Moving to Connecticut statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Connecticut?

Approximately 94,990 people moved to Connecticut in 2023, while 145,315 moved out. This represents a net gain of 3,606 residents. Unlike neighboring Massachusetts and New York, Connecticut lost a significantly smaller share of residents to out-migration during this period.

Though Connecticut’s population has increased slightly within the past decade due to international migration, it’s not among the most popular states for domestic migrants. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Connecticut ranked as the 42nd most desired state to relocate to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Connecticut

Based on carefully analyzed data, Connecticut’s fifth highest safety score allowed it to rank as the 30th best U.S. state to move to in 2024. While Connecticut is about as expensive as other New England states, below average economy and quality of life scores hold it back from ranking as highly as its neighbor to the north, Massachusetts.

Of those moving to the Constitution State, the majority are relocating to coastal towns and cities. New Haven attracted the most new residents, adding 1,293 (1% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Shelton — a smaller town just west of New Haven — saw the highest population growth, expanding by 3.1% within that same period.

The only top city to break this coastal popularity trend is Bristol, a small city in central Connecticut that added 754 new residents between 2020 and 2023.

The top five regions in Connecticut people moved to between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Connecticut?

With the fifth highest safety ranking in the U.S., many people choose to move to Connecticut for a sense of secure living. The state’s median household income of $90,549 is also over 20% higher than the U.S. median of $75,358, making it appealing for job seekers.

The largest industries in the state are education and health services, trade, transportation, and utilities, and government. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 53% of nonfarm workers. The fastest growing industry in the state is leisure and hospitality, growing by 2.6% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Connecticut housing statistics

With a median rent price of roughly $1,795 and a median home sale price of $435,900, Connecticut renters and homeowners can expect to pay slightly above the national median for housing.

However, at a rate of 1.79% — the sixth highest in the nation — Connecticut’s property taxes are an expense would-be movers should factor into their budget. The property tax rate here is more than double that of the lowest 24 states.

The average property tax paid in Connecticut is far higher than average but varies greatly by county. Residents in Fairfield County paid an average of $8,139 annually in 2021, while those in Windham County paid less than half that at an average of $3,942.

Cost-of-living statistics in Connecticut

With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, Connecticut has the 12th highest cost of living in the nation. Though this may seem high, it offers the third lowest cost-of-living index in New England — just behind Maine and Rhode Island.

In line with Connecticut’s cost of living, the state also has higher-than-average gas prices. The average cost per gallon is $3.56, compared to the U.S. average of $3.26. In part, this can be attributed to Connecticut’s conscious investment in renewable energy, ranking it as the 11th most green state in the nation.

Partially making up for the high cost of living, the Constitution State’s median household income of $90,549 is one of the highest in the nation and just over 20% higher than the U.S. median of $75,358. The unemployment rate of 3.9% is also slightly below the national unemployment rate (4.2%).

Overall, while Connecticut is generally more expensive than other states in the U.S., a high median household income helps to offset the financial challenges movers may face.

Who lives in Connecticut?

An estimated 3,617,176 people live in Connecticut as of 2023, making it the 29th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 8,470 compared to 2022. While domestic migrants played a small role in this increase, most of the growth came from international migrants.

The Constitution State’s population is skewed female, with women accounting for 51% of the population and men accounting for 49%. In 2023, around 1.84 million Connecticut residents were female, and 1.77 million were male.

On average, Connecticut’s population is also significantly older (41.3 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. Those between 45 to 64 years old are the largest age demographic, accounting for 26.3% of the population, or 950,915 people.

Though Connecticut is a diverse state, White Americans still account for the largest share of residents, approximating 78% of the population (roughly 2.8 million people). The Constitution State also has moderately-sized Hispanic, Black and Asian populations, accounting for 18.6%, 13.1% and 5.2% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Connecticut

Not sure how to start your move to Connecticut? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Prepare for the cost of living

While Connecticut has the 12th highest cost of living in the nation, expenses will vary based on where you choose to relocate. The state’s urban coast is particularly expensive — especially as you get closer to NYC — while northern, rural regions are more affordable. We recommend using websites like CT.gov to research home prices, utility rates and other costs in your desired area.

2. Learn about the job market

Connecticut offers one of the most diverse job markets for young professionals, with opportunities available in education, health care, finance and more. Close proximity to New York City and Boston can also present high-paying opportunities for those willing to commute. Before making the move, utilize the Connecticut Department of Labor website to explore the job openings and workforce development programs available to you.

3. Research transportation options

With access to some of the nation's largest cities, public transportation can be a viable option for many Connecticut residents. The Metro-North Railroad provides commuter rail service to New York City, while cities like Hartford and New Haven offer extensive bus networks. However, the state’s more rural and mountainous Northwest can be a challenge to navigate without a personal vehicle. You can explore transportation options on the CTDOT website.

4. Prepare for seasonal weather

Though Connecticut’s coastal weather is generally milder than its New England counterparts, you can still expect to experience all four seasons. Summers are generally hot and humid, while the occasional nor’easter is common in the winter. Investing in both appropriate winter and summer essentials is important, including comfortable clothing and effective HVAC systems. To stay up to date on the latest weather events, visit the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security website.

5. Enjoy Connecticut's charm and history

From picturesque coastal towns to historic landmarks, the Constitution State offers movers classic New England history and charm. Spend a day at the Mystic Seaport, or visit Mark Twain’s historic home in Hartford. Regardless of what interests you, you can find a wealth of attractions to explore on Connecticut’s tourism office website.

6. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Connecticut, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.