Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Connecticut . Top 10 Worst Cities In Connecticut to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Connecticut. Top 10 Worst Villages in Connecticut. If you’re thinking about a move to Connecticut, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Connecticut You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Connecticut. 10 Places in Connecticut You Should NEVER Move To.

TOP 10 WORST CITIES TO LIVE IN CONNECTICUT

Table of Contents

• 1. HARTFORD
• 2. WILLIMANTIC
• 3. BRIDGEPORT
• 4. NEW HAVEN
• 5. NEW BRITAIN
• 6. WATERBURY
• 7. DERBY
• 8. NEW LONDON
• 9. PUTNAM
• 10. NEW MILFORD

 

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1. HARTFORD

Located in central Connecticut, Hartford is the state capital and a significant center for finance and culture. Positioned along the Connecticut River, the city is known as the "Insurance Capital of the World" due to its extensive insurance industry and is home to cultural landmarks such as the Wadsworth Atheneum and the Mark Twain House.

The city faces severe socioeconomic challenges, ranking 3rd in poverty and median income within the state. Hartford has a poverty rate of 28%, which is 98.58% higher than the national average, and a median household income of $36,154, which is 46.44% below the national average. The unemployment rate stands at 11.3%, significantly surpassing the national rate by 140.43%. These figures indicate considerable financial difficulty for many residents.

In terms of crime, Hartford has the highest rates in the state. It ranks 1st in Violent Crimes, Assaults, and Rapes, and 2nd in Total Crimes, Property Crimes, and Robberies. The city is also 3rd in Car Thefts and Burglaries and 4th in Murders. The overall crime rate is 74.88% higher than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 155.72% higher. Residents face a 1 in 101 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 32 chance of property crime.

Population : 122549
Unemployment Rate : 11.3%
Poverty : 28%
Median Home Value : $170200
Median Home Income : $36154
Overall Score : 4/10
Violent Crime : 1208
Property Crime : 3787

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2. WILLIMANTIC

Located in eastern Connecticut, Willimantic is a small city known for its historical ties to the textile industry and its location at the junction of the Willimantic and Natchaug Rivers. The city, which is part of the larger Windham County, has a reputation for its local arts scene and as the home of Eastern Connecticut State University.

Willimantic grapples with significant economic difficulties. It ranks 2nd in both median income and poverty within Connecticut. The city has a poverty rate of 30.9%, which is 120.71% higher than the national average, and a median household income of $35,630, which is 47.21% below the national average. Unemployment in Willimantic is high at 9.6%, exceeding the national rate by 104.26%. These economic challenges are reflected in the high levels of financial hardship among its residents.

Regarding crime, Willimantic faces notable issues as well. It ranks 5th in Rapes and has elevated crime rates. The overall crime rate in the city is significantly higher than the national average, with the property crime rate being particularly concerning.

Population : 18669
Unemployment Rate : 9.6%
Poverty : 30.9%
Median Home Value : $151500
Median Home Income : $35630
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 21
Property Crime : 154

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3. BRIDGEPORT

Located in southwestern Connecticut, Bridgeport is the largest city in the state and is known for its historic waterfront and cultural diversity. Situated along Long Island Sound, it has a rich history tied to maritime industries and is also recognized for its vibrant arts scene and numerous museums.

Bridgeport struggles with economic hardship, ranking 7th in poverty and 10th in median income within Connecticut. The city has a poverty rate of 23.2%, which is 65.71% higher than the national average, and a median household income of $47,484, which is 29.65% below the national average. The unemployment rate is 11.5%, significantly higher than the national average by 144.68%. These economic indicators reflect the substantial financial difficulties faced by many residents.

The crime situation in Bridgeport is notable, with the city ranking 3rd in Violent Crimes, Murders, Robberies, and Assaults. It is also 1st in Burglaries. The overall crime rate is 23.73% higher than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 48.02% higher. Residents have a 1 in 175 chance of being a victim of violent crime, and the property crime rate is 27.31% higher than the national average.

Population : 145014
Unemployment Rate : 11.5%
Poverty : 23.2%
Median Home Value : $186000
Median Home Income : $47484
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 829
Property Crime : 2514

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4. NEW HAVEN

Located in southern Connecticut, New Haven is known for its prestigious Yale University and its rich cultural heritage. Positioned along the Long Island Sound, the city is a hub of education, arts, and history, with landmarks such as the Yale Peabody Museum and the New Haven Green.

New Haven experiences significant socioeconomic challenges, ranking 5th in poverty and 6th in median income within the state. The poverty rate is 25.2%, which is 80% higher than the national average, and the median household income is $44,507, which is 34.06% lower than the national average. Unemployment in the city stands at 8.6%, which is 82.98% higher than the national rate. These figures reflect the considerable financial strain faced by many residents.

The city also has high crime rates, ranking 1st in Total Crimes, Property Crimes, and Larcenies. It ranks 2nd in Violent Crimes, Assaults, and Car Thefts. The overall crime rate is 79.83% higher than the national average, and the violent crime rate is 82.37% higher. Residents face a 1 in 141 chance of being a victim of violent crime, and a 1 in 28 chance of property crime.

Population : 130381
Unemployment Rate : 8.6%
Poverty : 25.2%
Median Home Value : $205100
Median Home Income : $44507
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 922
Property Crime : 4575

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5. NEW BRITAIN

Located in central Connecticut, New Britain is known for its rich manufacturing history and is often referred to as "The Hardware City" due to its historical role in the hardware industry. The city is situated in Hartford County and features a diverse community with a range of cultural institutions and parks.

