ConnecticutPop. 114,869Mid-size cities
Is Waterbury a Good Place to Live? Waterbury, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waterbury ranks #1059 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($208,500, #37 of 256) and low rents ($1,225/mo, #61 of 256), and trails on low household income ($51,886, #242 of 256) and high poverty (24.7%, #242 of 256).
Waterbury by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waterbury'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 Waterbury?
Waterbury's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,225/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $287,514, 36% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Waterbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 99.8#637 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $287,514#344 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 | $1,540/mo#369 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $208,500#253 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,225/mo#463 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.3%#1201 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.
Waterbury 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. Waterbury is in the New Haven-Milford, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Waterbury safe?
Waterbury recorded 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #556 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #100 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waterbury Police Department. Property crime runs 2,354 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waterbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 295#556 of 1,085 | 110 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,354#817 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 Waterbury?
The median household in Waterbury earns $51,886, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 6.2% (US 4.3%). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waterbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $51,886#1205 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.2%#992 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 24.7%#1231 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Waterbury?
The median resident of Waterbury is 37.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waterbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 17.3%#1222 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 47.2% | 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 Waterbury's schools and health?
Waterbury's 31 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $20,067 spent per pupil. 40.5% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Waterbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $20,067#193 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.5%#1143 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 18.5%#1186 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. 18,189 students are enrolled in Waterbury's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waterbury?
The average commute in Waterbury is 28 minutes (Connecticut 27); 3.9% of workers take transit and 8.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waterbury scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71°F and winters 30.2°F, with 44.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waterbury | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28 min#1000 of 1,312 | 27 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.4%#1021 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 69.8% | 70.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.9% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.3% | 13.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.8#355 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 | 18.7 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 39.1 | 20.2 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 47.5 | 28.2 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 59.9 | 37.8 | 4.1 |
| May | 70.4 | 47.8 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 78.7 | 57 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 84 | 62.5 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 61.1 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 53.6 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 63.6 | 41.8 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 52 | 32.1 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 41.7 | 24.5 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Meriden Markham Muni Airport.
| Measure | Waterbury | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 30.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44.9 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 Meriden Markham Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waterbury?
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 Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Waterbury | 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% | 0.17%#790 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, Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.026% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% 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 Waterbury compare with similar-size cities?
Waterbury is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #200 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 114,869.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Carlsbad, CAPop. 114,373 | #336 | 61.2 | $142,748 | $2,808/mo | 212 | 27.1 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Pompano Beach, FLPop. 114,147 | #1030 | 49.5 | $67,195 | $1,724/mo | part year | 27.1 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 Waterbury compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Waterbury ranks #19 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 48.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 46% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% 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 Waterbury's score calculated?
Waterbury scores 48.7 out of 100, #1059 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Waterbury. Similar-size median 52.9.
29.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waterbury's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
71.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waterbury. Similar-size median 53.8.
36.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waterbury's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
65.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waterbury's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
74.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waterbury. Similar-size median 51.2.
17.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waterbury. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waterbury. Similar-size median 50.1.
43.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waterbury's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
47.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waterbury'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 Waterbury 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 Waterbury
Is Waterbury, CT a good place to live?
Waterbury ranks #1059 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($208,500, #37 of 256) and low rents ($1,225/mo, #61 of 256), and trails on low household income ($51,886, #242 of 256) and high poverty (24.7%, #242 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Waterbury?
Waterbury's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,225/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $287,514, 36% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Waterbury?
Waterbury recorded 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times Connecticut's 110. That ranks #556 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #100 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waterbury Police Department. Property crime runs 2,354 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waterbury?
The median household in Waterbury earns $51,886, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 46% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 6.2% (US 4.3%). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waterbury?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,225/mo (Census), #463 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,540/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waterbury?
The typical home value in Waterbury is $287,514, up 3.4% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $208,500.
How are the public schools in Waterbury?
Waterbury's 31 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $20,067 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waterbury?
The average commute is 28 minutes, #1000 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 9.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waterbury?
Waterbury averages 50.7°F over the year, 71°F in summer and 30.2°F in winter, with 44.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waterbury walkable?
Waterbury scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Waterbury at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waterbury?
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 Waterbury?
Waterbury has 114,869 residents. The median resident of Waterbury is 37.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 17.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1222 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waterbury compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Waterbury ranks #19 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 48.7 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 46% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Waterbury?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waterbury's population of 114,869 are Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Westminster, CO (#474 overall), Odessa, TX (#826 overall), Elgin, IL (#432 overall), and Provo, UT (#625 overall). Waterbury is #1059.