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Population Review

West Haven, Connecticut Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of West Haven, Connecticut is 55,147 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest city in Connecticut. The median household income is $73,566, the median home value is $265,200, and the median age is 36.0.

The population has declined 0.3% since 2010 (55,570 → 55,379).

55,147

Population

5130

People / sq mi

$73,566

Median Income

$265,200

Median Home Value

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West Haven covers 10.8 sq mi of land at 5130 people per square mile.

About West Haven, CT

West Haven stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 5,130 people per square mile. With 55,147 residents, West Haven is a city in Connecticut. It ranks #12 among cities in Connecticut by population.

The typical household here earns about $73,566, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $265,200, with typical rent around $1,389.

Roughly 29.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in West Haven: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

West Haven city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of West Haven city had a population of 55,570 in 2010 and 55,379 in 2024, a -0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 55,570 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.02%.

2010 · 56K20102024
West Haven city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

55,379

Population (2024)

55,570

Population (2010)

55,570

Peak (2010)

-0.02%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201055,570
201155,510
201255,284
201355,130
201455,289
201554,872
201654,640
201754,841
201854,895
201954,620
202055,553
202155,303
202255,297
202355,245
202455,379

Race & Ethnicity

White51.4%
Black or African American19.6%
Asian0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.9%
Two or More Races0.2%

Economy & Income

$73,566

Median Household Income

$35,483

Per Capita Income

8.5%

Poverty Rate

4.3%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$265,200

Median Home Value

$1,389

Median Rent

51.1%

Owner-Occupied

Education

87.7%

High School+

29.0%

Bachelor's+

Commute

3.4%

Drive Alone

73.6%

Public Transit

8.6%

Work From Home

24.0 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

20.5%

Foreign Born

69.5%

Non-English at Home

4.9%

Veterans

11.6%

With Disability

90.9%

Health Insurance

94.6%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management32.3%
Education, Health Care & Social Services13.2%
Manufacturing9.0%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate8.8%
Retail Trade7.0%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.4%
Construction5.1%
Information4.0%
Public Administration2.7%
Transportation & Warehousing1.2%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in Connecticut

Largest counties in Connecticut

Part of Connecticut

Metro areas in Connecticut

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

West Haven, Connecticut has a population of 55,147 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest city in Connecticut.

The median household income in West Haven, Connecticut is $73,566, with 8.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in West Haven, Connecticut is $265,200, with median monthly rent at $1,389 and a homeownership rate of 51.1%.

The median age in West Haven, Connecticut is 36.0 years. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

The population has declined 0.3% since 2010 (55,570 → 55,379).

Where to stay in West Haven

Visiting or relocating to West Haven, CT? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.