CountyScore

Western Connecticut Planning Region

Connecticut · CT

#8 in Connecticut
52.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Western Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut

Above Average, But Not Elite

Western Connecticut's composite score of 52.4 sits above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 51st percentile nationally. This means the region outperforms roughly half of all U.S. counties, though it ranks solidly in the middle of the pack rather than among top performers.

Below Connecticut's High Bar

At 52.4, Western Connecticut trails Connecticut's state average of 56.9, ranking it in the lower half of the state's eight counties. This gap reflects how affluent and well-positioned Connecticut's other regions are—a competitive state benchmark.

Healthcare and Income Lead the Way

The region excels in health (88.2 out of 100) and income (64.7), with a median household income of $124,553 that far outpaces national norms. Its effective tax rate of just 1.475% also puts it in favorable tax territory (60.8 score), and a low risk score of 3.7 suggests strong environmental and hazard resilience.

Housing Affordability Remains Tight

The region's most glaring weakness is housing cost, with a score of just 28.3—well below competitive levels. Median home values of $625,400 and monthly rents of $2,060 reflect a region priced for affluent households, making it inaccessible for working families and young professionals.

Best for Affluent Professionals and Families

Western Connecticut suits high-earning professionals, established families, and retirees who prioritize excellent healthcare, low taxes, and strong incomes over housing affordability. If you can afford the steep entry price, the region offers solid livability—but it's not built for budget-conscious movers or first-time homebuyers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.8Cost28.3SafetyComing SoonHealth88.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome64.7Risk3.7WaterComing Soon
🏛60.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤88.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.7
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 Western Connecticut Planning Region with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Denton County
Texas
52.4
Median income: $108,185
Morris County
New Jersey
52.3
Median income: $134,929
Monroe County
New York
52.5
Median income: $74,409
Collin County
Texas
52.3
Median income: $117,588
Monmouth County
New Jersey
52.2
Median income: $122,727

Deep Dives

Western Connecticut Planning Region across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Western Connecticut Planning Region

via TaxByCounty

Western CT taxes far above national average

With an effective tax rate of 1.475%, Western Connecticut homeowners pay significantly more than the national median of 0.87%, placing the region in the top tier nationally. The median annual property tax here is $9,222—more than three times the national median of $2,690—despite a home value only 2.2 times higher.

Below Connecticut's statewide average

Western Connecticut's effective rate of 1.475% sits comfortably below Connecticut's state average of 1.855%, making it one of the more affordable regions to own property within the state. The region's median tax of $9,222 also trails the state average of $6,465, though this reflects the region's higher median home values rather than lower rates.

Regional property tax comparison pending

Data on adjacent counties in the southwestern Connecticut region is limited, making direct neighbor comparisons unavailable at this time. However, Western Connecticut's position below the state average suggests relative competitiveness within its broader regional context.

What Western CT homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $625,400, the typical property tax bill runs $9,222 annually—or about $777 per month. For homeowners with mortgages, the figure climbs slightly to $9,330 due to escrow and municipal fees.

You might be overassessed

Many Western Connecticut homeowners pay more than necessary because their properties are overassessed on the tax rolls. Filing an appeal with your local assessor's office is free and can result in significant savings if your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Western Connecticut Planning Region

via CostByCounty

Western Connecticut beats national affordability

Renters here spend 19.9% of their income on housing, well below the national average of 28%—a sign of relative affordability despite high costs. With a median household income of $124,553, Western Connecticut residents earn 66% more than the U.S. median of $74,755, giving them stronger purchasing power.

Most affordable county in Connecticut

Western Connecticut's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the state, beating Connecticut's 18.1% average significantly. This region offers the best housing affordability balance in Connecticut, combining high incomes with reasonable rental costs.

Rent premium over state average

At $2,060 monthly, Western Connecticut's median rent runs 46% higher than Connecticut's state average of $1,409, reflecting the region's desirable communities and proximity to job centers. Despite the premium, the area remains more affordable than comparable Connecticut regions when household incomes are factored in.

Where Western Connecticut's money goes

Renters dedicate $2,060 monthly to housing while homeowners shoulder $2,759 in monthly costs, yet both remain manageable with the region's strong median income of $124,553. Housing costs consume roughly 20% of renter income and 27% of owner income—both healthier than national burdens.

