Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waterbury, CT
Thinking of moving to Waterbury, CT? With a population of 113,811 and a median home price of $175,000, Waterbury offers affordable housing and a diverse community. While the cost of living is below the national average, the city has elevated crime rates and a higher poverty rate, but features accessible public transportation and major hospitals. Commute times are moderate, and local schools and colleges provide a range of educational opportunities, with four distinct seasons rounding out the New England lifestyle.
Demographics - Waterbury, CT
Demographics - Waterbury, CT
Waterbury is home to over 113,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 36.5 and a vibrant mix of cultures, with significant White, Black, and Hispanic populations. About a third of locals speak a language other than English, adding to the city’s diverse character. The population density supports a lively urban environment while maintaining a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
113,811
Density:
3,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
36.5%
Black:
20.4%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waterbury, CT?
Waterbury offers a cost of living nearly 11% below the national average, making it an affordable option for families and individuals. Median home values are around $175,000 and average rent is about $1,200, with reasonable utility and transportation expenses. State income taxes range between 3% and 6.99%, and the city’s housing costs are especially attractive for budget-minded movers.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
6.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
102.4
Housing:
64.2
Utilities:
113.7
Transportation:
98.1
Health Care:
103.5
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Waterbury, CT a safe place to live?
Waterbury experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 503 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,138 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 199, which is above state and national averages. Prospective residents should consider neighborhood choice and local safety resources when moving.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
503
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,138
Crime Index:
2,641
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 199
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Waterbury, CT year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The city receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and has sunshine on more than half of the days each year. This climate supports a classic New England lifestyle, ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in Waterbury is approximately $47,000, with about 22% of residents living below the poverty line. Most people have a high school diploma, and the unemployment rate is slightly above national averages at 6.7%. Neighbors benefit from a strong sense of community and a diverse population, with average commute times under 26 minutes.
Median Income:
$46,500
Household Income:
$47,017
Family Income:
$54,200
Per Capita Income:
$24,784
Income Male:
$42,700
Income Female:
$35,600
Poverty Rate:
22.0%
Non English Speakers:
31.2%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.4%
Bachelors or More:
15.5%
Education
How are the schools in Waterbury, CT?
Waterbury’s education system includes a range of public and private schools, such as Waterbury Arts Magnet School and Sacred Heart High School, as well as local colleges like Naugatuck Valley Community College and Post University. Student-teacher ratios in public schools are favorable, supporting personalized learning. These institutions provide educational opportunities for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Waterbury Arts Magnet School
Street:
16 South Elm St
Phone:
203-574-8166
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Wilby High School
Street:
460 Bucks Hill Rd
Phone:
203-574-8100
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart High School
Street:
142 South Elm St
Phone:
203-753-1605
Students:
315

Colleges
Name:
Naugatuck Valley Community College
City:
Waterbury
State:
CT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
Post University
City:
Waterbury
State:
CT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Waterbury offers reliable healthcare with two major hospitals—Saint Mary’s Hospital and Waterbury Hospital—both providing emergency services. The city has a solid ratio of 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 92% of locals have health insurance coverage. These factors make access to medical care convenient and comprehensive for area families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Mary’s Hospital
Address:
56 Franklin St, Waterbury, CT 06706
Phone:
(203) 709-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Waterbury Hospital
Address:
64 Robbins St, Waterbury, CT 06708
Phone:
(203) 573-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waterbury, CT?
The local housing market is quite affordable, with a median home price of $175,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,200. Homeownership is less common, with about 42% of residents owning their homes, while rental vacancy rates are moderate. The market has seen appreciation over the past year, offering good value for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Waterbury residents are served by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Wethersfield. The DMV provides licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services, with information available online or by phone. This ensures convenient access to transportation documentation and support for new arrivals.
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.