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Connecticut Community Foundation Region Community Data Profiles
John McDonald
Undergraduate Intern
University of Connecticut
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ContentsExecutive Summary....................................................................................................................................11
Community Profiles...................................................................................................................................12
Beacon Falls..........................................................................................................................................12
Summary.........................................................................................................................................12
Demographics..................................................................................................................................12
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................13
Social services..................................................................................................................................13
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................13
Access to care..................................................................................................................................14
Access to food.................................................................................................................................14
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................14
Employment....................................................................................................................................14
Environmental.................................................................................................................................14
Bethlehem............................................................................................................................................15
Summary.........................................................................................................................................15
Demographics..................................................................................................................................15
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................16
Social services..................................................................................................................................16
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................16
Access to care..................................................................................................................................16
Access to food.................................................................................................................................17
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Civic engagement............................................................................................................................17
Employment....................................................................................................................................17
Environmental.................................................................................................................................17
Bridgewater..........................................................................................................................................17
Summary.........................................................................................................................................17
Demographics..................................................................................................................................18
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................18
Social services..................................................................................................................................19
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................19
Access to care..................................................................................................................................19
Access to food.................................................................................................................................19
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................19
Employment....................................................................................................................................20
Environmental.................................................................................................................................20
Cheshire................................................................................................................................................20
Summary.........................................................................................................................................20
Demographics..................................................................................................................................21
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................21
Social services..................................................................................................................................21
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................22
Access to care..................................................................................................................................22
Access to food.................................................................................................................................22
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................22
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Employment....................................................................................................................................22
Environmental.................................................................................................................................23
Goshen.................................................................................................................................................23
Summary.........................................................................................................................................23
Demographics..................................................................................................................................23
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................24
Social services..................................................................................................................................24
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................24
Access to care..................................................................................................................................25
Access to food.................................................................................................................................25
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................25
Employment....................................................................................................................................25
Environmental.................................................................................................................................25
Litchfield...............................................................................................................................................26
Summary.........................................................................................................................................26
Demographics..................................................................................................................................26
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................27
Social services..................................................................................................................................27
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................27
Access to care..................................................................................................................................27
Access to food.................................................................................................................................27
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................28
Employment....................................................................................................................................28
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Environmental.................................................................................................................................28
Middlebury...........................................................................................................................................28
Summary.........................................................................................................................................28
Demographics..................................................................................................................................29
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................29
Social services..................................................................................................................................30
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................30
Access to care..................................................................................................................................30
Access to food.................................................................................................................................30
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................30
Employment....................................................................................................................................31
Environmental.................................................................................................................................31
Morris...................................................................................................................................................31
Summary.........................................................................................................................................31
Demographics..................................................................................................................................31
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................32
Social services..................................................................................................................................32
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................32
Access to care..................................................................................................................................33
Access to food.................................................................................................................................33
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................33
Employment....................................................................................................................................33
Environmental.................................................................................................................................34
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Naugatuck.............................................................................................................................................34
Summary.........................................................................................................................................34
Demographics..................................................................................................................................34
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................35
Social services..................................................................................................................................35
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................35
Access to care..................................................................................................................................35
Access to food.................................................................................................................................36
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................36
Employment....................................................................................................................................36
Environmental.................................................................................................................................36
New Milford..........................................................................................................................................36
Summary.........................................................................................................................................36
Demographics..................................................................................................................................37
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................38
Social services..................................................................................................................................38
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................38
Access to care..................................................................................................................................38
Access to food.................................................................................................................................39
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................39
Employment....................................................................................................................................39
Environmental.................................................................................................................................39
Oxford...................................................................................................................................................39
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Summary.........................................................................................................................................39
Demographics..................................................................................................................................40
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................40
Social services..................................................................................................................................41
Health (county-level data):..............................................................................................................41
Access to care..................................................................................................................................41
Access to food.................................................................................................................................41
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................41
Employment....................................................................................................................................42
Environmental.................................................................................................................................42
Prospect................................................................................................................................................42
Summary.........................................................................................................................................42
Demographics..................................................................................................................................42
