ConnecticutPop. 137,144Mid-size cities
Is Stamford a Good Place to Live? Stamford, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Stamford ranks #117 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 256 mid-size cities and #3 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (154 per 100,000, #33 of 235) and low unemployment (3.5%, #34 of 241), and trails on high rents ($2,276/mo, #231 of 256) and expensive homes ($624,400, #202 of 256).
Stamford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Stamford'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 Stamford?
Stamford'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 $2,276/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $724,387, 61% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Stamford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 106.9#1040 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $724,387#1022 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 | $2,966/mo#1032 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $624,400#1096 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,276/mo#1199 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.5%#945 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.
Stamford 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. Stamford is in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Stamford safe?
Stamford recorded 154 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 41% above Connecticut's 110. That ranks #248 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #33 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Stamford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,016 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Stamford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 154#248 of 1,085 | 110 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,016#225 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 Stamford?
The median household in Stamford earns $111,586, 34% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Stamford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $111,586#222 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.1%#507 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Stamford?
The median resident of Stamford is 38.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #234 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Stamford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 51.7%#234 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 48.8% | 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 Stamford's schools and health?
Stamford's 22 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $24,729 spent per pupil. 25.5% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Stamford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.3#112 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $24,729#67 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 25.5%#159 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.4%#187 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.3%#899 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. 16,251 students are enrolled in Stamford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Stamford?
The average commute in Stamford is 28.5 minutes (Connecticut 27); 9.6% of workers take transit and 19.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Stamford scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.7°F and winters 32.3°F, with 47.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Stamford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.5 min#1030 of 1,312 | 27 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 13.6%#1196 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 56.1% | 70.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 9.6% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.9% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.4% | 13.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.6#225 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 | 37.3 | 22.4 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 40.1 | 23.7 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 30.5 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 59.2 | 40.1 | 4.2 |
| May | 69.2 | 49.8 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 78 | 59.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 83.2 | 64.9 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 63.6 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 74.2 | 56.7 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 63 | 45.5 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 52.2 | 36.2 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 42.3 | 28 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Westchester Co Airport.
| Measure | Stamford | 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 | 71.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.8 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 Westchester Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Stamford?
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 | Stamford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 21#975 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#783 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 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 Stamford compare with similar-size cities?
Stamford is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #15 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 137,144.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 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 |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 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 |
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 Stamford compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Stamford ranks #3 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 67.9 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 16% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 61% 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 Stamford's score calculated?
Stamford scores 67.9 out of 100, #117 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 Stamford. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Stamford's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
89.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Stamford. Similar-size median 53.8.
76.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Stamford's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
80.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Stamford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
39.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Stamford. Similar-size median 51.2.
70.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Stamford. Similar-size median 42.1.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Stamford. Similar-size median 50.1.
61.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Stamford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
46.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Stamford'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 Stamford 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 Stamford
Is Stamford, CT a good place to live?
Stamford ranks #117 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 256 mid-size cities and #3 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (154 per 100,000, #33 of 235) and low unemployment (3.5%, #34 of 241), and trails on high rents ($2,276/mo, #231 of 256) and expensive homes ($624,400, #202 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Stamford?
Stamford'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 $2,276/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $724,387, 61% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Stamford?
Stamford recorded 154 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% below the US rate of 328 and 41% above Connecticut's 110. That ranks #248 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #33 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Stamford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,016 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Stamford?
The median household in Stamford earns $111,586, 34% above the US figure of $83,163 and 16% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Stamford?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,276/mo (Census), #1199 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,966/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Stamford?
The typical home value in Stamford is $724,387, up 7.7% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $624,400.
How are the public schools in Stamford?
Stamford's 22 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $24,729 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Stamford?
The average commute is 28.5 minutes, #1030 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 13.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Stamford?
Stamford averages 52°F over the year, 71.7°F in summer and 32.3°F in winter, with 47.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Stamford walkable?
Stamford scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 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 Stamford 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 Stamford?
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 Stamford?
Stamford has 137,144 residents. The median resident of Stamford is 38.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #234 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Stamford compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Stamford ranks #3 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 67.9 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 16% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 61% above the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Stamford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Stamford's population of 137,144 are Warren, MI (#1032 overall), Hampton, VA (#694 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), and Pasadena, CA (#783 overall). Stamford is #117.