Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Derby, CT
Considering a move to Derby, CT? With a close-knit population of just over 12,000, Derby offers affordable housing (median home price $257,000, average rent $1,225) and manageable living costs. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 26 minutes, a community hospital, and access to nearby universities. The city has a moderate crime rate, four distinct seasons with over half the days sunny, and public schools with small class sizes. Derby is ideal for those seeking small-town charm with easy access to New Haven’s amenities and education.
Demographics - Derby, CT
Derby, CT is home to just over 12,000 residents with a median age of 41, reflecting a balanced and diverse community. The population density offers a suburban feel, with most residents identifying as White, but a notable presence of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups. About 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the city’s cultural variety.
Population:
12,325
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.3%
Black:
10.5%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
14.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Derby, CT?
Living in Derby is relatively affordable compared to nearby metro areas, with a median home value of $257,000 and average rent around $1,225 per month. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, driven by higher utility and healthcare expenses, while housing costs remain moderate. State income taxes range from 3% to nearly 7%, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$257,000
Gross Rent:
$1,225
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$730
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.8
Grocery:
105.4
Housing:
97.8
Utilities:
112.9
Transportation:
108.2
Health Care:
106.7
Miscellaneous:
102.3
Crime
Is Derby, CT a safe place to live?
Derby experiences a moderate crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 192 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 520, which is relatively low for a city of its size. Overall, Derby offers a generally safe environment, though property crime is something to be mindful of.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
192
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,612
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 520
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Derby, CT year-round?
Residents of Derby enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and chilly winters dipping to 23°F. The city receives nearly 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. These conditions make for pleasant springs and colorful autumns, appealing to those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Typical households in Derby have a median income of $63,200, with family incomes averaging $74,300 and a poverty rate just under 11%. Most adults have completed high school, and over a fifth hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, reflecting a well-educated community. The average commute is about 26 minutes, and public transit is used by a small percentage of residents.
Median Income:
$42,800
Household Income:
$63,200
Family Income:
$74,300
Per Capita Income:
$34,600
Income Male:
$47,500
Income Female:
$38,200
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
13.6%
Rent:
$1,225
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
26.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.0%
Education
How are the schools in Derby, CT?
Derby’s public schools are known for small class sizes, with local options like Derby Middle School and Irving School offering close-knit learning environments. Families also have access to private education at St. Mary-St. Michael School, and higher education is just 10 miles away at renowned institutions like Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University. This proximity to top universities adds to Derby's appeal for students and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Derby Middle School
Street:
73 Chatfield St
Phone:
203-736-1428
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Irving School
Street:
9 Garden Pl
Phone:
203-736-1435
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary-St. Michael School
Street:
14 Seymour Ave
Phone:
203-735-6471
Students:
160

Colleges
Name:
Southern Connecticut State University
City:
New Haven
State:
CT
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
8,800
Name:
Yale University
City:
New Haven
State:
CT
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
14,500
Healthcare
Derby offers accessible healthcare, anchored by Griffin Hospital, which provides general and emergency services to the community. The city has a strong health insurance coverage rate at 95%, and with 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, medical care is readily available. Healthcare quality is robust, making Derby a reassuring choice for families and retirees alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Griffin Hospital
Address:
130 Division St, Derby, CT 06418
Phone:
(203) 735-7421
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Derby, CT?
The housing market in Derby is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $257,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,225. Over half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen steady appreciation with a 7.3% increase in home values over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, and new construction is limited, supporting a consistent demand for housing.
Median Home Price:
$257,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,225
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Derby are served by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Wethersfield. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, are easily accessible online or by phone for convenience. The state DMV website provides up-to-date information and appointment scheduling.
State:
Connecticut
Department:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone:
1-800-842-8222
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.