UNRANKED · POP 279,971
⚠ 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.
Mystic, with its historic seaport and scenic views, stands out as a notable town within the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. Located along the coast, the region is approximately an hour's drive from cities like New Haven. Commute options include regional bus services and Shore Line East train service, connecting to New Haven and beyond. The area offers a community feel with access to natural amenities. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, featuring opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities along its coastline and numerous open spaces. Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, with its historic mansion and formal gardens, provides a local landmark for residents and visitors.
Life in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region attracts a mix of families and individuals seeking a balance of lifestyle and opportunity. The economy is diverse, with a focus on sectors such as healthcare and social assistance. Educational institutions like East Lyme High School and Marine Science Magnet High School serve the region. Recent economic developments include efforts to diversify beyond traditional industries and support small businesses through grant programs. The region is working to enhance its economic resilience and promote outdoor recreation as an economic driver.
Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.5x — 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
Southeastern Connecticut 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 $86,586. The underlying county-level indicators on this page are shown where available.
Housing in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $323,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,365/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Southeastern Connecticut 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 Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.