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Is West Hartford a Good Place to Live? West Hartford, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Hartford ranks #10 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (45 per 100,000, #7 of 444) and low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
West Hartford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Hartford'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 West Hartford?
West Hartford's cost of living index is 102.7, 3% above the US level of 100 and #836 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,756/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,334, 13% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | West Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.7#836 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $509,334#828 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 | $2,448/mo#899 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $411,000#813 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,756/mo#925 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.2%#109 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.
West Hartford 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. West Hartford is in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is West Hartford safe?
West Hartford recorded 45 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 86% below the US rate of 328 and 59% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #19 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #7 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Hartford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,943 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | West Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 45#19 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,943#688 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 West Hartford?
The median household in West Hartford earns $129,890, 56% above the US figure of $83,163 and 35% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | West Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $129,890#109 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.3%#200 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
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 West Hartford?
The median resident of West Hartford is 40.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 66.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #70 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Hartford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 66.6%#70 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 67.4% | 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 West Hartford's schools and health?
West Hartford's 17 public schools graduate 93.2% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $24,041 spent per pupil. 27.2% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | West Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.2%#166 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.4#120 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $24,041#73 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.2%#230 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.2%#164 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.1%#156 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. 9,485 students are enrolled in West Hartford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Hartford?
The average commute in West Hartford is 22.3 minutes (Connecticut 27); 1.4% of workers take transit and 22.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Hartford scores 12.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #444 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.8°F and winters 31.1°F, with 42.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | West Hartford | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.3 min#528 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5%#570 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 65.3% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.5% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.3#444 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 | 36.8 | 20.3 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 39.5 | 22.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 47.6 | 29.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 60.1 | 40 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.9 | 50.1 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 79.6 | 59.8 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 84.6 | 65.7 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 83 | 64.2 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 75.6 | 56 | 4 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 44.3 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 52.1 | 34.6 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 41.7 | 25.9 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hartford Brainard Fld.
| Measure | West Hartford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 31.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 42.8 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 Hartford Brainard Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Hartford?
Hartford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Capitol Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | West Hartford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#636 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 Hartford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Capitol Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 79% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0065% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.004% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.003% | 28% 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 West Hartford compare with similar-size cities?
West Hartford is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #5 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 63,620.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #10 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 | 22.3 min |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #111 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 | 27.1 min |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #696 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 | 25 min |
| Millcreek, UTPop. 63,648 | #359 | 60.8 | $98,045 | $1,492/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #420 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 | 23.2 min |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #1098 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 | 24.5 min |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #607 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 | 22.9 min |
| San Clemente, CAPop. 63,273 | #299 | 62.1 | $140,062 | $2,460/mo | 166 | 28.6 min |
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #2 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 | 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 West Hartford compare with the rest of Connecticut?
West Hartford ranks #1 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 75.4 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 35% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 West Hartford's score calculated?
West Hartford scores 75.4 out of 100, #10 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; growth and outdoor access are 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 · 17% of score
Median household income and unemployment in West Hartford. Similar-size median 55.5.
81.8 - SafetyCity data · 14% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Hartford's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
89.5 - HealthCity data · 14% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Hartford. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.8 - EducationCity data · 14% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Hartford's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
87.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Hartford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
57.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Hartford. Similar-size median 56.1.
85.1 - TransportationCity data · 8% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Hartford. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 8% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Hartford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
59.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.0 - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for West Hartford.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Hartford'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 West Hartford 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 West Hartford
Is West Hartford, CT a good place to live?
West Hartford ranks #10 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (45 per 100,000, #7 of 444) and low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in West Hartford?
West Hartford's cost of living index is 102.7, 3% above the US level of 100 and #836 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,756/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $509,334, 13% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in West Hartford?
West Hartford recorded 45 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 86% below the US rate of 328 and 59% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #19 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #7 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Hartford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,943 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in West Hartford?
The median household in West Hartford earns $129,890, 56% above the US figure of $83,163 and 35% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in West Hartford?
Median rent in West Hartford is $1,756/mo (Census), #925 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,448/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Hartford?
The typical home value in West Hartford is $509,334, up 5.5% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $411,000.
How are the public schools in West Hartford?
West Hartford's 17 public schools graduate 93.2% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $24,041 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Hartford?
The average commute is 22.3 minutes, #528 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Hartford?
West Hartford averages 52°F over the year, 72.8°F in summer and 31.1°F in winter, with 42.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is West Hartford walkable?
West Hartford scores 12.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #444 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 West Hartford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Capitol Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in West Hartford?
Hartford County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in West Hartford?
West Hartford has 63,620 residents. The median resident of West Hartford is 40.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 66.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #70 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Hartford compare with the rest of Connecticut?
West Hartford ranks #1 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 75.4 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 35% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 59% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to West Hartford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Hartford's population of 63,620 are Huntersville, NC (#111 overall), Sanford, FL (#696 overall), Millcreek, UT (#359 overall), Coon Rapids, MN (#420 overall), and Hamilton, OH (#1098 overall). West Hartford is #10.