ConnecticutPop. 55,351Smaller cities
Is West Haven a Good Place to Live? West Haven, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Haven ranks #435 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (65 per 100,000, #20 of 444), and trails on low graduation rates (77.4%, #388 of 437).
West Haven by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Haven'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 Haven?
West Haven's cost of living index is 104.6, 5% above the US level of 100 and #931 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,442/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $366,562, 19% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | West Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.6#931 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $366,562#557 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 | $1,978/mo#699 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $291,700#508 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,442/mo#677 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.3%#810 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 Haven 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 Haven is in the New Haven-Milford, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is West Haven safe?
West Haven recorded 65 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #56 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Haven Police Department. Property crime runs 891 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | West Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 65#56 of 1,085 | 110 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 891#173 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 Haven?
The median household in West Haven earns $74,382, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | West Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $74,382#721 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.1%#804 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| 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 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 Haven?
The median resident of West Haven is 35.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.5%#773 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 50.6% | 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 West Haven's schools and health?
West Haven's 10 public schools graduate 77.4% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $21,325 spent per pupil. 35.7% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | West Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.4%#936 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $21,325#148 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.7%#834 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.8%#857 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. 6,425 students are enrolled in West Haven's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Haven?
The average commute in West Haven is 22.9 minutes (Connecticut 27); 3% of workers take transit and 9.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Haven scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.6°F and winters 32.9°F, with 41.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | West Haven | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 27 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.6% | 70.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3% | 4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.2% | 13.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.8#355 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 | 38.1 | 23 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 40.2 | 23.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 47 | 30.1 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 57.8 | 39.3 | 4.2 |
| May | 67.7 | 49.4 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 76.4 | 59.3 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 82.1 | 65.7 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 81 | 64.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 74.7 | 57.3 | 4 |
| Oct | 63.8 | 45.5 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 35.9 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 43.7 | 28.9 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at New Haven Tweed Airport.
| Measure | West Haven | 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 | 71.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 41.8 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 New Haven Tweed Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Haven?
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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | West Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#699 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 New Haven County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, South Central Connecticut Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.03% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0076% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0044% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% 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 Haven compare with similar-size cities?
West Haven is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 55,351.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #76 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 | 25.9 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #690 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 | 21.3 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #1162 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 | 40.5 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 Haven compare with the rest of Connecticut?
West Haven ranks #10 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 23% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 19% 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 West Haven's score calculated?
West Haven scores 59.4 out of 100, #435 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 West Haven. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Haven's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
96.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Haven. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Haven's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Haven's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
65.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Haven. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West Haven. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Haven. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Haven's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
50.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Haven'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 Haven 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 Haven
Is West Haven, CT a good place to live?
West Haven ranks #435 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (65 per 100,000, #20 of 444), and trails on low graduation rates (77.4%, #388 of 437).
What is the cost of living in West Haven?
West Haven's cost of living index is 104.6, 5% above the US level of 100 and #931 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,442/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $366,562, 19% below the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in West Haven?
West Haven recorded 65 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #56 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Haven Police Department. Property crime runs 891 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in West Haven?
The median household in West Haven earns $74,382, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in West Haven?
Median rent in West Haven is $1,442/mo (Census), #677 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,978/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Haven?
The typical home value in West Haven is $366,562, up 7.8% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $291,700.
How are the public schools in West Haven?
West Haven's 10 public schools graduate 77.4% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $21,325 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Haven?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Haven?
West Haven averages 52°F over the year, 71.6°F in summer and 32.9°F in winter, with 41.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is West Haven walkable?
West Haven 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 West Haven at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Central Connecticut Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in West Haven?
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 West Haven?
West Haven has 55,351 residents. The median resident of West Haven is 35.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Haven compare with the rest of Connecticut?
West Haven ranks #10 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 23% below the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to West Haven?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Haven's population of 55,351 are Mount Prospect, IL (#76 overall), Anderson, IN (#980 overall), Texas City, TX (#861 overall), Chicopee, MA (#690 overall), and Valdosta, GA (#1150 overall). West Haven is #435.