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................43
Social services..................................................................................................................................43
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................43
Access to care..................................................................................................................................44
Access to food.................................................................................................................................44
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................44
Employment....................................................................................................................................44
Environmental.................................................................................................................................45
Roxbury.................................................................................................................................................45
Summary.........................................................................................................................................45
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Demographics..................................................................................................................................45
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................46
Social services..................................................................................................................................46
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................46
Access to care..................................................................................................................................46
Access to food.................................................................................................................................47
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................47
Employment....................................................................................................................................47
Environmental.................................................................................................................................47
Southbury.............................................................................................................................................48
Summary.........................................................................................................................................48
Demographics..................................................................................................................................48
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................49
Social services..................................................................................................................................49
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................49
Access to care..................................................................................................................................49
Access to food.................................................................................................................................50
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................50
Employment....................................................................................................................................50
Environmental.................................................................................................................................50
Thomaston............................................................................................................................................50
Summary.........................................................................................................................................50
Demographics..................................................................................................................................51
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Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................51
Social services..................................................................................................................................52
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................52
Access to care..................................................................................................................................52
Access to food.................................................................................................................................52
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................52
Employment....................................................................................................................................53
Environmental.................................................................................................................................53
Warren..................................................................................................................................................53
Summary.........................................................................................................................................53
Demographics..................................................................................................................................54
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................54
Social services..................................................................................................................................55
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................55
Access to care..................................................................................................................................55
Access to food.................................................................................................................................55
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................55
Employment....................................................................................................................................56
Environmental.................................................................................................................................56
Washington...........................................................................................................................................56
Summary.........................................................................................................................................56
Demographics..................................................................................................................................57
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................57
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Social services..................................................................................................................................57
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................58
Access to care..................................................................................................................................58
Access to food.................................................................................................................................58
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................58
Employment....................................................................................................................................59
Environmental.................................................................................................................................59
Waterbury.............................................................................................................................................59
Summary.........................................................................................................................................59
Demographics..................................................................................................................................60
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................60
Social services..................................................................................................................................61
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................61
Access to care..................................................................................................................................61
Access to food.................................................................................................................................61
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................61
Employment....................................................................................................................................62
Environmental.................................................................................................................................62
Watertown............................................................................................................................................62
Summary.........................................................................................................................................62
Demographics..................................................................................................................................63
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................63
Social services..................................................................................................................................63
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Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................64
Access to care..................................................................................................................................64
Access to food.................................................................................................................................64
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................64
Employment....................................................................................................................................64
Environmental.................................................................................................................................65
Wolcott.................................................................................................................................................65
Summary.........................................................................................................................................65
Demographics..................................................................................................................................65
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................66
Social services..................................................................................................................................66
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................66
Access to care..................................................................................................................................67
Access to food.................................................................................................................................67
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................67
Employment....................................................................................................................................67
Environmental.................................................................................................................................67
Woodbury.............................................................................................................................................68
Summary.........................................................................................................................................68
Demographics..................................................................................................................................68
Disability (county-level data)...........................................................................................................69
Social services..................................................................................................................................69
Health (county-level data)...............................................................................................................69
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Access to care..................................................................................................................................69
Access to food.................................................................................................................................70
Civic engagement............................................................................................................................70
Employment....................................................................................................................................70
Environmental.................................................................................................................................70
Sources......................................................................................................................................................70
Demographic information................................................................................................................70
Disability data..................................................................................................................................71
Social services data..........................................................................................................................71
Health data......................................................................................................................................71
Access to care data..........................................................................................................................71
Access to food data..........................................................................................................................71
Civic engagement data.....................................................................................................................71
Employment data............................................................................................................................71
Environmental data.........................................................................................................................71
Executive Summary
The community profiles contained in this report are intended to provide an overview of social and economic conditions and access to services and amenities in the 21 towns that make up the Connecticut Community Foundation service region. The term region refers to this 21 town area. Most data was obtained using the same methods and sources as the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative and AARP Livability Indexes. Additional data was obtained using original methods and sources. All sources have been acknowledged. Each community data set is prefaced by a brief summary outlining trends and statistics of special significance in that community. Trends that occur in multiple communities were determined to be regional trends. These include the overall dichotomy of younger cities and aging suburbs, and the limited access to jobs, healthcare, and food options in suburban and rural communities. Increased citizen participation was noted in smaller communities, and was
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dependent upon the number of available opportunities, as some rural towns had levels of civic engagement on par with the region’s larger towns and cities.
