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Population Review

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 is a county in Connecticut with a population of 566,803. It ranks #3 among counties in Connecticut by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

The median household income in South Central Connecticut Planning Region is $86,266, above the US median of $74,580. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $328,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,463. The homeownership rate of 60.6% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in South Central Connecticut Planning Region reflects 41.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.7 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 577K20202024

576,718

Population (2024)

564,526

Population (2020)

576,718

Peak (2024)

0.54%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2020564,526
2021568,961
2022569,866
2023572,919
2024576,718

Race & Ethnicity

White64.0%
Black or African American14.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.2

Median Age

51.7%

Female

48.3%

Male

18.2%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.0%
5–9
5.2%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
6.9%
20–24
7.0%
25–34
13.2%
35–44
12.2%
45–54
12.4%
55–59
6.8%
60–64
7.2%
65–74
10.5%
75–84
5.2%
85+
2.5%

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 rate7.3%+0.5% vs state
Unemployment rate3.9%
Employment-to-population61.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
33.3%
Manufacturing
10.4%
Finance & real estate
10.4%
Education & health care
8.0%
Information
6.2%
Construction
5.6%
Retail trade
4.5%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.2%

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+

Largest cities in Connecticut

Other counties in Connecticut

Part of Connecticut

Metro areas in Connecticut

County rankings

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.

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

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