South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Connecticut
The population of South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is 566,803 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Connecticut. The median household income is $86,266, the median home value is $328,300, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of South Central Connecticut Planning Region has grown 2.2% since 2020 (564,526 → 576,718), a +0.54% annualized rate.
South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT
566,803
Population
+0.54%
Annual growth
1543
People / sq mi
$86,266
Median Income
$328,300
Median Home Value
South Central Connecticut Planning Region covers 367 sq mi of land at 1543.4 people per square mile.
About South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT
South Central Connecticut Planning Region stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 1,543 people per square mile. South Central Connecticut Planning Region is a county in Connecticut with a population of 566,803. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Connecticut nationally.
The typical household earns $86,266 a year, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $328,300, with typical rent around $1,463.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 41.1% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. A solid 12.7% of workers are based at 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 South Central Connecticut Planning Region: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
South Central Connecticut Planning Region Population History (2020-2024)
The county of South Central Connecticut Planning Region had a population of 564,526 in 2020 and 576,718 in 2024, a 2.2% growth over 4 years. The peak was 576,718 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.54%.
576,718
Population (2024)
564,526
Population (2020)
576,718
Peak (2024)
0.54%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 564,526 |
| 2021 | 568,961 |
| 2022 | 569,866 |
| 2023 | 572,919 |
| 2024 | 576,718 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.0% |
| Black or African American | 14.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,266$-7,494 vs state |
| Mean household income | $118,110 |
| Per-capita income | $48,264 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in South Central Connecticut Planning Region is professional & business services, accounting for 33.3% of workers.
How residents commute
3.1%
Drive alone
4.1%
Carpool
71.1%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
23.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$328,300$-14,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,463
Median rent
60.6%
Homeownership rate
247,217
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
39.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
22.9%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
11.7%
With a disability
78.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.7%
High School+
41.1%
Bachelor's+
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Common questions about South Central Connecticut Planning Region, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut has a population of 566,803 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Connecticut. Population density is 1543 people per square mile.
The population of South Central Connecticut Planning Region has grown 2.2% since 2020 (564,526 → 576,718), a +0.54% annualized rate.
The median household income in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is $86,266, with mean (average) household income of $118,110 and per-capita income of $48,264. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In South Central Connecticut Planning Region, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (64.0%), Black or African American (14.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is 40.2 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in South Central Connecticut Planning Region is $328,300 and median monthly rent is $1,463. 60.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 247,217 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Bridgeport is among the largest cities associated with South Central Connecticut 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.