Population Trends

• Census figures show Connecticut's population grew from 3,287,116 in 1990 to 3,405,565 by the year 2000.
• Connecticut's modest 3.6 percent population gain was the fourth lowest among all states. Only North Dakota, West Virginia and Pennsylvania had lower population growth rates during the last decade.
• One result of Connecticut's low population growth was its loss of a congressional seat. Since the apportionment from the 1930 census, Connecticut has had six seats in the House of Representatives. Connecticut will now send only five members to the House.
• Connecticut's population has aged over the last decade. The median age for state residents increased from 34.4 in 1990 to 37.4 in 2000. The country showed a similar trend but for a somewhat younger population; the national median age increased from 32.9 in 1990 to 35.3 in 2000.

• The state's younger population -- 19 and under -- grew at a faster rate than its elderly -- those 65 and over. However, a significant upward shift in age within the large population group from 20 to 65 accounted in large measure for the rise in Connecticut's median age.

• Connecticut growing racial and ethnic diversity is also reflected in the 2000 census. All racial categories of the non-white population have increased. The Hispanic or Latino population, which can be of any race, has also increased.

• Four of Connecticut's five largest cities, those with over 100,000 residents, experienced a population decline during the last decade. Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury had an average population loss of 5.5 percent. 
• Of the largest cities, only Stamford showed a population increase of 8.4 percent. Many of the state's smaller communities experienced the largest growth rate. Fifty-eight Connecticut towns grew by more than 10 percent last decade. Their average population was 10,300 in 1990 and 11,900 in 2000.

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