Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Colchester, CT
Considering a move to Colchester, CT? This scenic New England town of nearly 16,000 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $330,000 and average rents near $1,350. Residents enjoy low crime rates, excellent public schools, and a high rate of home ownership. With a 31-minute average commute, plentiful sunny days, and easy access to major hospitals and higher education, Colchester is ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle.
Demographics - Colchester, CT
Demographics - Colchester, CT
Colchester, CT is a close-knit community of nearly 16,000 residents with a median age of 42, balanced gender ratio, and predominantly White population. The area is family-friendly, with about 11% of residents speaking a language other than English, adding to the town's diversity. Moderate population density ensures a comfortable blend of small-town charm and accessibility.
Population:
15,986
Density:
370 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.6%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Colchester, CT?
Colchester offers a moderately affordable lifestyle, with median home values around $330,000 and average rents at $1,350 per month. Utility and transportation costs trend slightly above the national average, reflected in a cost of living index of 115.2. Residents benefit from reasonable state taxes and competitive grocery and healthcare costs for the region.
Median House Value:
$330,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,225
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.2
Grocery:
109.6
Housing:
110.5
Utilities:
125.8
Transportation:
110.8
Health Care:
115.3
Miscellaneous:
108.7
Crime
Is Colchester, CT a safe place to live?
Colchester boasts a very low violent crime rate, with only 48 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike. The chance of experiencing property crime is also quite low compared to national averages. Overall, the town's crime index reflects a secure and peaceful living environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
48
Property Crimes Per 100k:
710
Crime Index:
758
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 140
Weather
What is the weather like in Colchester, CT year-round?
Residents of Colchester experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs near 83°F and chilly winters dipping to 21°F. The area sees about 48 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny days 56% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Colchester's neighborhoods are affluent and well-educated, with a median household income of $110,400 and a poverty rate under 5%. Nearly all adults hold a high school diploma, and over 41% have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute is just over 31 minutes, reflecting the town's balance of rural tranquility and access to regional employment centers.
Median Income:
$51,200
Household Income:
$110,400
Family Income:
$125,600
Per Capita Income:
$46,900
Income Male:
$59,200
Income Female:
$47,100
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
11.3%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.4%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
41.2%
Education
How are the schools in Colchester, CT?
Colchester is known for its strong public schools, with low student-teacher ratios and a range of educational options from elementary through high school. Private schooling is also available, and higher education institutions such as Three Rivers Community College and the University of Connecticut are within a short drive. The town's commitment to education is reflected in high graduation and college attendance rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Colchester Elementary School
Street:
315 Halls Hill Rd
Phone:
860-537-0717
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Name:
Jack Jackter Intermediate School
Street:
215 Halls Hill Rd
Phone:
860-537-9421
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
William J. Johnston Middle School
Street:
360 Norwich Ave
Phone:
860-537-2313
Students:
525
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.9
Name:
Bacon Academy
Street:
611 Norwich Ave
Phone:
860-537-2376
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew Catholic School
Street:
311 Norwich Ave
Phone:
860-537-2809
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Three Rivers Community College
City:
Norwich
State:
CT
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,900
Name:
University of Connecticut
City:
Storrs
State:
CT
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
27,000
Healthcare
Colchester residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities, including a satellite hospital within town and a general medical center nearby. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95.6%, the community benefits from strong healthcare services. Emergency care and outpatient options are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Middlesex Health Marlborough Medical Center
Address:
12 Jones Hollow Rd, Marlborough, CT 06447
Phone:
(860) 295-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Hartford HealthCare - Backus Hospital (Satellite)
Address:
163 Broadway, Colchester, CT 06415
Phone:
(860) 537-4601
Type:
Emergency & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Colchester, CT?
The local housing market features a healthy mix of ownership and rental opportunities, with a median home price of $330,000 and 81% of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are low at under 5%, and home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year. Colchester's stable market and low foreclosure rate make it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$330,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Colchester residents are served by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, offering comprehensive motor vehicle services from its Wethersfield office and online portal. The DMV provides essential resources for licensing, registration, and vehicle information statewide. Accessible customer support and online tools make managing vehicle needs convenient.
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.