ConnecticutPop. 39,973Small cities
Is Norwich a Good Place to Live? Norwich, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norwich ranks #541 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #101 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (100.4, #171 of 208).
Norwich by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norwich'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 Norwich?
Norwich's cost of living index is 100.4, in line with the US level of 100 and #698 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,253/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $306,163, 32% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Norwich | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 100.4#698 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $306,163#396 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 | $1,827/mo#596 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $242,300#369 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,253/mo#488 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% | 23.1%#789 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.
Norwich 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. Norwich is in the Norwich-New London, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Norwich safe?
Norwich recorded 215 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% below the US rate of 328 and 2 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #380 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #71 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norwich Police Department. Property crime runs 1,033 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Norwich | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 215#380 of 1,085 | 110 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,033#232 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 Norwich?
The median household in Norwich earns $65,024, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Norwich | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $65,024#923 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.7%#961 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Norwich?
The median resident of Norwich is 38.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1057 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norwich | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 23.1%#1057 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 53.8% | 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 Norwich's schools and health?
Norwich's 11 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $17,724 spent per pupil. 35.2% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Norwich | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.3%#508 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.2#104 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $17,724#358 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.2%#789 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.6%#715 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.1%#886 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.1%#881 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. 5,410 students are enrolled in Norwich's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norwich?
The average commute in Norwich is 24 minutes (Connecticut 27); 2.7% of workers take transit and 7.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norwich scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.8°F and winters 32.1°F, with 52.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norwich | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 27 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 75.9% | 70.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.7% | 4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.2% | 13.4% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 11.2#563 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 | 37.7 | 21.2 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 40.5 | 22.9 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 47.8 | 29.4 | 5.1 |
| Apr | 59.3 | 39.1 | 4.7 |
| May | 69.9 | 48.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.4 | 58.5 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 84.1 | 64.8 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82.6 | 62.7 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 54.9 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 63.9 | 43.6 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 53 | 34.3 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 43.2 | 27 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norwich Public Utility Plt.
| Measure | Norwich | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 51.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 71.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 52.2 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 Norwich Public Utility Plt.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norwich?
New London County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Norwich | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#654 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 New London County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.035% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0022% | 62% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 23% 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 Norwich compare with similar-size cities?
Norwich is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #101 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 39,973.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #541 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 | 24 min |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #1077 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 | 23.8 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 min |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #316 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 | 15.4 min |
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #1203 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 | 22.9 min |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #1307 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 | 19.3 min |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 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 Norwich compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Norwich ranks #14 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 32% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 32% 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 Norwich's score calculated?
Norwich scores 57.4 out of 100, #541 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Norwich. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norwich's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
85.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norwich. Similar-size median 52.2.
50.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norwich's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
71.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norwich's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
72.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norwich. Similar-size median 46.7.
37.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norwich. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norwich. Similar-size median 47.3.
43.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norwich's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
53.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
58.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Norwich'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 Norwich 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 Norwich
Is Norwich, CT a good place to live?
Norwich ranks #541 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #101 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (100.4, #171 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Norwich?
Norwich's cost of living index is 100.4, in line with the US level of 100 and #698 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,253/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $306,163, 32% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Norwich?
Norwich recorded 215 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 34% below the US rate of 328 and 2 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #380 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #71 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norwich Police Department. Property crime runs 1,033 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Norwich?
The median household in Norwich earns $65,024, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Norwich?
Median rent in Norwich 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 $1,827/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norwich?
The typical home value in Norwich is $306,163, up 6.3% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $242,300.
How are the public schools in Norwich?
Norwich's 11 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.2 students per teacher and $17,724 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norwich?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norwich?
Norwich averages 51.8°F over the year, 71.8°F in summer and 32.1°F in winter, with 52.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norwich walkable?
Norwich scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 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 Norwich at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Norwich?
New London County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Norwich?
Norwich has 39,973 residents. The median resident of Norwich is 38.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 23.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1057 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norwich compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Norwich ranks #14 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 32% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Norwich?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norwich's population of 39,973 are Hobbs, NM (#1077 overall), Owasso, OK (#360 overall), West Fargo, ND (#73 overall), Wausau, WI (#316 overall), and Dover, DE (#1203 overall). Norwich is #541.