City Profile
New Britain, Connecticut
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
New Britain, Connecticut, often referred to as the 'Hardware City' due to its rich industrial past, is a vibrant community located in Hartford County. The city has a population estimated at 76,969 in 2026 and is experiencing an annual growth rate of 0.9%. Its character is shaped by a diverse population and a blend of historic architecture with ongoing revitalization efforts. People are drawn to New Britain for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other parts of Connecticut, its educational institutions like Central Connecticut State University, and its evolving urban landscape. The city offers a mix of cultural attractions, green spaces, and a strong sense of community, making it an appealing place for both families and individuals.
Connecticut, located in southern New England, offers a blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and proximity to major cities like New York and Boston. The state's economy is robust, with major industries including finance and insurance, manufacturing (especially aerospace and defense), and healthcare. Living in Connecticut generally entails a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. The climate features four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, and residents enjoy a lifestyle that balances suburban tranquility with access to cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and strong public education.
How this 54/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 30% | 18.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 | 63.8 | 25% | 15.9 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $58,613 Income needed to live here: $60,000 Unemployment rate: 8.3% | 21.7 | 20% | 4.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.9% Job growth rate: 2.57% | 59.5 | 15% | 8.9 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 54.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=93 ✓ perfect), last refreshed
18 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Britain is generally more affordable than the national average, with the average rent for an apartment in September 2026 being $1,600 per month, which is 16% below the national average. This makes housing a significant factor in the city's affordability. While specific utility and food costs were not readily available for 2026, the overall lower housing expenses contribute to a more manageable budget for residents. However, it's important to note that while housing costs are lower, other expenses like transportation and healthcare can still contribute to the overall cost of living in the state of Connecticut.
Income
Salary Insights
New Britain's economy is driven by several key sectors, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing being the largest industries in 2024. Major employers include Stanley Black & Decker, a prominent toolmaker, and The Hospital of Central Connecticut. The city saw an employment growth rate of 2.57% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a positive trend in job creation. While the state of Connecticut experienced a higher unemployment rate of 5.2% in July 2026, New Britain's rate stood at 8.3% during the same period, suggesting a more challenging local job market. The presence of diverse industries, including a growing healthcare and bioscience sector in Connecticut, offers varied opportunities, though the local unemployment rate suggests that securing employment might require persistence.
The average salary in New Britain is $43,281 per year. You would need approximately $60,000 to live comfortably.
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Weather
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Mobility
Transport
Getting around New Britain primarily involves driving, as indicated by the average car ownership of 2 cars per household in 2024 and the fact that most people drove alone to work. The average commute time for workers in New Britain was 21.5 minutes between 2020 and 2024, which is shorter than the national average. While public transportation options exist, their scores for transit and walkability were not explicitly found, suggesting a medium to high car dependency for daily commutes and errands. The city's infrastructure supports vehicular travel, but efforts to improve pedestrian and public transit access are part of broader urban development goals.
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Community Q&A
Questions about New Britain
What people ask about living in and moving to New Britain, Connecticut.
How safe is New Britain, CT for new residents?
New Britain, Connecticut, holds a safety score of 62.0 out of 100. As with many mid-sized cities, crime rates and overall safety levels can fluctuate depending on the specific neighborhood, block, or time of day. Areas near major public parks, university grounds, and residential outskirts often have different activity patterns than dense commercial centers. Prospective residents can review neighborhood crime maps, re...
Where can I find hospitals and medical care in New Britain, CT?
Residents of New Britain, Connecticut, have access to full-service medical facilities right within the city. Major local healthcare providers include The Hospital of Central Connecticut (New Britain General Campus) for emergency services, inpatient care, and specialized surgery. Additionally, the Hospital for Special Care offers complex medical care and rehabilitation services. Urgent care centers and primary care cl...
How do I set up city utilities when moving to New Britain, CT?
When relocating to New Britain, Connecticut, setting up household utilities requires contacting a few different service providers. Electricity is primarily supplied by Eversource Energy, while natural gas service is managed by Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG). Water and sewer service are overseen by the New Britain Water Department, and municipal trash pick-up schedules are managed by the city's Public Works department....
Why is New Britain, CT known as the Hardware City?
New Britain, Connecticut, earned the nickname 'Hardware City' during the 19th and 20th centuries due to its role as a major center for American manufacturing and tool production. World-famous manufacturing companies like Stanley Black & Decker were founded or built large industrial bases here, producing hardware, locks, and hand tools sold worldwide. While the local economy has expanded into healthcare, education, an...
What is the average cost of living in New Britain, CT?
New Britain, Connecticut, offers a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to national averages. The city's overall cost of living index is 84, where 100 represents the national baseline. This below-average rating means everyday expenses like housing, groceries, and utilities generally run lower than in many other parts of the country. Lower overhead can make the city an appealing option within the region. For exact...
What public school options are available in New Britain, CT?
Public education in the city is administered by the Consolidated School District of New Britain, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools, including New Britain High School. The city is also home to specialized options like E.C. Goodwin Technical High School and regional magnet programs. For families seeking higher education or adult learning, Central Connecticut State University is located right within ci...
What should I expect to pay for rent in New Britain, CT?
If you are looking to rent an apartment in New Britain, Connecticut, the average rent sits around $1,600 per month. Depending on the neighborhood, building amenities, unit size, and whether utilities are included, actual prices will vary across individual rental properties. Areas near Central Connecticut State University or the downtown center may feature different housing types, from multi-family homes to modern apa...
What is the job market and average salary like in New Britain, CT?
The average salary in New Britain, Connecticut, is $43,281 per year. Major local employers and economic drivers in the area include corporate headquarters like Stanley Black & Decker, healthcare institutions such as The Hospital of Central Connecticut, and educational facilities. The city also offers employment opportunities in light manufacturing, regional retail, municipal government, and service industries. For up...
What public transportation options serve New Britain, CT?
New Britain, Connecticut, offers convenient public transit connections, most notably through CTtransit bus services and the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system. CTfastrak provides dedicated, frequent service connecting downtown New Britain directly to Hartford and surrounding towns, making commuting straightforward without a private car. Major highways like Route 72 and Interstate 84 also cross the city for drivers. T...
What are the best attractions and things to do in New Britain, CT?
New Britain, Connecticut, offers a rich mix of cultural and outdoor activities. You can explore renowned American artwork at the New Britain Museum of American Art or learn about local manufacturing heritage at the New Britain Industrial Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Walnut Hill Park, a historic green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted featuring walking paths and a rose garden. The city is also famous for it...
Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in New Britain? Add your own.
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Senior Care in New Britain
14 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in New Britain.
Autumn Lake Healthcare At New Britain
New Britain, CT
Monsignor Bojnowski Manor
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Grandview Rehabilitation And Healthcare Center
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Adora HomeCare, LLC
New Britain, CT
Liberty HomeCare Options, LLC
New Britain, CT
Jerome Home
New Britain, CT
Andrew House Healthcare
New Britain, CT
Autumn Lake Healthcare At New Britain
New Britain, CT
Monsignor Bojnowski Manor
New Britain, CT
Grandview Rehabilitation And Healthcare Center
New Britain, CT
Adora HomeCare, LLC
New Britain, CT
Liberty HomeCare Options, LLC
New Britain, CT
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