Living in Norwalk, CT
Norwalk is the 370th-largest city in the US, home to about 95,000 people in 2025. It has grown 3.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (106.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 94,508+3.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $558,0005.2 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,073/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $107,616median, per year
- Price level
- 106.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 38° / 83°lows 24° / 68°
- Average commute
- 27 min15% work from home
- State income tax
- 6.99%top rate, graduated
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County: Fairfield County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 36 ft
Metro area: Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
Cost of living in Norwalk
The median home in Norwalk is worth $558,000 and the median household earns $107,616 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.2 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,073 a month, about 23% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT metro area at 106.9, with housing at 150.5 and goods at 97.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $80,100 here. Connecticut taxes wages at a top rate of 6.99%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Connecticut is 6.35%.
What would my salary be worth in Norwalk?
Norwalk weather
Average highs run from 38°F in January to 83°F in July, and January nights average 24°F. It gets 44 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 34 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 92 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Norwalk
People and work
The median resident is 40.6 years old, and 45% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 56% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 27 minutes; 15% of workers work from home and 7% take public transit.
- Median age
- 40.6466th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 45%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 56%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,12922.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 7%3% walk, 0.5% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.2%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1967median year
Who moves to Norwalk, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County) and Boston (Suffolk County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Cambridge (Middlesex County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Home prices
+5.1% in a year
Up 53% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
65% good days
21 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index () combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Norwalk
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Yankee Stadium 34 miles
- Citi Field 34 miles
- Yale University 28 miles
- United States Military Academy 34 miles
- Stony Brook University 21 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Norwalk
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Westchester County Airport HPN | 16 mi | 1,182,384 |
| Long Island MacArthur Airport ISP | 28 mi | 682,804 |
| Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport HVN | 29 mi | 589,409 |
| LaGuardia Airport LGA | 34 mi | 16,715,567 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Norwalk
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook University | 21 mi | 18,101 | $18,902 | 77% |
| SUNY Westchester Community College | 20 mi | 8,078 | $7,291 | 25% |
| Sacred Heart University | 11 mi | 7,087 | $45,827 | 77% |
| Long Island University | 23 mi | 5,520 | $23,862 | 59% |
| Fairfield University | 8 mi | 5,373 | $49,906 | 85% |
| SUNY Old Westbury | 24 mi | 4,162 | $8,991 | 43% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Norwalk
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 5, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 26 and the first frost comes around November 6.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Bridgeport Sikorsky Mem Airport, CT, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Norwalk.
Wildfire smoke in Norwalk
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Norwalk on about 107 days a year, including about 24 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Norwalk
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 36,011 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Norwalk
Downtown Norwalk is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwalk School District | Pre-K to 12 | 11,473 | 22 | 12.6 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Bridgeport School District (20,022 students), Stamford School District (16,185 students), Fairfield School District (9,139 students), Greenwich School District (8,465 students), Westport School District (5,281 students), Darien School District (4,673 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Norwalk's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Norwalk's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Reston, VA74% matchCompare
- Evanston, IL70% matchCompare
- Naperville, IL70% matchCompare
- Arlington Heights, IL67% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Norwalk
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Norwalk
- Thunder Ridge Ski Area 28 miles
- Woodbury Ski Area 33 miles
- Mount Southington 40 miles
- Campgaw Mountain Reservation 42 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Norwalk
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Norwalk?
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Norwalk report card from locals
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Norwalk through locals' eyes
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Cities near Norwalk
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford, CT | 8 mi | 139,535 | $624,400 | 106.9 | Compare |
| Bridgeport, CT | 11 mi | 152,273 | $274,900 | 106.9 | Compare |
| Danbury, CT | 19 mi | 89,033 | $411,200 | 106.9 | Compare |
| New Rochelle, NY | 24 mi | 85,864 | $702,500 | 112.6 | Compare |
| Yonkers, NY | 27 mi | 212,603 | $501,600 | 112.6 | Compare |
| New Haven, CT | 28 mi | 138,774 | $287,100 | 104.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Norwalk with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Norwalk a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 6 comfortable months a year. Compare Norwalk side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Norwalk?
The Census Bureau estimates Norwalk had 94,508 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 91,219 in April 2020 (+3.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Norwalk?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $80,100 in the Norwalk area. The median household here earns $107,616.
When is the best time to visit Norwalk?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 83°F and January 38°F for daytime highs.
What county is Norwalk in?
Norwalk is in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Norwalk in?
Norwalk is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Norwalk?
About 36 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Connecticut have a state income tax?
Yes. Connecticut has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.99% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Norwalk. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Bridgeport Sikorsky Mem Airport, CT station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.