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Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT

Norwich

UNRANKED  ·  POP 280,293

⚠ 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.

[01] Why Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region?

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.

[02] Market Snapshot

Housing Ratio
8.6x

Overvalued relative to economy

Climate & Terrain
2.3

Moderate climate & terrain

Price/Rent
18x

Above national median (13x)

Housing looks overvalued at 8.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.

[03] Top Employers

  1. 1
    Electric Boat Manufacturing
    10,000+
  2. 2
    Naval Submarine Base New London Military
  3. 3
    Pfizer Technology
  4. 4
    Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Healthcare
  5. 5
    Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Hospitality
  6. 6
    Mohegan Sun Hospitality
  7. 7
    University of Connecticut Education
  8. 8
    Connecticut College Education
  9. 9
    General Dynamics Manufacturing
  10. 10
    Foxwoods Resort Casino Hospitality

Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.

Score Breakdown

Vacancy Rate 1.1% 46 percentile
Price/Rent 18x 13 percentile

The Numbers

DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
280,293
Median Household Income
$80,330
Median Home Value
$275,900
Median Rent
$1,254
Average Annual Pay
$70,518
0.0% YoY
Employment
127,106
0.0% YoY
Income-to-Home-Value
0.2912
More affordable than average
Migration Inflow
2.37%
of pop. from another state
Bachelor's Degree+
33.8%
of residents (national avg: 33%)

Market Activity

REAL ESTATE
Building Permits (2024)
509
Single-Family Permits
261

[05] Crime & Safety

B+
SAFETY
GRADE
Homicide Rate
2.3
per 100K · nat avg 6.3
Firearm Fatalities
5.3
per 100K · nat avg 14.8
Injury Deaths
per 100K · nat avg 76.3
vs National Average
Well below national avg
based on homicide rate

Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →

[07] Frequently Asked Questions

Is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT a good place to move to?

The data is not encouraging — Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region scores just 0/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #None of 996 counties. median household income of $80,330 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.

Is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region affordable?

Housing in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $275,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,254/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.

Is Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region growing or shrinking?

Population and employment in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region are both close to flat — population — YoY and jobs 0.0%. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.

Are people moving to Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region?

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.

[08] Similar Counties by Size & Score

Capitol Planning Region, CT 0 Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, CT 0 Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, CT 0 Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, CT 0 Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT 0 Northwest Hills Planning Region, CT 0 Buncombe County, NC 0 Orleans Parish, LA 0