Connecticut, known for its wealthy suburbs and high median incomes, also contains pockets of deep poverty. While cities like Hartford and New Haven often make headlines for high poverty rates, the distinction of the “poorest town” in Connecticut is based on median household income and poverty rate. Recent data highlights a small town, not a major city, as holding this unfortunate title.
Canaan: Connecticut’s Poorest Town
According to a 2025 analysis by 24/7 Wall St., the poorest town in Connecticut is Canaan. The data reveals:
- Median Household Income: $31,130 (compared to Connecticut’s statewide median of $90,213)
- Poverty Rate: 40.5% (statewide rate: 10.1%)
These figures make Canaan stand out as the town with both the lowest median income and the highest percentage of residents living in poverty in the state.
How Does Canaan Compare to Connecticut’s Cities?
While Canaan is the poorest town by these measures, several Connecticut cities also struggle with significant poverty:
| City/Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Canaan | $31,130 | 40.5% |
| Hartford | $36,278–$41,841 | 26.9–28.1% |
| New Haven | $42,222 | 26.5% |
| Willimantic | $40,122 | 30.3% |
Major cities like Hartford and New Haven have higher total numbers of residents in poverty, but Canaan’s rates are the highest for a town.
Why Is Canaan So Poor?
Canaan’s economic challenges stem from a combination of factors:
- Limited Economic Opportunities: As a small, rural community, Canaan has fewer job opportunities compared to urban centers.
- Demographics: Smaller towns often have older populations and fewer working-age residents, which can depress median incomes.
- Lack of Industry: The absence of major employers or industries contributes to persistent poverty.
While cities like Hartford and New Haven are often associated with poverty in Connecticut due to their large populations and visible economic struggles, Canaan is officially the poorest town in the state by median income and poverty rate. This highlights the economic disparities that exist not only between Connecticut’s cities and suburbs but also among its rural towns.
Sources:
- https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-rich-poor-gap-inequality-capital-stereotype-20238234.php
- https://ctvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bud16mapecondisparities.pdf
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-connecticut/
- https://stacker.com/stories/connecticut/cities-connecticut-most-living-poverty