Southeastern Connecticut ranks above national median
Southeastern Connecticut's composite score of 58.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 8.6 points, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. The region demonstrates solid livability across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Above Connecticut average
Southeastern Connecticut scores 58.6, exceeding Connecticut's state average of 56.9, and ranks fourth among the state's eight planning regions. The region offers above-average conditions within Connecticut.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and housing affordability stand out
The region excels with a tax score of 53.0 and effective tax rate of 1.751%, plus a cost score of 59.4 with the second-lowest median gross rent ($1,316/month) in Connecticut. Health outcomes of 85.6 add another strength to the profile.
4 / 5
Lower incomes limit wealth-building potential
Southeastern Connecticut's income score of 38.3 is the lowest among Connecticut regions, with median household income of $84,185. This constrains purchasing power and long-term wealth accumulation for residents despite affordable housing.
5 / 5
Best for those seeking coastal value
Southeastern Connecticut appeals to coastal-living seekers, retirees, and those prioritizing tax efficiency and affordable housing over income growth. It offers genuine value with solid healthcare and low taxes, ideal for those with modest but stable incomes.
About Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
Southeastern Connecticut ranks above national median
Southeastern Connecticut's composite score of 58.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 8.6 points, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. The region demonstrates solid livability across measured dimensions.
Above Connecticut average
Southeastern Connecticut scores 58.6, exceeding Connecticut's state average of 56.9, and ranks fourth among the state's eight planning regions. The region offers above-average conditions within Connecticut.
Tax efficiency and housing affordability stand out
The region excels with a tax score of 53.0 and effective tax rate of 1.751%, plus a cost score of 59.4 with the second-lowest median gross rent ($1,316/month) in Connecticut. Health outcomes of 85.6 add another strength to the profile.
Lower incomes limit wealth-building potential
Southeastern Connecticut's income score of 38.3 is the lowest among Connecticut regions, with median household income of $84,185. This constrains purchasing power and long-term wealth accumulation for residents despite affordable housing.
Best for those seeking coastal value
Southeastern Connecticut appeals to coastal-living seekers, retirees, and those prioritizing tax efficiency and affordable housing over income growth. It offers genuine value with solid healthcare and low taxes, ideal for those with modest but stable incomes.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.