Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Connecticut
The population of Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut is 174,983 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Connecticut. The median household income is $101,117, the median home value is $359,000, and the median age is 45.8.
The population of Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region has grown 2.5% since 2020 (173,281 → 177,540), a +0.61% annualized rate.
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, CT
174,983
Population
+0.61%
Annual growth
413
People / sq mi
$101,117
Median Income
$359,000
Median Home Value
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region covers 424 sq mi of land at 412.6 people per square mile.
About Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, CT
Among US counties, Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region stands out first on household income: a median of $101,117, above the US median of $78,538. With 174,983 residents, Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region is a county in Connecticut. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Connecticut nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $101,117, putting Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region near the top of US counties. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.7%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $359,000, with typical rent around $1,399.
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region is among the best-educated US counties: 45.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.1% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region Population History (2020-2024)
The county of Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region had a population of 173,281 in 2020 and 177,540 in 2024, a 2.5% growth over 4 years. The peak was 177,540 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.61%.
177,540
Population (2024)
173,281
Population (2020)
177,540
Peak (2024)
0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 173,281 |
| 2021 | 175,456 |
| 2022 | 176,159 |
| 2023 | 176,674 |
| 2024 | 177,540 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.1% |
| Black or African American | 5.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.8
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $101,117+$7,357 vs state |
| Mean household income | $134,068 |
| Per-capita income | $56,906 |
| Poverty rate | 3.7%-3.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region is professional & business services, accounting for 26.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
73.3%
Public transit
15.1%
Work from home
26.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$359,000+$15,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,399
Median rent
75.2%
Homeownership rate
82,771
Total housing units
88.9%
Occupied
11.1%
Vacant
24.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
27.5%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
11.5%
With a disability
89.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.2%
High School+
45.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Connecticut
Other counties in Connecticut
Part of Connecticut
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut has a population of 174,983 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Connecticut. Population density is 413 people per square mile.
The population of Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region has grown 2.5% since 2020 (173,281 → 177,540), a +0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut is $101,117, with mean (average) household income of $134,068 and per-capita income of $56,906. 3.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.1%), Black or African American (5.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut is 45.8 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region is $359,000 and median monthly rent is $1,399. 75.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 82,771 total housing units, 11.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Bridgeport is among the largest cities associated with Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut, with a population of 148,012.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.