Residents Are Fleeing These Shrinking Counties in Connecticut

Like many other parts of the country, Connecticut’s population has shifted in the last few years thanks to pandemic-related movement. Throughout America, people left urban areas to work at home and have more space. This led to higher housing prices in many suburbs, including Connecticut, with its proximity to New York City. However, some counties in Connecticut have been trending downward in population. Recent census data shows that Connecticut residents were leaving to move South or to other surrounding states. Connecticut’s planning regions are considered to be county equivalents, and many have seen negative population drops. Residents are fleeing these fastest-shrinking counties in Connecticut.

1. South Central Connecticut Planning Region

New Haven, Connecticut City Skyline — New Haven is one of the cities in the South Central Connecticut Planning region, one of the fastest-shrinking counties in Connecticut.
©pabradyphoto/iStock via Getty Images

This county includes cities such as New Haven, Milford, and Orange. The area saw a population decline between July 2021 to July 2022. The county dropped by 318 people, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

2. Western Connecticut Planning Region

Westport Connecticut River — Westport, Connecticut is one of the towns that are part of the Western Connecticut Planning Region.
©Jared David Weinryt/iStock via Getty Images

The Census Bureau reports that this county had a population loss of 329 from July 2021 to July 2022. It comprises cities such as New Canaan, New Fairfield, Newtown, Norwalk, and Ridgefield. From April 2020 to July 2022, 5,055 people left the area.

3. Greater Bridgeport Planning Region

Beardsley Zoo entrance — The Beardsley Zoo is located in Bridgeport, which is part of one of the counties losing residents.
©Sage Ross / CC BY SA-3.0 – Original / License

This county includes Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and others. Between July 2021 to July 2022, 3,145 people left the county.

4. Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

New London waterfront — New London is part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region.
©danlogan/iStock via Getty Images

East Lyme, Norwich, Stonington, and Waterford are among the many towns in this county. Between July 2021 to July 2022, 408 people left the county to move elsewhere.

Fastest-Shrinking Counties in Connecticut:

1.	Western Connecticut Planning Region
2.	Greater Bridgeport Planning Region
3.	South Central Connecticut Planning Region
4.	Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

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About the Author

Jennifer Magid

Jennifer is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on dogs, travel, and gardening. She holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from New York University. A resident of Connecticut who has lived all over the country, Jennifer enjoys working on trick training with her standard poodle, and spending time with her family outdoors.

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