Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hartford, CT
Considering a move to Hartford, CT? Home to about 120,000 residents, Hartford offers affordable housing with a median home price of $175,500 and typical rents around $1,240. Commutes are quick at under 24 minutes, and the city features excellent hospital care and several higher education options. While crime rates are higher than average and owner-occupancy is low, Hartford’s cultural diversity, historic neighborhoods, and four-season New England climate make it a unique place to live. Explore the cost of living, schools, and local amenities to see if Hartford is right for you.
Demographics - Hartford, CT
Demographics - Hartford, CT
Hartford is a diverse city of approximately 120,576 residents, with a median age of 34.1 and a dense urban feel. The population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, with over a fifth of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This cultural variety shapes Hartford’s vibrant neighborhoods and community life.
Population:
120,576
Density:
7,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
27.2%
Black:
36.5%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
33.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hartford, CT?
Hartford offers a cost of living just above the national average, with median home values around $175,500 and typical rents at $1,240 per month. Utility and healthcare costs are slightly higher, but affordable housing makes the city accessible for many. State income taxes range from 3% to 6.99%, reflecting Connecticut’s moderate tax climate.
Median House Value:
$175,500
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,630
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,630
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
102.4
Housing:
76.1
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
103.9
Crime
Is Hartford, CT a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Hartford are higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 90 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 30 chance of property crime. While these figures may be a concern, awareness and community initiatives are in place to promote safety. It's important for newcomers to consider neighborhood-specific trends when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,107
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,312
Crime Index:
4,419
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 90
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in Hartford, CT year-round?
Hartford experiences all four seasons, featuring snowy winters with lows near 19°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The city receives about 48.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. Residents benefit from a classic New England climate, perfect for those who enjoy seasonal change.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The typical Hartford household earns about $41,500 annually, with a poverty rate of 27.7% and an unemployment rate of 7.3%. Most residents rent, and public transportation is used by 11% of commuters, with average travel times just under 24 minutes. Educational attainment is moderate, with nearly three-quarters of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$22,360
Household Income:
$41,500
Family Income:
$46,100
Per Capita Income:
$21,300
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
27.7%
Non English Speakers:
22.8%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
7.3%
Public Transport Usage:
11.0%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
72.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hartford, CT?
Hartford provides a mix of public and private school options, including well-known magnet schools and access to higher education at Trinity College and the nearby University of Hartford. Student-teacher ratios in public schools average around 16:1, supporting personalized learning. The city’s educational landscape is well-rounded for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Capital Preparatory Magnet School
Street:
1304 Main St
Phone:
860-695-9800
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Classical Magnet School
Street:
85 Woodland St
Phone:
860-695-9100
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Watkinson School
Street:
180 Bloomfield Ave
Phone:
860-236-5618
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
Trinity College
City:
Hartford
State:
CT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
University of Hartford
City:
West Hartford
State:
CT
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Hartford is served by major hospitals like Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of the population insured, healthcare access is robust. The city’s healthcare index of 77.1 indicates generally good services for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hartford Hospital
Address:
80 Seymour St, Hartford, CT 06102
Phone:
(860) 545-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center
Address:
114 Woodland St, Hartford, CT 06105
Phone:
(860) 714-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hartford, CT?
Hartford's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $175,500 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,240. Most residents rent, as owner-occupancy is under 24%, and the area has a relatively high rental vacancy rate of 10.7%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a potential opportunity for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$175,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
23.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Wethersfield. Services are accessible both in-person and online, ensuring convenient DMV support. For more information, visit the Connecticut DMV website or call their local office.
State:
Connecticut
Department:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone:
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.