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Is New Britain a Good Place to Live? New Britain, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Britain ranks #814 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #348 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($223,600, #92 of 524), and trails on low household income ($58,613, #451 of 524) and high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476).
New Britain by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Britain'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 New Britain?
New Britain'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 $1,253/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $312,170, 31% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | New Britain | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.7#836 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $312,170#411 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 | $1,623/mo#440 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $223,600#306 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,253/mo#488 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.7%#1065 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.
New Britain 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. New Britain is in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is New Britain safe?
New Britain recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 3.9 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #755 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #336 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Britain Police Department. Property crime runs 1,703 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | New Britain | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 424#755 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,703#576 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 New Britain?
The median household in New Britain earns $58,613, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Britain | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $58,613#1073 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.1%#1039 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 New Britain?
The median resident of New Britain is 34.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 19.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1177 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Britain | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 19.6%#1177 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 45.1% | 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 New Britain's schools and health?
New Britain's 13 public schools graduate 84.3% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $24,023 spent per pupil. 37.7% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | New Britain | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84.3%#742 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $24,023#75 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.7%#989 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 18.7%#1188 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. 8,509 students are enrolled in New Britain's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Britain?
The average commute in New Britain is 21.5 minutes (Connecticut 27); 3.5% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Britain scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 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 | New Britain | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.5 min#464 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.6% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.5% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.2% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.5#410 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 | 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 | New Britain | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42.8 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 Hartford Brainard Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Britain?
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 | New Britain | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#636 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 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 New Britain compare with similar-size cities?
New Britain is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #348 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 74,223.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Britain, CTPop. 74,223 | #814 | 53.1 | $58,613 | $1,253/mo | 424 | 21.5 min |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #14 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data | 28.2 min |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #257 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 | 19.3 min |
| Lauderhill, FLPop. 74,896 | #1252 | 42.3 | $51,165 | $1,684/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Lakeville, MNPop. 74,354 | #45 | 70.9 | $139,041 | $1,806/mo | 92 | 23.6 min |
| Bolingbrook, ILPop. 74,096 | #226 | 63.8 | $108,400 | $1,749/mo | 220 | 30 min |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #175 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year | 29.2 min |
| Redlands, CAPop. 73,375 | #620 | 56.4 | $105,041 | $2,005/mo | 272 | 24.9 min |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #142 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 | 26.6 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 New Britain compare with the rest of Connecticut?
New Britain ranks #16 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 53.1 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 39% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 3.9 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% 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 New Britain's score calculated?
New Britain scores 53.1 out of 100, #814 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 New Britain. Similar-size median 55.5.
36.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by New Britain's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
67.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Britain. Similar-size median 58.9.
38.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Britain's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
75.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
New Britain's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
71.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Britain. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Britain. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Britain. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Britain's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: New Britain'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 New Britain 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 New Britain
Is New Britain, CT a good place to live?
New Britain ranks #814 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #348 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($223,600, #92 of 524), and trails on low household income ($58,613, #451 of 524) and high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476).
What is the cost of living in New Britain?
New Britain'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 $1,253/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $312,170, 31% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in New Britain?
New Britain recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 3.9 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #755 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #336 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Britain Police Department. Property crime runs 1,703 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in New Britain?
The median household in New Britain earns $58,613, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Britain?
Median rent in New Britain is $1,253/mo (Census), #488 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,623/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Britain?
The typical home value in New Britain is $312,170, up 8% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $223,600.
How are the public schools in New Britain?
New Britain's 13 public schools graduate 84.3% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $24,023 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Britain?
The average commute is 21.5 minutes, #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in New Britain?
New Britain 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 New Britain walkable?
New Britain scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 New Britain 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 New Britain?
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 New Britain?
New Britain has 74,223 residents. The median resident of New Britain is 34.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 19.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1177 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Britain compare with the rest of Connecticut?
New Britain ranks #16 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 53.1 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 39% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 3.9 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to New Britain?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Britain's population of 74,223 are Ellicott City, MD (#14 overall), Appleton, WI (#257 overall), Lauderhill, FL (#1252 overall), Lakeville, MN (#45 overall), and Bolingbrook, IL (#226 overall). New Britain is #814.