ConnecticutPop. 134,349Mid-size cities
Is New Haven a Good Place to Live? New Haven, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
New Haven ranks #833 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (23.9%, #239 of 256) and low graduation rates (77.2%, #188 of 205).
New Haven by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with New Haven'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 Haven?
New Haven's cost of living index is 104.6, 5% above the US level of 100 and #931 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,488/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,182, 25% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | New Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 104.6#931 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $339,182#492 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 | $2,015/mo#719 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $287,100#494 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,488/mo#710 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 31.4%#1270 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.
New Haven 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 Haven is in the New Haven-Milford, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is New Haven safe?
New Haven recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 3.6 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #715 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Haven Police Department. Property crime runs 3,116 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | New Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 399#715 of 1,085 | 110 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,116#971 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 New Haven?
The median household in New Haven earns $56,851, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | New Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $56,851#1112 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23.9%#1216 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 New Haven?
The median resident of New Haven is 31.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 28.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | New Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 38.9%#492 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 28.4% | 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 New Haven's schools and health?
New Haven's 42 public schools graduate 77.2% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $21,372 spent per pupil. 37.9% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | New Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 77.2%#943 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.2#193 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,372#145 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 37.9%#1002 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.7%#1057 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. 20,767 students are enrolled in New Haven's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in New Haven?
The average commute in New Haven is 21.5 minutes (Connecticut 27); 6.7% of workers take transit and 13.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index New Haven scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.6°F and winters 32.9°F, with 41.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | New Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.5 min#464 of 1,312 | 27 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.1%#727 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 55.8% | 70.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.7% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 13.8% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.9% | 13.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.9#174 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 | 38.1 | 23 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 40.2 | 23.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 47 | 30.1 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 57.8 | 39.3 | 4.2 |
| May | 67.7 | 49.4 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 76.4 | 59.3 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 82.1 | 65.7 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 81 | 64.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 74.7 | 57.3 | 4 |
| Oct | 63.8 | 45.5 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 35.9 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 43.7 | 28.9 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Haven Tweed Airport.
| Measure | New Haven | 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 | 71.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 41.8 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 New Haven Tweed Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in New Haven?
New Haven County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Central Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | New Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.15%#699 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 New Haven County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, South Central Connecticut Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.03% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0076% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0044% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% 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 Haven compare with similar-size cities?
New Haven is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #145 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 134,349.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #833 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 | 21.5 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #509 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 | 29.9 min |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #590 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 | 30.4 min |
| Carrollton, TXPop. 133,740 | #270 | 62.7 | $101,396 | $1,735/mo | 98 | 24.1 min |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #580 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 | 24.7 min |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #302 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 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 Haven compare with the rest of Connecticut?
New Haven ranks #17 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 41% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 3.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 25% 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 Haven's score calculated?
New Haven scores 52.7 out of 100, #833 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 Haven. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by New Haven's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
59.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in New Haven. Similar-size median 53.8.
44.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in New Haven's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
64.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
New Haven's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
65.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in New Haven. Similar-size median 51.2.
20.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in New Haven. Similar-size median 42.1.
44.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in New Haven. Similar-size median 50.1.
72.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across New Haven's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
50.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: New Haven'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 New Haven 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 Haven
Is New Haven, CT a good place to live?
New Haven ranks #833 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (23.9%, #239 of 256) and low graduation rates (77.2%, #188 of 205).
What is the cost of living in New Haven?
New Haven's cost of living index is 104.6, 5% above the US level of 100 and #931 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,488/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,182, 25% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in New Haven?
New Haven recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% above the US rate of 328 and 3.6 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #715 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by New Haven Police Department. Property crime runs 3,116 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in New Haven?
The median household in New Haven earns $56,851, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in New Haven?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,488/mo (Census), #710 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,015/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 31.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in New Haven?
The typical home value in New Haven is $339,182, up 6.1% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $287,100.
How are the public schools in New Haven?
New Haven's 42 public schools graduate 77.2% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $21,372 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in New Haven?
The average commute is 21.5 minutes, #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 6.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in New Haven?
New Haven averages 52°F over the year, 71.6°F in summer and 32.9°F in winter, with 41.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is New Haven walkable?
New Haven scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 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 Haven at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Central Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in New Haven?
New Haven County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in New Haven?
New Haven has 134,349 residents. The median resident of New Haven is 31.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 28.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does New Haven compare with the rest of Connecticut?
New Haven ranks #17 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 41% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 3.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to New Haven?
The tracked cities in other states closest to New Haven's population of 134,349 are Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), Pasadena, CA (#783 overall), Dayton, OH (#1289 overall), Coral Springs, FL (#509 overall), and Kent, WA (#590 overall). New Haven is #833.