Discover the Largest Cities in Connecticut (By Population, Total Area, and Economic Impact)

Nestled at the south point of New England, Connecticut is one of the most beautiful states in America. It’s known for its rich history, fall foliage, and stunning college campuses.

There are a lot of important and beautiful spots to visit in Connecticut. The state has a large border on the Long Island Sound that connects directly to the Atlantic Ocean. It also has green forests, sparkling lakes, and extraordinary mountains. There is a lot to explore in this state!

One great way to look at the diversity Connecticut has to offer is by studying the way the state is divided in terms of population, area, and economic impact. Interestingly enough, there’s very little overlap between the cities with the largest populations and the cities with the largest area! Learn more about the largest cities in Connecticut below.

Largest Cities in Connecticut By Population

With a population of just over 3.6 residents, Connecticut is right in the middle of the list regarding the most populated states in the US. However, it is the second-most populated state in New England, beaten out only by Massachusetts. The population of Connecticut is dispersed over the state, with the largest city by population being Bridgeport. 146,582 residents live within the city bounds.

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford, is also on the list of largest cities in Connecticut by population. 123,420 residents find their home in the state’s historic capital. Hartford was the capital of Connecticut when it was a colony, so there’s a rich history in the town.

The population of Connecticut has had some ups and downs, but in general, has seen growth since the 20th century. Stamford, the third largest city by population, was the city with the most growth as of recently, seeing an increase of 1.3% in one year.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the two cities that top the list for largest cities in Connecticut by population: Bridgeport and New Haven.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Connecticut is located directly on the Long Island Sound on the southern border of the state. The population is 146,582 residents and the area of the town is only 16 square miles! Despite its small size, Bridgeport packs a lot of amazing things into its city bounds.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Bridgeport, Connecticut. One notable destination is the Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This zoo features a wide variety of animals and a long list of events, so if you’re coming into town, be sure to check out the calendar. For history buffs, check out the Barnum Museum, which details the life of PT Barnum. Whatever your interests are, you’re certain to find something fun to do in Bridgeport.

New Haven

Just north of Bridgeport, Connecticut is the city of New Haven. New Haven is a little bit larger than Bridgeport in size, but sees a smaller population of 131,005 residents. New Haven also has some great access to the water, with the Long Wharf right in town.

New Haven is the famous home of the Ivy League Yale University, which has been in the city since 1701. Many people come to the city each year due to their attendance at Yale. This is an academic city, with lots of museums and art galleries to visit. If natural history is your interest, try out the Yale Peabody Museum. If you’re interested in something more artistic, head to the Yale Center for British Art. There’s also a long list of libraries and performance theaters in the city.

Largest Cities in Connecticut By Area

Another way to gain insight into the organization of Connecticut residents is through understanding the size of the cities. Interestingly enough, there isn’t a substantial overlap between the largest cities in Connecticut by area and the largest cities in Connecticut by population. Stamford and Waterbury are the only cities that appear on both lists.

All things considered, even the largest city in Connecticut by area is fairly small. Boston, Massachusetts, for example, is double the size of Danbury in area. However, for being a pretty small state, Connecticut’s city sizes are fitting.

One notable thing about this list is that the capital city, Hartford, does not appear on the list. Hartford is the nineteenth-largest city in Connecticut by area, with a size of just over 19 square miles. The smallest city in Connecticut by area is Woodmont, which has an area of just over 0.25 square miles!

Let’s take a closer look at the two largest cities in Connecticut by area: Danbury and Middletown.

Danbury

Danbury is located on the western side of the state, sharing a border with New York. With an area of 41 square miles, there is a lot to do in and around the city. 82,781 residents live in Danbury and enjoy proximity to Candlewood Lake, West Lake Reservoir, and New York, of course.

Danbury is home to some great historic sites. The Weir Farm National Historical Park is an excellent spot to check out if you make a visit to Danbury. The farm honors the art of Impressionist J. Alden Weir. Enjoy the gardens and take a tour around the stunning home. It’s a 60-acre park with forests, lawn, gardens, and art to enjoy!

Middletown

Middletown, Connecticut is the second largest city in Connecticut by area, with an area of just over 41 square miles. The town is home to 47,424 residents and is situated just south of Hartford. Much of the city shares a border with the Connecticut River, making it a wonderful place to explore.

Middletown is home to some awesome parks. Butternut Hollow Park and Wadsworth Falls State Park are both situated within the city boundaries. While Butternut Hollow Park is a standard, green park with a fun playground, Wadsworth Falls is home to some stunning sights. There are scenic falls, swimming areas, and picnic spots all around the park.

Largest Cities in Connecticut By Economic Impact

While there are a few different ways to study the economic impact of cities within a state, one interesting indicator can be looking at per capita income. Per capita income refers to the income that each person within the state earns on an annual basis.

In the United States, the average per capita income in 2022 was just over $65,000. The state of Connecticut’s average per capita income is $36,775. You’ll notice that Connecticut’s per capita income is quite a bit lower. Unfortunately, the cost of living in Connecticut is 16% higher than the national average. Connecticut has seen some economic difficulty in recent years and, therefore, the economy is a bit complicated.

Fairfield and Litchfield take the first two spots for per capita income, with the state’s capital coming in fifth place. While three of the cities with the highest per capita income top the state average, they are still far under the national average. If you’re considering moving to Connecticut, be sure to balance the cost of living with potential future income.

Let’s get to know the two cities with the highest per capita income in the state: Fairfield and Litchfield!

Fairfield

Fairfield has the highest per capita income in the state of Connecticut, with each person bringing in just over $48,000. The city is home to 62,105 residents and has a size of 31.38 square miles. Fairfield is neighbors with Bridgeport, sharing a long border with both Bridgeport and Westport. The city’s southern border, however, is on the Long Island Sound.

There are a long lists of parks to visit in Fairfield, but if you’re looking for something a bit more studious, check out the Fairfield Museum & History Center. This museum covers the arts, history, and humanities, providing brilliant inspiration to visitors.

Litchfield

In second place for the highest per capita income in Connecticut is Litchfield. Litchfield has a population of only 1,430 residents, sitting on 1.37 square miles. This tiny town is located west of Hartford, nearing New York. The county of Litchfield is larger and contains some amazing sights to see.

Black Rock State Park sits in Litchfield County and offers some great outdoor activities. You can camp, fish, hike, and swim in this beautiful park. It’s a wonderful place to take in the stunning Connecticut foliage.

Conclusion

Overall, Connecticut is home to some amazing cities. While the largest cities based on population, area, and economic impact differ significantly from one another, it just speaks to the diversity of the areas within Connecticut. Whether you’re passionate about nature, history, or art, Connecticut has some great opportunities for you.