Consider Western Connecticut for balance

If you're relocating and want high incomes paired with reasonable housing costs, Western Connecticut delivers: earn nearly $125,000 while keeping rent under 20% of take-home pay. Compare this stability to neighboring regions before deciding—few Connecticut counties match this affordability-to-income ratio.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Western Connecticut Planning Region

via IncomeByCounty

Western CT earns 66% above national median

With a median household income of $124,553, Western Connecticut significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755—a $49,798 gap that places this region in the top tier of American counties. This income level ranks Western Connecticut among the wealthiest regions in the United States, reflecting a concentration of professional and technical workers.

Connecticut's wealthiest planning region

Western Connecticut's median household income of $124,553 towers above Connecticut's statewide average of $93,307, a difference of $31,246 that makes it the state's most affluent region. The region's per capita income of $79,648 also exceeds the state average of $53,001 by nearly 50%, underscoring its economic dominance within Connecticut.

Significantly wealthier than surrounding regions

Western Connecticut's $124,553 median household income substantially outperforms comparable regions across the Northeast, with its per capita income of $79,648 reflecting a highly educated and professionally employed population. This income advantage compounds over time, enabling residents to build wealth at rates far exceeding regional and national norms.

Income comfortably supports high-cost living

At a rent-to-income ratio of 19.9%, Western Connecticut residents allocate less than one-fifth of earnings to rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold that defines housing stress. The median home value of $625,400 remains accessible for the region's income level, though it signals a premium real estate market driven by desirability and limited supply.

Build generational wealth in high-income region

Western Connecticut's above-average incomes create an ideal foundation for retirement planning, investment, and wealth accumulation strategies that can compound over decades. Financial advisors in the region recommend leveraging this income advantage through diversified portfolios, tax-efficient strategies, and long-term real estate investments to secure multi-generational prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Western Connecticut Planning Region

via HealthByCounty

Western Connecticut's Health Report Card

About 12.8% of Western Connecticut residents report being in poor or fair health, a metric that tracks the nation's overall wellness trends. While specific life expectancy data for the region isn't available, this health perception rate provides a window into how residents experience their day-to-day physical condition compared to national baselines.

How Western Connecticut Ranks Statewide

Western Connecticut's uninsured rate of 6.8% sits slightly above Connecticut's state average of 6.0%, meaning a small percentage of residents lack health coverage. While detailed state health rankings aren't available for this planning region, the modest gap in insurance rates reflects the broader healthcare access picture across Connecticut.

Mental Health Resources in Western Connecticut

The region has 431 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, reflecting a significant commitment to behavioral health services. This strong provider density suggests Western Connecticut residents have meaningful access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care compared to many regions nationwide.

Insurance Gaps and Daily Care Access

About 6.8% of Western Connecticut residents remain uninsured, meaning roughly 1 in 15 people navigate healthcare without coverage. While specific data on primary care availability isn't available, the region's robust mental health infrastructure signals healthcare providers are active in the community.

Don't Miss Your Coverage Options

If you're among the 6.8% of uninsured Western Connecticut residents, options exist to close the gap. Visit your state health marketplace or contact a local community health center to explore plans that fit your budget—coverage is often more affordable than you'd expect.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Western Connecticut Planning Region

via RiskByCounty

Western Connecticut faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 96.28, Western Connecticut ranks in the relatively high category—significantly above the national baseline. This score reflects a region where multiple hazard types pose meaningful threats to residents and infrastructure year-round.

Highest-risk region in Connecticut

Western Connecticut's composite score of 96.28 substantially exceeds Connecticut's state average of 87.62, making it the state's highest-risk planning region. This 8.66-point gap underscores the concentration of natural disaster exposure in Connecticut's western communities.

Outpacing regional peers in hazard exposure

Western Connecticut's risk profile ranks notably higher than most neighboring Connecticut regions, driven by exposure to coastal hurricanes, urban flood zones, and seismic activity. Residents in this region face more layered hazard threats than inland areas of the state.

Flooding and hurricanes dominate local threats

Flood risk scores 98.06 in Western Connecticut—nearly at maximum—making it the region's most pressing hazard. Hurricane risk (96.95) and earthquake risk (91.95) are also substantial, while tornado risk (69.21) and wildfire risk (46.25) present secondary but real concerns for preparedness planning.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes flood and earthquake damage—critical gaps in Western Connecticut where composite risk reaches 96.28. Securing separate flood insurance and reviewing earthquake coverage can protect your family and property against the region's highest-probability disasters.

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.