Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Canaan, CT
Considering a move to New Canaan, CT? With a population of about 20,600, this charming Fairfield County town is renowned for its top-tier public schools and exceptionally low crime rates (violent crime just 16 per 100K). The cost of living is high, with median home prices around $1.6 million and average rent at $3,500, reflecting the area’s affluence. Residents enjoy short commutes to NYC, abundant green space, and a vibrant community, paired with a highly educated population and four-season New England climate. Explore New Canaan for its safety, outstanding education, and upscale suburban lifestyle.
Demographics - New Canaan, CT
Demographics - New Canaan, CT
New Canaan is a predominantly White community of about 20,600 residents, with a median age of 44.3 years and a population density of 890 people per square mile. The town has a slightly higher female population and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its subtle cultural diversity.
Population:
20,600
Density:
890 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.3
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
7.0%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New Canaan, CT?
Living in New Canaan comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1.62 million and average monthly rent of $3,500. The overall cost of living index is significantly above the national average, making this an upscale, affluent suburb with sizable expenses for housing, transportation, and everyday needs.
Median House Value:
$1,620,000
Gross Rent:
$3,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,520
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
180.1
Grocery:
123.4
Housing:
280.2
Utilities:
105.9
Transportation:
132.0
Health Care:
117.8
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is New Canaan, CT a safe place to live?
New Canaan is known for its exceptionally low crime rates, with just 16 violent crimes and 393 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing violent crime is extremely low, offering residents a strong sense of safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
16
Property Crimes Per 100k:
393
Crime Index:
409
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 6,250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 254
Weather
What is the weather like in New Canaan, CT year-round?
Residents enjoy a true four-season New England climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 20°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area receives about 49 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine 54% of the year, providing a pleasant balance for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The community boasts high affluence, with a median household income of $225,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.2%. Residents are highly educated, with over 98% holding at least a high school diploma, and many enjoy convenient access to public transportation, though commute times average around 39 minutes.
Median Income:
$110,000
Household Income:
$225,000
Family Income:
$250,000
Per Capita Income:
$101,000
Income Male:
$140,000
Income Female:
$85,000
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$3,500
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
21.5%
Commute Time:
39.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
81.1%
Education
How are the schools in New Canaan, CT?
New Canaan is renowned for its outstanding public schools, including New Canaan High School and Saxe Middle School, both offering favorable student-to-teacher ratios and robust academic programs. The town also features respected private schools and is within short driving distance of higher education institutions like Norwalk Community College and Sacred Heart University.

Public Schools
Name:
New Canaan High School
Street:
11 Farm Rd
Phone:
203-594-4600
Students:
1,310
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Name:
Saxe Middle School
Street:
468 South Ave
Phone:
203-594-4500
Students:
1,370
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.9

Private Schools
Name:
St. Luke's School
Street:
377 North Wilton Rd
Phone:
203-966-5612
Students:
550

Colleges
Name:
Norwalk Community College
City:
Norwalk
State:
CT
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
Sacred Heart University
City:
Fairfield
State:
CT
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
9,100
Healthcare
New Canaan offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Norwalk and Stamford nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people. Nearly all residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring strong local medical care and emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Norwalk Hospital
Address:
34 Maple St, Norwalk, CT 06856
Phone:
(203) 852-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Stamford Hospital
Address:
1 Hospital Plaza, Stamford, CT 06902
Phone:
(203) 276-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.7%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New Canaan, CT?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.62 million and a high owner-occupancy rate of 83.5%. Rental options are limited due to a low vacancy rate, and home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year, reflecting strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$1,620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle motor vehicle needs through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently accessible online or at the main Wethersfield office. The DMV provides essential services like licensing, registration, and vehicle titling for those living in New Canaan.
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.