Largest Cities in Connecticut – NestApple guide (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageHome to over 3.6 million residents, Connecticut is the 29th most populous state in the US and the fourth most densely populated. Although not known for its major urban centers, the Constitution State is home to several small and mid-sized cities, each offering a unique atmosphere and culture. Here is a look at the ten largest cities in Connecticut.
1. Bridgeport
With a population of 148,654, Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut and the fifth largest in New England. After experiencing a decline in residents between 1960 and 2000, Bridgeport’s population steadily increased by approximately 3.4% from 2010 to 2020.
Along with other towns in Fairfield County, Bridgeport is part of the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region.
Additionally, Bridgeport is the largest city in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area. The city has a population of just under 1 million people. This metropolitan statistical area is also part of the Greater New York metropolitan area. The Bridgeport area encompasses approximately 20 million residents.
2. Stamford
Stamford is the second-largest city in Connecticut, with a population of 135,470. Between 2010 and 2020, its population grew by 10.5%, surpassing both New Haven and Hartford, which were previously larger. Stamford is home to eight Fortune 500 companies, making it the largest financial district outside New York City.
Additionally, Stamford is one of the best cities in Connecticut for those looking to be near NYC. Stamford is a key part of the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and the Greater New York area, making access to the city convenient.
3. New Haven
New Haven is the third-largest city in Connecticut, with a population of 134,023.
The city is home to Yale University and serves as a major center for education, healthcare, and professional and financial services. However, New Haven faces significant challenges, particularly a crime problem, making it the most dangerous city in Connecticut.
In addition, New Haven is the largest city in the South-Central Connecticut Planning Region and the Greater New Haven area, which has a combined population of 864,835. Although the city’s population has fluctuated since the 1970s, it experienced a growth of 3.3% from 2010 to 2020.
4. Hartford
Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and the fourth largest municipality by population, with 121,054 residents. Known as the “Insurance Capital of the World,” the city hosts numerous major insurance companies, which serve as its primary industry.
Hartford is also the largest city in both the Capital Planning Region and the Greater Hartford area, which collectively has a population of over 1.2 million people. Once regarded as the richest city in the United States, Hartford has faced economic difficulties, resulting in a decline in population since the 1950s.
From 2010 to 2020, the city’s population decreased by 3%.
5. Waterbury
Waterbury is the fifth-largest municipality in Connecticut, located along the Naugatuck River and home to 114,403 residents. The city is the largest in the Naugatuck Planning Region and the ninth-largest in New England. Known as the “Brass City,” Waterbury was a significant center for the production of brassware, including watches and clocks, throughout the 1900s.
Although the city experienced an economic downturn in the 1970s and 1980s, its population has steadily increased in recent years, rising by 3.7% between 2010 and 2020. Additionally, Waterbury is one of the most affordable cities in Connecticut.
6. Norwalk
Norwalk, with a population of 91,184, is the sixth-largest city in the state of Connecticut. The town is in Fairfield County, along the northern shore of Long Island Sound, and is part of the Bridgeport and Greater New York metropolitan areas.
The city is renowned for its racial diversity, with a population comprising 68.7% White, 24.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, 9.1% from other ethnicities, and 2.8% identifying as two or more races. Norwalk is a rapidly growing community, experiencing a 6.5% increase in population between 2010 and 2020.
7. Danbury
Danbury is a city in Fairfield County and is the seventh-largest city in Connecticut, with a population of 86,518 residents. This town is often ranked as one of the best and most diverse places to live in the state. Since 1960, Danbury’s population has more than doubled, and it experienced a 7% increase between 2010 and 2020.
Therefore, located about 50 miles from New York City, Danbury falls within the Bridgeport and Greater New York metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Danbury is a popular bedroom community for commuters working in New York City, offering good schools and affordable home prices.
8. New Britain
New Britain is the eighth-largest city in Connecticut, located approximately 9 miles southwest of Hartford. With a population of approximately 74,135 residents, New Britain is part of the Capital Planning Region and is situated in the Hartford-Springfield Knowledge Corridor.
Additionally, New Britain is recognized for its diversity, boasting the largest Polish population in the state, as well as notable communities of Puerto Rican, Italian, and Irish residents.
Often referred to as “Hardware City,” New Britain is a significant manufacturing hub and is home to the headquarters of Stanley Black & Decker.
9. West Hartford
West Hartford is a town in Hartford County, with a population of 64,083 residents, making it the ninth-largest municipality in the state of Connecticut. Situated approximately 5 miles from downtown Hartford, the town falls within the Capitol Planning Region. West Hartford is known for being home to the University of Hartford, which is the region’s largest employer.
Therefore, with its excellent schools, vibrant culture, and convenient access to major highways, West Hartford frequently ranks as one of the best places to live in Connecticut.
10. Greenwich
Greenwich is a town in southwest Fairfield County, Connecticut, with a population of 63,527. This makes it the 10th largest municipality in the state. Greenwich is the largest town in Connecticut’s affluent Gold Coast region and one of the wealthiest towns in the state.
The city is home to various hedge funds and financial services firms, making it a prominent community within the Bridgeport Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Western Connecticut Planning region.
With a median home price of $1.7 million, Greenwich is an exclusive community that includes two of Connecticut’s wealthiest ZIP codes. Additionally, the area is renowned for its safety, ranking among the safest cities in Connecticut. The town’s population has steadily increased every decade since 1800, showing a growth of 3.8% between 2010 and 2020.