New Britain faces notable economic challenges, ranking 10th in poverty and 8th in median income within Connecticut. The city's poverty rate is 20.9%, which is 49.29% higher than the national average, and the median household income is $47,393, which is 29.79% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is 9.5%, exceeding the national average by 102.13%. These indicators reveal the financial struggles prevalent among residents.

In terms of crime, New Britain ranks 4th in Violent Crimes, 2nd in Rapes, and 5th in Burglaries. The overall crime rate is 23.73% higher than the national average, with the violent crime rate being 5.72% higher. Residents face a 1 in 244 chance of being a victim of violent crime, and a 1 in 40 chance of property crime.

Population : 72543
Unemployment Rate : 9.5%
Poverty : 20.9%
Median Home Value : $161900
Median Home Income : $47393
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 297
Property Crime : 1805

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6. WATERBURY

Located in southern Connecticut, Waterbury is known for its historical manufacturing industry and its vibrant cultural scene. The city, with a population of 107,841, is situated along the Naugatuck River and has a legacy of industrial innovation.

Waterbury faces significant socioeconomic challenges. It ranks 7th in median income and 9th in poverty within Connecticut. The poverty rate is 21.3%, which is 52.14% higher than the national average. The typical household in Waterbury earns $46,329 annually, 31.36% below the national average. Financial hardship is widespread, with about 1 in 5 residents living below the poverty line. Additionally, more than 1 in 10 households earns less than $10,000 per year. The unemployment rate stands at 9.3%, which is 97.87% higher than the national rate.

Waterbury also has a troubling crime rate. The overall crime rate is 28.87% higher than the national average, with the property crime rate being 35.37% higher. Residents face a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. The city ranks 5th in total crimes, 5th in violent crimes, 5th in murders, 4th in robberies, 3rd in rapes, and 4th in car thefts.

Population : 107841
Unemployment Rate : 9.3%
Poverty : 21.3%
Median Home Value : $132700
Median Home Income : $46329
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 400
Property Crime : 2843

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7. DERBY

Located in southwestern Connecticut, Derby is a small city with a population of 12,420. It is known for its historical industrial base and its community-oriented atmosphere. Situated along the Housatonic River, Derby has a rich history and a close-knit community.

Derby struggles with economic challenges, ranking 3rd in total crimes and 3rd in property crimes within the state. The median household income is $58,534, which is 13.28% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is 8.4%, 78.72% higher than the national average. Financial difficulties are compounded by a high cost of living, making it harder for residents to make ends meet.

The crime situation in Derby is concerning. The overall crime rate is 39.53% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 53.45% higher. Residents face a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. Derby ranks 5th in robberies, 3rd in burglaries, and 1st in car thefts.

Population : 12420
Unemployment Rate : 8.4%
Poverty : 12.4%
Median Home Value : $199300
Median Home Income : $58534
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 33
Property Crime : 369

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8. NEW LONDON

Located in southeastern Connecticut, New London is a city with a population of 27,001. It is known for its maritime history and as the home of the United States Coast Guard Academy. Situated along Long Island Sound, New London is a hub of education and culture.

New London faces significant economic hardships, ranking 9th in median income and 6th in poverty within Connecticut. The poverty rate is 23.9%, 70.71% higher than the national average. The typical household in New London earns $47,424 annually, 29.74% below the national average. More than 1 in 12 households earns less than $10,000 per year, compared to 5.8% nationwide. The unemployment rate is 7.4%, 57.45% higher than the national rate.

Crime in New London is also a concern. The overall crime rate is notably high, though specific crime rates are not detailed. The city ranks 1st in total crimes and has high rates of property crime, with residents facing elevated risks. The violent crime rate is significant, contributing to the city's overall high crime levels.

Population : 27001
Unemployment Rate : 7.4%
Poverty : 23.9%
Median Home Value : $186900
Median Home Income : $47424
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 67
Property Crime : 500

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9. PUTNAM

Located in northeastern Connecticut, Putnam is a small city with a population of 7,138. It is known for its charming downtown area and historical architecture. The city, located along the Quinebaug River, offers a blend of historic charm and community spirit.

Putnam has economic challenges, with a median household income of $61,411, which is 9.02% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is 6.1%, 29.79% higher than the national rate. The city's financial strain is exacerbated by a high cost of living.

Putnam has a notable crime issue, ranking 1st in rapes. The overall crime rate is elevated, though specific figures are not provided. The city faces a significant challenge with violent crime, contributing to its high crime ranking.

Population : 7138
Unemployment Rate : 6.1%
Poverty : 7.3%
Median Home Value : $187100
Median Home Income : $61411
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 21
Property Crime : 88

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10. NEW MILFORD

Located in western Connecticut, New Milford is a small city with a population of 6,749. Known for its scenic beauty and historical sites, New Milford is situated along the Housatonic River and offers a mix of rural charm and suburban convenience.

New Milford experiences financial strain, with a median household income of $66,097, which is 2.08% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate is relatively low at 4%, and the poverty rate is 7.7%. The city's high cost of living affects residents' financial stability.

Crime rates in New Milford are comparatively lower. The city has a moderate crime rate, with specific figures indicating lower levels of violent crime. Residents face a lower risk of violent crime compared to other cities, with a crime rate that is more manageable.

Population : 6749
Unemployment Rate : 4%
Poverty : 7.7%
Median Home Value : $259500
Median Home Income : $66097
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 20
Property Crime : 183

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