ConnecticutPop. 149,153Mid-size cities
Is Bridgeport a Good Place to Live? Bridgeport, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bridgeport ranks #873 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #157 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (71.3%, #201 of 205) and high poverty (21%, #221 of 256).
Bridgeport by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bridgeport's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bridgeport?
Bridgeport's cost of living index is 106.9, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1040 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,450/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $364,989, 19% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Bridgeport | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 106.9#1040 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $364,989#552 of 1,187 | $450,873 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,990/mo#705 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $274,900#460 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,450/mo#685 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 29.6%#1242 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bridgeport housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bridgeport is in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Bridgeport safe?
Bridgeport recorded 250 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #458 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #76 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bridgeport Police Department. Property crime runs 1,266 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bridgeport | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 250#458 of 1,085 | 110 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,266#339 of 1,085 | 1,146 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bridgeport?
The median household in Bridgeport earns $58,685, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bridgeport | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $58,685#1069 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21%#1146 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bridgeport?
The median resident of Bridgeport is 36.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1048 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bridgeport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 23.4%#1048 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 42.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bridgeport's schools and health?
Bridgeport's 43 public schools graduate 71.3% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $19,811 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bridgeport | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 71.3%#1028 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,811#216 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 21.4%#1234 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 23,412 students are enrolled in Bridgeport's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bridgeport?
The average commute in Bridgeport is 30.5 minutes (Connecticut 27); 6.8% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bridgeport scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.3°F and winters 33.8°F, with 44.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bridgeport | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.5 min#1137 of 1,312 | 27 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 13.2%#1180 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 61.5% | 70.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.8% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 7.6% | 13.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.8#187 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.4 | 24.4 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 40.5 | 25.7 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 47.4 | 32.3 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 58.3 | 41.7 | 4.2 |
| May | 68.4 | 51.7 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 77.7 | 61.5 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 83.4 | 67.9 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 81.9 | 67 | 4 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 59.8 | 4 |
| Oct | 64.4 | 48.3 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 53.6 | 38.4 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 43.8 | 30.2 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Igor I Sikorsky Mem Airport.
| Measure | Bridgeport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 73.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 33.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Igor I Sikorsky Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bridgeport?
Fairfield County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Greater Bridgeport Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Bridgeport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 21#975 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#821 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fairfield County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.018% | 91% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.034% | 84% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 60% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bridgeport compare with similar-size cities?
Bridgeport is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #157 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 149,153.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #59 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 | 23.6 min |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | #604 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 | 28.8 min |
| Escondido, CAPop. 149,668 | #807 | 53.2 | $91,967 | $2,046/mo | 337 | 27.5 min |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #1039 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 | 32.1 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bridgeport compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Bridgeport ranks #18 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 39% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Connecticut home.
| City | Rank in CT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #1 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 |
| Milford, CTPop. 51,023 | #2 | 69.3 | $111,201 | $1,882/mo | 71 |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #3 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #4 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #5 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #6 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #7 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #8 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #9 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #10 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #11 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 |
| East Hartford, CTPop. 50,918 | #12 | 58.7 | $70,778 | $1,225/mo | 92 |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #13 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #14 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #15 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 |
| New Britain, CTPop. 74,223 | #16 | 53.1 | $58,613 | $1,253/mo | 424 |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #17 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #18 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #19 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #20 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 |
All 20 Connecticut cities we track, by overall score. Connecticut statewide: median income $96,049, violent crime 109.6 per 100,000.
How is Bridgeport's score calculated?
Bridgeport scores 52.1 out of 100, #873 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Connecticut's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bridgeport. Similar-size median 52.9.
37.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bridgeport's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
81.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bridgeport. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bridgeport's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bridgeport's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
64.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bridgeport. Similar-size median 51.2.
27.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bridgeport. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bridgeport. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bridgeport's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
44.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bridgeport's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bridgeport has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bridgeport
Is Bridgeport, CT a good place to live?
Bridgeport ranks #873 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #157 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (71.3%, #201 of 205) and high poverty (21%, #221 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Bridgeport?
Bridgeport's cost of living index is 106.9, 7% above the US level of 100 and #1040 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,450/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $364,989, 19% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Bridgeport?
Bridgeport recorded 250 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #458 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #76 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bridgeport Police Department. Property crime runs 1,266 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bridgeport?
The median household in Bridgeport earns $58,685, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bridgeport?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,450/mo (Census), #685 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,990/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bridgeport?
The typical home value in Bridgeport is $364,989, up 4.5% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $274,900.
How are the public schools in Bridgeport?
Bridgeport's 43 public schools graduate 71.3% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $19,811 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bridgeport?
The average commute is 30.5 minutes, #1137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 13.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bridgeport?
Bridgeport averages 53.4°F over the year, 73.3°F in summer and 33.8°F in winter, with 44.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bridgeport walkable?
Bridgeport scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bridgeport at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Greater Bridgeport Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bridgeport?
Fairfield County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bridgeport?
Bridgeport has 149,153 residents. The median resident of Bridgeport is 36.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1048 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bridgeport compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Bridgeport ranks #18 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 52.1 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 39% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Bridgeport?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bridgeport's population of 149,153 are Bellevue, WA (#59 overall), Joliet, IL (#604 overall), Escondido, CA (#807 overall), Mesquite, TX (#1039 overall), and Savannah, GA (#891 overall). Bridgeport is #873.