Connecticut: The Constitution State Atlas
Connecticut Demographics

Population Change by Town 1990 - 1996

For the past several years Connecticut's population has been shrinking as a whole. The economy has been in a recession and residents are moving with jobs. This isn't the only population shift occurring in Connecticut, migrations from cities to suburbs and rural towns is also taking place.

In 1995, Hartford held the title of fastest shrinking city in the U.S. However, new estimates in 1996 show a different perspective. These new estimates with different measuring methods still show Hartford losing its population, but not quite as quickly. This isn't a situation only occurring in Hartford, several other Industrial towns in the state are also experiencing a population loss. In addition the first suburban rings are also losing population. (Swift & Fox. pA1: November 19, 1997) Suburban rings are areas around the city expanding out. The first ring, contains people that are the first generation to move out of the city. Later this group is capable of moving into further outside rings.

When comparing data from different years, and based on differing methods, anomalies may occur. For instance on the map below the town of Mansfield is represented by a 2,145 person, population loss. This loss is a comparison of population counts and estimates, for the years 1990 (count) and 1996 (estimate). Since the town of Mansfield has a high college town residency, the resulting differences in time plays an important factor in determining true population change. The 1990 count was taken in April (when population was high) while the 1996 estimate was made in July (after population drops for summer break).

Population Change Loss/Gain by Town

Cities and towns that added more than 1,000, or grew by more than 10%, between 1990 - 1996. Cities and towns that lost more than 3,000, or more than 10%, between 1990 - 1996.

Sources:
Population 1996 US Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
UCONN Magic 1997

Connecticut Demographics