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Connecticut Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Connecticut is the southernmost state of the United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and the Long Island Sound to the south. Despite its small size, Connecticut is a highly urbanized and economically significant state in the New England region.
Connecticut ranks as the 29th most populous state in the United States and is the third-smallest state by land area, covering 4,849 square miles (12,559 sq. km). With an average population density of about 739 people per square mile, Connecticut is the 4th most densely populated state in the country.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Connecticut had a population of 3,605,944 (3.6 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population is 3,675,069, or approximately 3.7 million, reflecting modest growth.
👉 Projected Population of Connecticut (2026): ~3.69 million
Connecticut Population Growth (2010–2020)
Connecticut recorded a population growth rate of 0.9% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 31,847 residents over the decade. Population growth in the state has been modest, reflecting its mature urbanization and slower migration trends compared to other states.
The median age in Connecticut is 40.6 years, making it one of the older populations in the U.S. The gender distribution shows a slight majority of females, with 51.2% female and 48.8% male residents.
Connecticut Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,605,944 (3.6 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 0.9% |
| Population Rank | 29th |
| Total Land Area | 4,849 sq mi (12,559 sq. km) |
| Area Rank | 48th |
| Population Density | 739 per sq mi (285 per km²) |
| Capital City | Hartford |
| Largest City | Bridgeport |
Connecticut Historical Population
Connecticut has experienced steady population growth over more than two centuries. In 1900, the state’s population was approximately 1 million, which grew to 3.6 million by 2020, an increase of nearly 2.6 million people. Early growth was steady, fueled by industrialization and urbanization, while growth slowed in recent decades as the state reached population maturity.
The table below shows Connecticut’s decennial population totals and percentage change from 1790 to 2020, highlighting periods of rapid early growth, mid-20th century expansion, and slower modern growth.
Connecticut Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 237,946 | — |
| 1800 | 251,002 | 5.50% |
| 1810 | 261,942 | 4.40% |
| 1820 | 275,248 | 5.10% |
| 1830 | 297,675 | 8.10% |
| 1840 | 309,978 | 4.10% |
| 1850 | 370,792 | 19.60% |
| 1860 | 460,147 | 24.10% |
| 1870 | 537,454 | 16.80% |
| 1880 | 622,700 | 15.90% |
| 1890 | 746,258 | 19.80% |
| 1900 | 908,420 | 21.70% |
| 1910 | 1,114,756 | 22.70% |
| 1920 | 1,380,631 | 23.90% |
| 1930 | 1,606,903 | 16.40% |
| 1940 | 1,709,242 | 6.40% |
| 1950 | 2,007,280 | 17.40% |
| 1960 | 2,535,234 | 26.30% |
| 1970 | 3,031,709 | 19.60% |
| 1980 | 3,107,576 | 2.50% |
| 1990 | 3,287,116 | 5.80% |
| 2000 | 3,405,565 | 3.60% |
| 2010 | 3,574,097 | 4.90% |
| 2020 | 3,605,944 | 0.90% |
Connecticut Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Connecticut, followed by approximately 70% of the population. Among Christians, Protestants make up 35%, Roman Catholics 33%, Mormons 1%, and Eastern Orthodox 1%. The religiously unaffiliated population represents 23% of residents. Other non-Christian religions collectively account for 7%, including Judaism (3%), Hinduism (1%), Buddhism (1%), Islam (1%), and smaller faiths.
For more details, read: Religion in Connecticut.
Race and Ethnicity
According to the 2020 Census, White (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in Connecticut, comprising 63.21% of the population. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 17.29%, followed by Black or African American residents at 10.01%, and Asian residents at 4.73%.
Ancestry in Connecticut
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Connecticut are Italian, Irish, German, English, and Polish, reflecting the state’s strong European immigration history.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Connecticut.
Top cities and counties in Connecticut
As of 2022, Connecticut is divided into 8 counties. Fairfield County is the largest county by population, with 949,921 residents. Despite being a small state, Connecticut has a high population density, concentrated in urban and suburban areas.
The largest city in Connecticut is Bridgeport, with a population of 143,525. It is followed by Stamford (131,397) and New Haven (130,801), highlighting the state’s urban concentration along the Long Island Sound and major transportation corridors.
For more details, read: Counties and Cities in Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Connecticut Demographics
1. What is the current population of Connecticut?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Connecticut had a population of 3,605,944 (3.6 million). The 2024 estimate places the population at approximately 3.7 million, with modest growth expected.
2. How fast is Connecticut’s population growing?
Between 2010 and 2020, Connecticut recorded a population growth rate of 0.9%, adding around 31,847 residents. Growth has been slow compared to other U.S. states due to mature urbanization and limited in-migration.
3. What is the racial and ethnic composition of Connecticut?
Connecticut’s largest racial group is White (non-Hispanic) at 63.21%. Other major groups include Hispanic or Latino (17.29%), Black or African American (10.01%), and Asian (4.73%).
4. What is the dominant religion in Connecticut?
Christianity is the majority religion in the state, with 70% of residents identifying as Christian. 23% of the population is unaffiliated with any religion, and 7% follow other faiths, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
5. What are the largest cities and counties in Connecticut?
Bridgeport is the largest city with 143,525 residents, followed by Stamford (131,397) and New Haven (130,801). Fairfield County is the most populous county, with nearly 950,000 residents.
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