Windham County is located in northeastern Connecticut and is home to a population of approximately 116,000 people. It is the second least populated county in the state, with only Tolland County having fewer residents. The county seat of Windham County is Putnam, and it contains nine towns: Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret and Thompson.
The population of Windham County is diverse and consists of many different ethnicities. According to the 2010 census data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates report, whites make up 78% of the population while African Americans account for 8%. Additionally there are small percentages of Asians (2%), Hispanics or Latinos (7%) and Native Americans (1%) living in Windham County.
The median age for residents of Windham County is 40 years old with a median household income of $63,843 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates report. The poverty rate in Windham County stands at 9%, which is lower than both Connecticut’s rate (10%) and the nation’s rate (13%). Additionally there are more people living below 200% poverty than above it as reported by a 2019 report from DataHaven which found that 36% of people live below 200% poverty while only 34% live above it in Windham County.
The economy of Windham County has historically been driven by its agricultural sector with farming being an important source of income for many families since colonial times; however today the economy has shifted towards more service oriented jobs such as healthcare and education which account for 25% and 17%, respectively according to DataHaven’s 2019 report on employment in Connecticut. Additionally manufacturing remains an important industry in Windham County accounting for 10%, while retail trade accounts for 8%.
Cities and Towns in Windham County, Connecticut
Windham County, Connecticut is home to a variety of cities and towns. The county seat is the city of Willimantic, which is located in the northeastern corner of the county. It is known for its historic downtown and its annual Fourth of July celebration. Other cities in Windham County include Danielson, Putnam, and Plainfield. Towns in the county include Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Pomfret, Scotland, Sterling, Thompson, Union, Voluntown, and Woodstock. Each has its own unique history and attractions that make it worth visiting for travelers or residents alike.
The town of Ashford is home to the Natchaug State Forest with plenty of natural trails for hikers or mountain bikers to explore. Brooklyn’s main attraction is the Moosup Valley State Park which features a scenic lake surrounded by lush forests. Canterbury has a quaint downtown area with historic buildings as well as several wineries that offer tastings and tours. Chaplin offers visitors a unique experience with its many apple orchards and farms that are open year-round for picking apples or pumpkins during the autumn months. Eastford’s main attraction is Westford Lake where visitors can enjoy fishing or boating activities on weekends throughout the summer months.
House Income in Windham County, Connecticut
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for Windham County, Connecticut was $73,636 in 2019. This is higher than both the statewide median of $72,788 and the national median of $68,703. The top five towns with the highest median income in Windham County are Woodstock ($90,722), Pomfret ($86,250), Brooklyn ($85,938), Canterbury ($81,667) and Thompson ($78,545). The town with the lowest median income was Killingly at $60,529.
Windham County’s economy is mainly driven by its agricultural sector with a variety of crops grown in the area including tobacco and dairy products. In addition to agriculture, manufacturing is also an important industry in Windham County with many employers such as Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat providing jobs for residents. Other industries that contribute significantly to Windham County’s economy include retail trade; health care; educational services; social services; transportation; finance; construction and professional services.
The county’s poverty rate is 8%, which is lower than both the state’s rate (10%) and national rate (11%). A large majority of households (70%) earn between $25K-$100K per year while 19% make more than $100K annually. This suggests that there are opportunities for individuals at all income levels in Windham County who are willing to work hard and take advantage of available resources.
Cost of Living in Windham County, Connecticut
Windham County, Connecticut is an area that offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living. The median household income in Windham County is $66,874, which is higher than the national average. The median home value in Windham County is $223,800, making it more affordable than many other counties in Connecticut. Renters can find apartments and houses for rent at reasonable prices as well. The cost of transportation in Windham County is also quite low compared to other parts of the state. Public transportation such as buses are available throughout the county and the cost for a monthly pass ranges from $25-$50 depending on the route. Taxis are also available and prices range from $2-$3 per mile. Groceries are reasonably priced as well with the average cost being around $3-$5 per item. Healthcare costs are also relatively low compared to other parts of Connecticut with an average doctor’s visit costing around $75-$100 depending on insurance coverage and type of care needed. Overall, living in Windham County provides residents with a high quality of life at an affordable price tag.