10 Largest Cities in Connecticut by Population
- Bridgeport: 148,654
- Stamford: 135,470
- New Haven: 134,023
- Hartford: 121,054
- Waterbury: 114,403
- Norwalk: 91,184
- Danbury: 86,518
- New Britain: 74,135
- West Hartford: 64,083
- Greenwich: 63,527
1. Bridgeport
With a population of 148,654, Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut by population and the fifth largest in New England. Following a period of decline in residents between 1960 and 2000, the population of Bridgeport steadily increased by about 3.4% between 2010 and 2020. Along with other towns in Fairfield County, Bridgeport makes up the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region.
It’s also the largest city in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area, which is home to just under 1 million people. The MSA is also part of the Greater New York metropolitan area, which is home to around 20 million residents.
2. Stamford
The second-largest city in Connecticut is Stamford, with a population of 135,470. Between 2010 and 2020, the Stamford population increased by 10.5%, surpassing New Haven and Hartford, which were previously larger. Eight Fortune 500 Companies have their headquarters in Stamford, making it the largest financial district outside of NYC.
Stanford is also one of the best cities in Connecticut near NYC. It’s a major part of the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury MSA and Greater New York, so getting into the city is a breeze.
3. New Haven
New Haven is the third largest city in Connecticut, with a population of 134,023. Home to Yale University, New Haven is a major center for education, health care, and professional and financial services. While New Haven has a lot going for it, it suffers from a crime problem and is the most dangerous city in Connecticut.
New Haven is also the largest city in the South-Central Connecticut Planning Region and Greater New Haven, which is home to 864,835 people. While the population has fluctuated since the 1970s, it increased by 3.3% between 2010 and 2020.
4. Hartford
Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and the fourth largest municipality by number of residents, with a population of 121,054. Known as the “Insurance Capital of the World,” it is home to many major insurance companies, which is also the city’s main industry. Hartford is also the largest city in the Capital Planning Region and the Greater Hartford region, which is home to a total of over 1.2 million residents. Although once known for being the richest city in the US, economic hardships have resulted in a decrease in population since the 1950s, and the population of Hartford dropped by 3% between 2010 and 2020.
5. Waterbury
The fifth-largest municipality in Connecticut is Waterbury, a city on the Naugatuck River that’s home to 114,403 residents. Waterbury is the largest city in the Naugatuck Planning Region and the ninth largest in New England. Known as Brass City, Waterbury was a major center for the production of brassware, including watches and clocks, throughout the 1900s.
Although the city went through an economic downturn in the 70s and 80s, the population has steadily increased in recent years and went up by 3.7% between 2010 and 2020. Waterbury is also one of the most affordable cities in Connecticut.
6. Norwalk
With a population of 91,184, Norwalk is the sixth-largest city in Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County along the northern shore of the Long Island Sound, Norwalk is within the Bridgeport and Greater New York MSAs. Known for its racial diversity, the population is 68.7% white, 24.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, 9.1% other ethnicities and 2.8% two or more races. It’s also a very fast-growing community, and the population increased by 6.5% between 2010 and 2020.
7. Danbury
Danbury is another city in Fairfield County and the seventh largest in the state, with a population of 86,518 residents. Often ranked among the best and most diverse places to live in Connecticut, the population of Danbury has more than doubled since 1960 and increased by 7% between 2010 and 2020. It’s located about 50 miles from New York City, making it within the Bridgeport and Greater New York MSAs. It’s a popular bedroom community for commuters who work in New York and offers good schools and affordable home prices.
8. New Britain
The eighth largest city in Connecticut is New Brittan, a community located about 9 miles southwest of Hartford that is home to about 74,135 residents. New Britain is within the Capital Planning Region and also within the Hartford-Springfield Knowledge Corridor. It’s a very diverse city that is home to the largest Polish population in Connecticut, as well as sizeable Puerto Rican, Italian, and Irish communities. Known as the Hardware City, New Brittan is a prominent manufacturing center and houses the headquarters of Stanley Black and Decker.
9. West Hartford
West Hartford is a town in Hartford County that is home to 64,083 residents, making it the ninth-largest municipality in Connecticut. Located about 5 miles from downtown Hartford, the town is within the Capitol Planning Region. It’s known for being the home of the University of Hartford, which is the region’s top employer.
With good schools, culture, and easy access to major highways, West Hartford often ranks among the best places to live in Connecticut.
10. Greenwich
Greenwich is a town in southwest Fairfield County with a population of 63,527, making it the 10th largest municipality in Connecticut. Greenwich is the largest town in Connecticut’s affluent Gold Coast region and is one of the wealthiest towns in Connecticut. Greenwich is home to several hedge funds and financial services firms. It’s also a prominent community in the Bridgeport MSA and the Western Connecticut Planning region. With a median home price of $1.7 million, Greenwich is an exclusive community that is also home to two of Connecticut’s wealthiest zip codes. The area is also extremely safe, ranking as one of the safest cities in Connecticut.
Greenwich's population has steadily increased every decade since 1800 and went up by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020.