ConnecticutPop. 121,127Mid-size cities
Is Hartford a Good Place to Live? Hartford, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hartford ranks #1090 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #206 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($228,600, #43 of 256), and trails on low household income ($46,411, #252 of 256) and high poverty (26.3%, #249 of 256).
Hartford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hartford'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 Hartford?
Hartford's cost of living index is 102.7, 3% above the US level of 100 and #836 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,269/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $203,792, 55% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 102.7#836 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $203,792#123 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 | $1,600/mo#421 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $228,600#320 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,269/mo#503 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 32.8%#1283 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.
Hartford 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. Hartford is in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Hartford safe?
Hartford recorded 459 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% above the US rate of 328 and 4.2 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #794 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #158 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hartford Police Department. Property crime runs 2,262 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 459#794 of 1,085 | 110 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,262#781 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 Hartford?
The median household in Hartford earns $46,411, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 52% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $46,411#1268 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.1%#985 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 26.3%#1260 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Hartford?
The median resident of Hartford is 33.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1183 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 25.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hartford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 19.4%#1183 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 25.7% | 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 Hartford's schools and health?
Hartford's 43 public schools graduate 74.4% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $25,284 spent per pupil. 40.4% of adults are obese and 15.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 74.4%#991 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $25,284#61 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.4%#1140 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.8%#1206 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.8%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 20.3%#1223 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. 17,722 students are enrolled in Hartford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hartford?
The average commute in Hartford is 23.1 minutes (Connecticut 27); 13.1% of workers take transit and 9.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hartford scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.8°F and winters 31.1°F, with 42.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.1 min#615 of 1,312 | 27 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 57.9% | 70.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 13.1% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.7% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.4% | 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 | 36.8 | 20.3 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 39.5 | 22.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 29.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 60.1 | 40 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.9 | 50.1 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 79.6 | 59.8 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 84.6 | 65.7 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 83 | 64.2 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.6 | 56 | 4 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 44.3 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 52.1 | 34.6 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 41.7 | 25.9 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hartford Brainard Fld.
| Measure | Hartford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 31.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 42.8 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 Hartford Brainard Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hartford?
Hartford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Capitol Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Hartford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#636 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 Hartford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Capitol Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 79% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0065% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.004% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.003% | 28% 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 Hartford compare with similar-size cities?
Hartford is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #206 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 121,127.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Fairfield, CAPop. 120,785 | #939 | 51.1 | $101,895 | $2,266/mo | 522 | 30.7 min |
| Spring Hill, FLPop. 119,983 | #1182 | 45.6 | $68,432 | $1,440/mo | no data | 29.8 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 Hartford compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Hartford ranks #20 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 48 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 52% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 4.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 55% 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 Hartford's score calculated?
Hartford scores 48 out of 100, #1090 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Hartford. Similar-size median 52.9.
27.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hartford's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
61.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hartford. Similar-size median 53.8.
29.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hartford's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
67.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hartford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
71.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hartford. Similar-size median 51.2.
11.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hartford. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hartford. Similar-size median 50.1.
64.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hartford'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.
55.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hartford'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 Hartford 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 Hartford
Is Hartford, CT a good place to live?
Hartford ranks #1090 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #206 of 256 mid-size cities and #20 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($228,600, #43 of 256), and trails on low household income ($46,411, #252 of 256) and high poverty (26.3%, #249 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Hartford?
Hartford's cost of living index is 102.7, 3% above the US level of 100 and #836 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,269/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $203,792, 55% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Hartford?
Hartford recorded 459 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% above the US rate of 328 and 4.2 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #794 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #158 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hartford Police Department. Property crime runs 2,262 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hartford?
The median household in Hartford earns $46,411, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 52% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hartford?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,269/mo (Census), #503 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,600/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 32.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hartford?
The typical home value in Hartford is $203,792, up 1.9% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $228,600.
How are the public schools in Hartford?
Hartford's 43 public schools graduate 74.4% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $25,284 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hartford?
The average commute is 23.1 minutes, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hartford?
Hartford averages 52°F over the year, 72.8°F in summer and 31.1°F in winter, with 42.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hartford walkable?
Hartford 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 Hartford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Capitol Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hartford?
Hartford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Hartford?
Hartford has 121,127 residents. The median resident of Hartford is 33.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1183 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 25.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hartford compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Hartford ranks #20 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 48 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 52% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 4.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 55% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Hartford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hartford's population of 121,127 are Rochester, MN (#283 overall), Ann Arbor, MI (#194 overall), Independence, MO (#953 overall), Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall), and The Woodlands, TX (#233 overall). Hartford is #1090.