Waterbury CT
Connecticut · Pop. 114,869
Waterbury, CT: median household income of $51,886, median rent of $1,225/mo, 9.3% unemployment. Our verdict: Needs Work.
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics
Median Income
$51,886
per year
Median Rent
$1,225
per month
Median Home
$209k
home value
Unemployment
9.3%
of labor force
Poverty Rate
24.7%
below poverty line
Avg. Commute
28 min
one way
City Reality Check honest
"Waterbury, CT Reality Check"
In Waterbury, the rent-to-income burden runs around 28% — acceptable by national standards. Median income sits at $51,886 and median rent is $1,225/month. 54% of renters are cost-burdened (30%+ of income on housing). Landlords are winning; everyone else is treading water. Median home value: $208,500 — that's 4× the median income. Only 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree. The economy runs on trades, logistics, and service work — and the wages reflect that. Employment picture: 9.25% unemployment — a softer job market. Poverty rate: 24.7% — well above the national average. The headline economic numbers hide a bifurcated city. Average commute: 28 minutes — acceptable. Waterbury was founded in 1686 — that's 340 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 28.9 sq miles at 3,969 people/sq mile — spread out. Elevation: 262 ft — modest elevation. RoastMyCity overall score: 53/100 — Needs Work.