting shared coastal characteristics. The region ranks lower than Naugatuck Valley (93.19) but higher than inland planning regions.

Hurricanes and flooding top your hazard list

Hurricane risk (94.74) and flood risk (91.83) dominate the hazard landscape, reflecting the region's coastal position and exposure to Atlantic storm systems. Earthquake risk (80.95) and tornado risk (53.09) add secondary but measurable threats.

Coastal flood insurance is essential coverage

Flood insurance must be a priority for Southeastern Connecticut residents, particularly those in coastal areas or flood-prone zones—your 91.83 flood risk score makes this non-negotiable. Verify your homeowners policy covers hurricane-force winds, and consider additional liability protection given your region's significant coastal exposure.

Lawn Care in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Lawns in the Southeast

The Southeastern region has a lawn difficulty score of 67.0, which is tougher than the state average of 71.1 but still better than the national 50.0. While maintenance requires more focus than elsewhere in Connecticut, the environment is still generally favorable. Homeowners here should be prepared for slightly more active lawn management.

High Rainfall and Very Mild Heat

The region enjoys a generous 49.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for lawn health. With only 4 extreme heat days per year, it is one of the coolest summer regions in the state, significantly beating the state average of 9 days. This keeps evaporation low and helps the soil stay moist longer.

Prioritize Your Soil Testing

Because regional soil data for pH and texture is missing, a site-specific soil test is your best investment. Maintaining a pH in the 6.0-7.0 range will help your grass make the most of the high 49.7-inch annual rainfall. Localized amendments may be needed to improve drainage or nutrient retention based on your yard's specific needs.

Managing Frequent Drought Challenges

This region faced a significant 20 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. To protect your lawn during these extended dry periods, avoid over-fertilizing, which can stress the grass when water is scarce. Rely on the region's high annual rainfall to replenish the soil when conditions normalize.

Steady Growth in a Mild Climate

With a 71.9°F July average and only 4 extreme heat days, cool-season grasses will thrive with minimal heat stress. Early fall is the best time to seed, ensuring the lawn is mature enough to handle the 29.9°F January temperatures. Your lawn will benefit from the stable 50.7°F average annual temperature this region offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region's county score?
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut has a composite county score of 41.6 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region rank among counties in Connecticut?
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region ranks #4 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut?
The median annual property tax in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is $5,146, with an effective tax rate of 1.75%. This earns Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region a tax score of 6.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region?
The median household income in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is $84,185 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region earns an income score of 87.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut a good place to live?
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Connecticut. The best way to evaluate Southeastern 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region with other counties side by side.