Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Branford, CT
Considering a move to Branford, CT? With a population around 28,000, Branford offers a blend of suburban charm and coastal living with a median home price of $357,000. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (91 per 100K), strong local schools, and a quick 25-minute average commute to New Haven and beyond. The town boasts a highly educated community, over 54% sunny days, and a moderate cost of living, making it a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Branford, CT
Demographics - Branford, CT
Branford, Connecticut, is home to about 28,000 residents, with a median age of 48.3, reflecting a mature and stable community. The town is predominantly White (88.1%), with a small but notable presence of other ethnicities, and about 11.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Population:
28,000
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.3
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.1%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
3.4%
Others:
5.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Branford, CT?
Branford’s cost of living index stands at 117.8, making it moderately above the U.S. average, with a median house value of $357,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,510. Utility and transportation costs are slightly higher than national norms, and state income taxes range from 3% to just under 7%. Overall, residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living with manageable expenses relative to the region.
Median House Value:
$357,000
Gross Rent:
$1,510
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$870
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.8
Grocery:
105.2
Housing:
126.7
Utilities:
119.5
Transportation:
112.8
Health Care:
107.4
Miscellaneous:
104.9
Crime
Is Branford, CT a safe place to live?
Branford is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,225 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 1,098 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it an attractive place for families and those seeking peace of mind. Property crime is slightly higher but still manageable compared to urban centers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
91
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,225
Crime Index:
1,316
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,098
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Branford, CT year-round?
Branford experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are especially comfortable, with moderate temperatures and scenic foliage.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Branford’s community is financially diverse, with a median household income of $90,800 and a low poverty rate of 6.5%. The area boasts a highly educated population, as over 95% have completed high school and 44% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average commute times are around 25 minutes, making it convenient for local professionals.
Median Income:
$44,100
Household Income:
$90,800
Family Income:
$111,200
Per Capita Income:
$51,600
Income Male:
$59,800
Income Female:
$46,900
Poverty Rate:
6.5%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,510
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.5%
Bachelors or More:
44.2%
Education
How are the schools in Branford, CT?
Branford offers strong public education options with low student-teacher ratios, and local schools are well-regarded for their academic quality. Students benefit from proximity to prestigious institutions like Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University, both within a short drive. Private and specialized schools further add to the town’s diverse educational landscape.
Public Schools
Name:
Branford High School
Street:
185 East Main St
Phone:
203-488-7291
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Name:
Francis Walsh Intermediate School
Street:
185 Damascus Rd
Phone:
203-488-8317
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
The Sound School
Street:
60 South Water St
Phone:
203-946-6937
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Southern Connecticut State University
City:
New Haven
State:
CT
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
9,300
Name:
Yale University
City:
New Haven
State:
CT
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
14,500
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with 94.1% insured and a strong physician presence at 3.1 per 1,000 people. Branford is served by major nearby hospitals such as Yale New Haven Hospital and local urgent care, ensuring both emergency and routine medical needs are met. The town’s healthcare index reflects above-average quality and accessibility.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Yale New Haven Hospital - Saint Raphael Campus
Address:
1450 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511
Phone:
(203) 789-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Branford Walk-In Medical Center
Address:
1224 Main St, Branford, CT 06405
Phone:
(203) 488-8701
Type:
Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Branford, CT?
Branford’s housing market is characterized by a median home price of $357,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. The rental market remains stable, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,510 and a low vacancy rate of 4.8%. Home values have appreciated steadily in recent years, making it a solid choice for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$357,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,510
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Branford residents are served by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Wethersfield and accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides comprehensive licensing, registration, and vehicle services for the region. Convenient access to state resources ensures residents can easily manage their transportation needs.
State:
Connecticut
Department:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone:
1-860-263-5700
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.