UNRANKED · POP 113,216
⚠ LIMITED DATA
Connecticut replaced its 8 counties with 9 planning regions in 2022. Federal data sources (Zillow, BEA, BLS) still report under the old county FIPS codes, so this planning region has incomplete data coverage. This page is not included in the Boom Town Index rankings.
Litchfield, a town known for its historic village green, offers a glimpse into the distinctive character of Connecticut's Northwest Hills Planning Region. This region, located in the state's northwest corner, is approximately 30-50 miles from larger cities like Hartford and Waterbury, offering a rural and suburban feel. Commute options primarily involve personal vehicles, though some bus services operate within larger towns like Torrington and Winsted. The area is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and significant peaks, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Popular spots include Bear Mountain and the Housatonic River Valley.
Life in the Northwest Hills Planning Region often appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to nature. The public schools in the region are generally above average, with districts like Regional School District No. 12 and Litchfield Public Schools receiving good ratings. The economy is supported by sectors such as advanced manufacturing and healthcare, alongside a focus on tourism and the creative economy. Recent economic development strategies aim to address housing needs, encourage business growth, and support workforce development. The population saw a slight increase between 2023 and 2024, primarily driven by people moving from other states.
Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 15.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Northwest Hills Planning Region stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Northwest CT Main Street PROMISE Program
Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) in partnership with NHCOG
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Northwest Hills Planning Region isn't currently scored on the Boom Town Index. Connecticut replaced its 8 counties with 9 planning regions in 2022, and federal data sources (Zillow, BEA, BLS) still report under the old county FIPS codes — so the growth model doesn't yet have the coverage to rank this area. Median household income here is $93,551. The underlying county-level indicators on this page are shown where available.
Housing in Northwest Hills Planning Region is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $335,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,193/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Northwest Hills Planning Region are both close to flat — population +0.3% YoY and jobs +0.9%. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.37% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Northwest Hills Planning Region has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.