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Is Norwalk a Good Place to Live? Norwalk, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norwalk ranks #135 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #63 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (50 per 100,000, #9 of 444), and trails on high rents ($2,073/mo, #423 of 524).
Norwalk by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norwalk'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 Norwalk?
Norwalk'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 $2,073/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $676,843, 50% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Norwalk | 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 | $676,843#999 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 | $2,743/mo#974 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $558,000#1033 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,073/mo#1124 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.2x#881 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.1%#789 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.
Norwalk 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. Norwalk is in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Norwalk safe?
Norwalk recorded 50 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 85% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #27 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norwalk Police Department. Property crime runs 974 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Norwalk | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 50#27 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 974#203 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 Norwalk?
The median household in Norwalk earns $107,616, 29% above the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Norwalk | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $107,616#261 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.1%#425 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 Norwalk?
The median resident of Norwalk is 40.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #353 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norwalk | 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% | 44.8%#353 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.6% | 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 Norwalk's schools and health?
Norwalk's 23 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $26,181 spent per pupil. 26.7% of adults are obese and 9.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Norwalk | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.8#154 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $26,181#46 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.7%#210 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.3%#265 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.6%#213 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.7%#928 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. 11,640 students are enrolled in Norwalk's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norwalk?
The average commute in Norwalk is 27.1 minutes (Connecticut 27); 7.3% of workers take transit and 15.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norwalk scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.3°F and winters 32.4°F, with 51.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norwalk | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.7%#1042 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 64.8% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.3% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.9% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.1% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.6#633 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 | 38 | 22.2 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 41.4 | 23.1 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 49.1 | 30.4 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 62 | 40.3 | 4.4 |
| May | 72.3 | 50 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 79.8 | 58.5 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 84.8 | 64.4 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 82.9 | 63.1 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 75.7 | 56.2 | 5.2 |
| Oct | 64.4 | 44.6 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 53.1 | 35.1 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 42.7 | 27.3 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stamford 5 N.
| Measure | Norwalk | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.6 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 Stamford 5 N.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norwalk?
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 | Norwalk | 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 Norwalk compare with similar-size cities?
Norwalk is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #63 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 92,187.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #58 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #74 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Mission Viejo, CAPop. 92,151 | #289 | 62.2 | $136,123 | $2,839/mo | 119 | 26.6 min |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #249 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 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 Norwalk compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Norwalk ranks #4 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 67 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 12% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 50% 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 Norwalk's score calculated?
Norwalk scores 67 out of 100, #135 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 Norwalk. Similar-size median 55.5.
68.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norwalk's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
96.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norwalk. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norwalk's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
79.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norwalk's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
45.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norwalk. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norwalk. Similar-size median 42.4.
49.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norwalk. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norwalk's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
50.5 - 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: Norwalk'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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
Is Norwalk, CT a good place to live?
Norwalk ranks #135 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #63 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (50 per 100,000, #9 of 444), and trails on high rents ($2,073/mo, #423 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Norwalk?
Norwalk'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 $2,073/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $676,843, 50% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Norwalk?
Norwalk recorded 50 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 85% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #27 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norwalk Police Department. Property crime runs 974 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Norwalk?
The median household in Norwalk earns $107,616, 29% above the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Norwalk?
Median rent in Norwalk is $2,073/mo (Census), #1124 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,743/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norwalk?
The typical home value in Norwalk is $676,843, up 5.6% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $558,000.
How are the public schools in Norwalk?
Norwalk's 23 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.8 students per teacher and $26,181 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norwalk?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 9.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norwalk?
Norwalk averages 52.6°F over the year, 72.3°F in summer and 32.4°F in winter, with 51.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norwalk walkable?
Norwalk scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk?
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 Norwalk?
Norwalk has 92,187 residents. The median resident of Norwalk is 40.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #353 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norwalk compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Norwalk ranks #4 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 67 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 12% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 50% above the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Norwalk?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norwalk's population of 92,187 are Greenville, NC (#1026 overall), Hoover, AL (#118 overall), Kirkland, WA (#58 overall), Roswell, GA (#74 overall), and Avondale, AZ (#666 overall). Norwalk is #135.