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Population Review

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Connecticut

The population of Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is 279,025 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Connecticut. The median household income is $84,185, the median home value is $293,900, and the median age is 41.0.

The population of Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region has grown 1.5% since 2020 (278,379 → 282,602), a +0.38% annualized rate.

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

279,025

Population

+0.38%

Annual growth

466

People / sq mi

$84,185

Median Income

$293,900

Median Home Value

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region covers 598 sq mi of land at 466.5 people per square mile.

About Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is a county in Connecticut with a population of 279,025. It ranks #6 among counties in Connecticut by population. The median age is 41.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

The median household income in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is $84,185, above the US median of $74,580. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $293,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,316. The homeownership rate of 65.4% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region reflects 34.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.1 minutes each way.

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region Population History (2020-2024)

The county of Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region had a population of 278,379 in 2020 and 282,602 in 2024, a 1.5% growth over 4 years. The peak was 282,602 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.38%.

2024 · 283K20202024

282,602

Population (2024)

278,379

Population (2020)

282,602

Peak (2024)

0.38%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2020278,379
2021278,855
2022279,398
2023280,622
2024282,602

Race & Ethnicity

White76.2%
Black or African American5.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

41.0

Median Age

49.9%

Female

50.1%

Male

19.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
4.9%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
6.5%
20–24
7.0%
25–34
13.1%
35–44
11.9%
45–54
12.0%
55–59
7.5%
60–64
7.1%
65–74
11.1%
75–84
5.5%
85+
2.4%

Children (under 15): 15.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$84,185$-9,575 vs state
Mean household income$108,630
Per-capita income$45,691
Poverty rate7.8%+1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population58.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.0%
Manufacturing
14.6%
Education & health care
13.0%
Finance & real estate
9.3%
Construction
6.2%
Public administration
4.8%
Information
4.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.9%

The largest employment sector in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is professional & business services, accounting for 26.0% of workers.

How residents commute

1.3%

Drive alone

2.8%

Carpool

76.3%

Public transit

10.6%

Work from home

24.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$293,900$-49,300 vs state

Median home value

$1,316

Median rent

65.4%

Homeownership rate

125,728

Total housing units

91.1%

Occupied

8.9%

Vacant

34.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

95.5%

With health insurance

94.4%

With broadband internet

34.0%

Foreign-born

8.7%

Veterans (18+)

14.4%

With a disability

85.1%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.6%

High School+

34.6%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Connecticut

Other counties in Connecticut

Part of Connecticut

Metro areas in Connecticut

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut has a population of 279,025 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Connecticut. Population density is 466 people per square mile.

The population of Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region has grown 1.5% since 2020 (278,379 → 282,602), a +0.38% annualized rate.

The median household income in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is $84,185, with mean (average) household income of $108,630 and per-capita income of $45,691. 7.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.2%), Black or African American (5.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is 41.0 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.

The median home value in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is $293,900 and median monthly rent is $1,316. 65.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 125,728 total housing units, 8.9% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Bridgeport is among the largest cities associated with Southeastern 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.