Willimantic, CT
Population 17,774 · Connecticut
About Willimantic, CT
Willimantic is a mid-sized city located in Connecticut with a population of 17,774 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,972 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Willimantic features a median home value of $180,600, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Willimantic in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,060, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,007 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (2,231 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (4,399 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 Willimantic shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Willimantic have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.0% of Willimantic 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 11.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 31.8% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Willimantic Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Willimantic, CT
Compared to national averages, Willimantic has a median household income of $41,972 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $180,600, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,060 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Willimantic's income is 66% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 65% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Willimantic, CT?
Willimantic offers affordable housing with a median home value of $180,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,060/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,972) that falls below the national average. However, Willimantic’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Willimantic has a population of 17,774 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Willimantic with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Willimantic
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallingford Center | 18,107 | $84,554 | $292,100 | Compare |
| Ansonia | 18,951 | $80,585 | $269,300 | Compare |
| Greenwich | 14,528 | $136,154 | $1,486,100 | Compare |
| Orange | 14,251 | $145,625 | $466,800 | Compare |
| Storrs | 13,502 | $33,125 | $304,600 | Compare |
| Windsor Locks | 12,555 | $90,417 | $236,800 | Compare |
| Derby | 12,359 | $76,263 | $242,300 | Compare |
| Bethel | 11,606 | $88,344 | $377,500 | 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 Willimantic With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Willimantic
What is the population of Willimantic, CT?
The population of Willimantic, CT is 17,774 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Willimantic?
The median household income in Willimantic, CT is $41,972 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Willimantic?
The median home value in Willimantic, CT is $180,600, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Willimantic?
The median monthly rent in Willimantic, CT is $1,060, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Willimantic?
The unemployment rate in Willimantic, CT is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Willimantic, CT a good place to live?
Willimantic offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,774 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Willimantic, CT?
22.0% of residents in Willimantic 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 Willimantic?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Willimantic, CT: median home value is $180,600 (26% below national), median rent is $1,060/month, and median household income is $41,972. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Willimantic?
The poverty rate in Willimantic, CT is 26.8%, 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 Willimantic, CT?
Willimantic's population is 11.2% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 31.8% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.