Waterbury, CT
Population 114,356 · Connecticut
About Waterbury, CT
Waterbury is a major city located in Connecticut with a population of 114,356 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,642 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waterbury features a median home value of $185,400, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waterbury in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,180, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 50,577 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (20,687 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (25,275 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterbury shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waterbury have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Waterbury residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Black or African American, and 13.0% Asian residents, with 18.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waterbury Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Waterbury, CT
Compared to national averages, Waterbury has a median household income of $51,642 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,400, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,180 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Waterbury's income is 58% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 64% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Waterbury, CT?
Waterbury offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,400, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,642) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Waterbury provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Waterbury has a population of 114,356 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Waterbury with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Waterbury
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 119,970 | $45,300 | $217,200 | Compare |
| New Haven | 132,893 | $53,771 | $249,000 | Compare |
| Stamford | 135,806 | $107,474 | $614,300 | Compare |
| Norwalk | 91,375 | $105,301 | $535,000 | Compare |
| Danbury | 86,086 | $83,422 | $381,600 | Compare |
| Bridgeport | 148,012 | $56,584 | $252,400 | Compare |
| New Britain | 73,301 | $57,036 | $207,300 | Compare |
| West Hartford | 63,809 | $125,616 | $391,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Waterbury With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterbury
What is the population of Waterbury, CT?
The population of Waterbury, CT is 114,356 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Waterbury?
The median household income in Waterbury, CT is $51,642 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterbury?
The median home value in Waterbury, CT is $185,400, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Waterbury?
The median monthly rent in Waterbury, CT is $1,180, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterbury?
The unemployment rate in Waterbury, CT is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waterbury, CT a good place to live?
Waterbury offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 114,356 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waterbury, CT?
17.0% of residents in Waterbury aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waterbury, CT: median home value is $185,400 (24% below national), median rent is $1,180/month, and median household income is $51,642. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Waterbury?
The poverty rate in Waterbury, CT is 23.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Waterbury, CT?
Waterbury's population is 1.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Black or African American, 13.0% Asian, and 23.7% two or more races. 18.1% of residents are foreign-born.