ConnecticutPop. 47,958Small cities
Is Middletown a Good Place to Live? Middletown, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Middletown ranks #228 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #42 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (67 per 100,000, #22 of 174), and trails on high living costs (102.7, #183 of 208) and high rents ($1,446/mo, #159 of 208).
Middletown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Middletown'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 Middletown?
Middletown'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 $1,446/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $368,256, 18% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Middletown | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 102.7#836 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $368,256#560 of 1,187 | $450,873 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,987/mo#703 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $295,300#519 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,446/mo#683 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.8%#657 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Middletown 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. Middletown is in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Middletown safe?
Middletown recorded 67 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 39% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #64 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Middletown Police Department. Property crime runs 959 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Middletown | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 67#64 of 1,085 | 110 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 959#198 of 1,085 | 1,146 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Middletown?
The median household in Middletown earns $79,438, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Middletown | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $79,438#629 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12%#651 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Middletown?
The median resident of Middletown is 38.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 40.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #457 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Middletown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 40.2%#457 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 52.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Middletown's schools and health?
Middletown's 10 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $27,702 spent per pupil. 30.7% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Middletown | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $27,702#25 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 30.7%#436 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.3%#414 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,308 students are enrolled in Middletown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Middletown?
The average commute in Middletown is 23.3 minutes (Connecticut 27); 1.4% of workers take transit and 14.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Middletown scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71°F and winters 30.2°F, with 44.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Middletown | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 23.3 min#625 of 1,312 | 27 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 68.7% | 70.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.4% | 4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 14.1% | 13.4% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 37 | 18.7 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 39.1 | 20.2 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 47.5 | 28.2 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 59.9 | 37.8 | 4.1 |
| May | 70.4 | 47.8 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 78.7 | 57 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 84 | 62.5 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 61.1 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 53.6 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 63.6 | 41.8 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 52 | 32.1 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 41.7 | 24.5 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meriden Markham Muni Airport.
| Measure | Middletown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 50.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 71°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 30.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 44.9 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meriden Markham Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Middletown?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
| Measure | Middletown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#782 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Middlesex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.014% | 78% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0063% | 76% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0024% | 25% 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 Middletown compare with similar-size cities?
Middletown is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #42 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,958.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #228 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 | 23.3 min |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #452 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 | 26.4 min |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #102 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 | 19.5 min |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 min |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #1126 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 | 19.1 min |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| Pahrump, NVPop. 47,347 | #1286 | 38.9 | $62,109 | $1,304/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 Middletown compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Middletown ranks #7 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 63.8 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 17% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 39% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% 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 Middletown's score calculated?
Middletown scores 63.8 out of 100, #228 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Middletown. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Middletown's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
95.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Middletown. Similar-size median 52.2.
63.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Middletown's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
84.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Middletown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
66.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Middletown. Similar-size median 46.7.
52.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Middletown. Similar-size median 44.2.
41.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Middletown. Similar-size median 47.3.
55.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Middletown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
48.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Middletown's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Middletown 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 Middletown
Is Middletown, CT a good place to live?
Middletown ranks #228 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #42 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (67 per 100,000, #22 of 174), and trails on high living costs (102.7, #183 of 208) and high rents ($1,446/mo, #159 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Middletown?
Middletown'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 $1,446/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $368,256, 18% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Middletown?
Middletown recorded 67 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 79% below the US rate of 328 and 39% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #64 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #22 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Middletown Police Department. Property crime runs 959 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Middletown?
The median household in Middletown earns $79,438, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Middletown?
Median rent in Middletown is $1,446/mo (Census), #683 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,987/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Middletown?
The typical home value in Middletown is $368,256, up 4.7% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $295,300.
How are the public schools in Middletown?
Middletown's 10 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $27,702 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Middletown?
The average commute is 23.3 minutes, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Middletown?
Middletown averages 50.7°F over the year, 71°F in summer and 30.2°F in winter, with 44.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Middletown walkable?
Middletown scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Middletown at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, 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 Middletown?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Middletown?
Middletown has 47,958 residents. The median resident of Middletown is 38.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 40.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #457 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Middletown compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Middletown ranks #7 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 63.8 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 17% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 39% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Middletown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Middletown's population of 47,958 are Gallatin, TN (#452 overall), Wauwatosa, WI (#102 overall), Goose Creek, SC (#559 overall), Niagara Falls, NY (#1126 overall), and Minot, ND (#301 overall). Middletown is #228.