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Is Danbury a Good Place to Live? Danbury, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Danbury ranks #441 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (146 per 100,000, #98 of 444), and trails on low graduation rates (81%, #352 of 437) and long commutes (29.9 min, #408 of 524).
Danbury by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Danbury'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 Danbury?
Danbury'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 $1,846/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $492,946, 9% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Danbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.9#1040 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $492,946#800 of 1,187 | $450,873 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,546/mo#924 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $411,200#814 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,846/mo#1000 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.6%#1130 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Danbury 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. Danbury is in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Danbury safe?
Danbury recorded 146 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 33% above Connecticut's 110. That ranks #229 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #98 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Danbury Police Department. Property crime runs 1,054 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Danbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 146#229 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,054#242 of 1,085 | 1,146 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Danbury?
The median household in Danbury earns $83,393, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Danbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $83,393#558 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Danbury?
The median resident of Danbury is 40.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Danbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34%#646 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Danbury's schools and health?
Danbury's 19 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $19,386 spent per pupil. 27.3% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Danbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,386#238 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.3%#237 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.6%#1107 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,008 students are enrolled in Danbury's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Danbury?
The average commute in Danbury is 29.9 minutes (Connecticut 27); 2.3% of workers take transit and 12.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Danbury scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.7°F and winters 29.5°F, with 48 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Danbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.9 min#1100 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 14.5%#1212 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.2% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.3% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.7% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.3#982 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 35.9 | 18.1 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 38.7 | 19.7 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 46.7 | 27.2 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 36.6 | 3.7 |
| May | 69.1 | 46.4 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 77.7 | 56.1 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 82.4 | 61.6 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 60 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 73.6 | 52.3 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 40.8 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 51.1 | 31.3 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 40.8 | 23.9 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Danbury Muni Airport.
| Measure | Danbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 29.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Danbury Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Danbury?
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 Western Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
| Measure | Danbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 21#975 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#783 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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, Western Connecticut Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.026% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 77% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0039% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0043% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0013% | 19% 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 Danbury compare with similar-size cities?
Danbury is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #205 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 87,263.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #441 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 | 29.9 min |
| Springdale, ARPop. 88,160 | #747 | 54.2 | $69,787 | $1,071/mo | 527 | 19.3 min |
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #67 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 | 23.7 min |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #785 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 | 22.5 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #68 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #961 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 | 20.5 min |
| Citrus Heights, CAPop. 86,995 | #740 | 54.3 | $82,314 | $1,827/mo | 380 | 28 min |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #864 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 | 22.8 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 Danbury compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Danbury ranks #11 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 59.2 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 13% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above 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 Danbury's score calculated?
Danbury scores 59.2 out of 100, #441 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Danbury. Similar-size median 55.5.
58.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Danbury's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
89.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Danbury. Similar-size median 58.9.
69.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Danbury's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Danbury's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
54.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Danbury. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Danbury. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Danbury. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Danbury's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
46.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Danbury's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Danbury 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 Danbury
Is Danbury, CT a good place to live?
Danbury ranks #441 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (146 per 100,000, #98 of 444), and trails on low graduation rates (81%, #352 of 437) and long commutes (29.9 min, #408 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Danbury?
Danbury'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 $1,846/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $492,946, 9% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Danbury?
Danbury recorded 146 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% below the US rate of 328 and 33% above Connecticut's 110. That ranks #229 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #98 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Danbury Police Department. Property crime runs 1,054 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Danbury?
The median household in Danbury earns $83,393, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Danbury?
Median rent in Danbury is $1,846/mo (Census), #1000 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,546/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Danbury?
The typical home value in Danbury is $492,946, up 4.4% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $411,200.
How are the public schools in Danbury?
Danbury's 19 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $19,386 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Danbury?
The average commute is 29.9 minutes, #1100 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 14.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Danbury?
Danbury averages 49.6°F over the year, 69.7°F in summer and 29.5°F in winter, with 48 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Danbury walkable?
Danbury scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Danbury at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Western Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Danbury?
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 Danbury?
Danbury has 87,263 residents. The median resident of Danbury is 40.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #646 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Danbury compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Danbury ranks #11 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 59.2 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 13% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 33% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Danbury?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Danbury's population of 87,263 are Springdale, AR (#747 overall), Troy, MI (#67 overall), Ogden, UT (#785 overall), Franklin, TN (#68 overall), and Duluth, MN (#467 overall). Danbury is #441.