Middlesex County, Connecticut is a densely populated county located in the south-central area of the state. According to the 2020 U.S. Census estimates, it has an estimated population of 166,812 people, making it the second most populous county in Connecticut. The racial makeup of Middlesex is 82.1% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian and 0.9% Native American or Pacific Islander. The median household income for Middlesex County is $76,905 and the median age is 39 years old.
The largest cities in Middlesex County are Middletown (population 42,819), New Britain (population 73,206), and Meriden (population 60,868). Middletown is home to Wesleyan University and Connecticut Valley Hospital while New Britain houses Central Connecticut State University and Meriden has CCSU’s satellite campus as well as Midstate Medical Center and Meriden Mall. Other notable towns include Cromwell (population 14,006) which is home to a minor league baseball team; Portland (population 9,521) which borders the Connecticut River; East Hampton (population 12,959) which contains several lakes; Durham (population 8151); Middlefield (population 4693); and Haddam (population 6895).
In addition to its large cities and townships, Middlesex County also contains many smaller villages including Deep River Center with a population of 473 people; Ivoryton with a population of 1123 people; Moodus with a population of 1793 people; Essex Village with a population of 3204 people; Old Saybrook with a population of 10258 people; Chester with a population of 3472 people; Westbrook Center with a population of 1651 people; and Killingworth with a population of 6091 people. All together these small villages provide an abundance of recreational opportunities including fishing spots along the Connecticut River as well as hiking trails through state parks such as Devil’s Hopyard State Park located in East Haddam or Gillette Castle State Park located in East Haddam/Lyme border region.
Cities and Towns in Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County, Connecticut is home to a number of cities and towns that offer a variety of activities for visitors. The largest city in the county is Middletown, which is also the county seat. Middletown is known for its quaint downtown area, with small shops and restaurants. There is also Wesleyan University located in Middletown, which has a vibrant campus life and many cultural attractions. Other cities in Middlesex County include Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth and Middlefield. Each of these cities has their own unique charm and attractions to offer visitors. Cromwell offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots along with historic sites like the Comstock-Cheney Homestead Museum. Deep River features beautiful landscapes along with an old-fashioned country store that offers locally made products. Visitors can also explore the town’s historic district which features buildings from the 18th century. Durham has great outdoor recreational opportunities like golf courses and parks as well as several historic sites like the Durham Fairgrounds Museum. East Haddam offers visitors a chance to explore its charming downtown area as well as several local wineries where they can sample some of Connecticut’s finest wines. Essex has plenty of waterfront options including marinas and beaches where visitors can enjoy swimming or boating on Long Island Sound. Haddam is home to the Cockaponset State Forest where visitors can go camping or take part in various outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing. Killingworth boasts many historical sites including the Nathan Hale Homestead while Middlefield has plenty of shopping opportunities at its many antique stores and craft shops.
House Income in Middlesex County, Connecticut
The median household income in Middlesex County, Connecticut is $80,076 according to the most recent data from the US Census Bureau. This figure represents an increase of 3.2% since 2010, when the median household income was $77,683. The county is home to a diverse population of over 165,000 people with a wide range of incomes. The top 5% of earners in Middlesex County make over $200,000 per year while the bottom 20% make less than $29,000 annually. This disparity in incomes is reflective of the larger trend across Connecticut as a whole where there is a large gap between those at the top and bottom of the income ladder. Despite this disparity, Middlesex County has seen steady growth in median household income since 2010 and continues to be one of the wealthiest counties in Connecticut.
The majority of households in Middlesex County are made up of married couples with children and employed individuals making up over 50%. Of those employed individuals, about 30% work for government agencies or private companies while about 15% are self-employed and another 15% are retired or disabled workers receiving Social Security benefits. The remaining 10% are unemployed or not actively seeking employment due to various reasons such as childcare responsibilities or disability issues. Over half (54%) of households have two wage earners while only 14% have just one wage earner contributing to household income.
Cost of Living in Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County, Connecticut is known for its high cost of living. The median home value in Middlesex County is $326,000, making it one of the most expensive counties in the state. Housing costs can be a major burden for residents, but there are other costs that should also be taken into consideration. Utilities are relatively high due to the area’s cold winters and hot summers, and food costs can be higher than other areas due to the county’s proximity to New York City. Transportation costs can also be high as gasoline prices tend to be higher throughout Connecticut than in other parts of the country. Additionally, taxes are generally higher in Middlesex County than elsewhere in Connecticut. Property taxes alone can add up quickly for homeowners and renters alike. Finally, entertainment expenses such as going out to dinner or seeing a movie can add up quickly as well due to the county’s proximity to New York City and its abundance of activities and attractions. All told, Middlesex County has some of the highest living costs in Connecticut and should be taken into consideration when budgeting for any move or long-term stay in the area.