Goshen - 1Naugatuck - 1New Milford - 1Prospect - 1Thomaston - 1Watertown - 1Woodbury - 2Beacon Falls - 4Waterbury - 9All other towns - 0
Figure 1. Distribution of Brownfield Sites
Beacon Fa
lls
Bethleh
em
Bridge
water
Cheshire
Goshen
Litchfield
Middlebury
Morris
Nauga
tuck
New M
ilford
Oxford
Prospect
Roxbury
Southbury
Thomast
on
Warren
Washingto
n
Waterb
ury
Waterto
wn
Wolcott
Woodbury0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Figure 2. Open Space Percentage of Total Land Area
13
Beacon Fa
lls
Bethleh
em
Bridge
water
Cheshire
Goshen
Litchfield
Middlebury
Morris
Nauga
tuck
New M
ilford
Oxford
Prospect
Roxbury
Southbury
Thomast
on
Warren
Washingto
n
Waterb
ury
Waterto
wn
Wolcott
Woodbury0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Figure 3. Percentage of Total Population 65 Years or Over
Beacon Fa
lls
Bethleh
em
Bridge
water
Cheshire
Goshen
Litchfield
Middlebury
Morris
Nauga
tuck
New M
ilford
Oxford
Prospect
Roxbury
Southbury
Thomast
on
Warren
Washingto
n
Waterb
ury
Waterto
wn
Wolcott
Woodbury0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Figure 4. Median Age per Community
14
Community Profiles
Beacon Falls
Summary
Beacon Falls, like many of the Valley towns, has struggled with deindustrialization. The town’s unemployment rate is greater than the regional and state averages and four brownfields sites remained as of the DEEP’s last inventory. The economy of Beacon Falls is largely based upon its two industrial parks where a number of distribution, wholesale, and light manufacturing businesses are located. A bus runs from Waterbury to the Pines Bridge Industrial Park, providing transit access to jobs there. The percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level in Beacon Falls is lower than the state average and the 4-year cohort graduation rate is higher. The elderly population represents a relatively small group, but one that will grow quickly as the sizable 55 to 64 cohort ages. Access to healthcare and healthy food options is greater than that in more rural communities but lesser than larger towns and cities. Access to these necessities is on par with the regional average. Residents of Beacon Falls must be classified as car-dependent, as very few errands can be completed using other modes of transportations. Opportunities for civic engagement in Beacon Falls are few, as there are no arts, cultural, or entertainment establishments and only one membership organization. A sizable portion of the town lies within the Naugatuck State Forest, and approximately 25% of the total area consists of protected open space, which is well above the regional average.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 5,975
Households (2012 ALICE)- 2,244
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 16.7%
65 years or over- 13.2%
85 years or over- 1.3%
Under 5 years- 3.2%
Median age- 41.8
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 22.6
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2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 92.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 484
SNAP cases (2014)- 167
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 5
16
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 3
Home health agencies serving town- 20
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 3
Food banks within 5 miles- 2
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 1
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 0
Membership Organizations- 1 (1.7 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 2.52
Library program attendance per capita- 0.64
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 74.86%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 7.4%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 50,000 to 100,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1655 (26.3% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 4
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Bethlehem
Summary
Bethlehem has the smallest percentage of protected open space of the 21 towns; reflective of the town’s large agriculture sector. This industry provides many of the jobs located in Bethlehem, and the unemployment rate is below state and regional averages. The school district which encompasses Bethlehem has the highest 4-year cohort graduation rate of the 21 town region, and the percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level, while higher than the regional average, is significantly lower than the state average. The percentage of the 65 and older population is on par with many of the communities in the region, but will grow quickly, as the large 55 to 64 cohort ages. This process is part of a widespread trend and will be most pronounced in rural and suburban communities. Access to healthcare is an area of concern in Bethlehem, and access to healthy food options, while low, is higher than in other rural communities. Overall, residents in Bethlehem are highly car-dependent. Due to Bethlehem’s small population, opportunities for civic engagement are high despite the community’s relatively small number of arts, entertainment, and recreational establishments and membership organizations.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 3,527
Households (2012 ALICE)- 1,409
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 20.4%
65 years or over- 17.2%
85 years or over- 2.6%
Under 5 years- 3.4%
Median age- 50.1
Percentage of children less than 200% below U.S. poverty level- 19.7
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 96.7%
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Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 280
SNAP cases (2014)- 63
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 0
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
19
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
Home health agencies serving town- 7
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 2
Food banks within 5 miles- 1
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 1
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 2 (5.1 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 5 (13.9 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 3.49
Library program attendance per capita- 0.27
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 82.31%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.7%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 10,000 to 25,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 816 (6.5% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
20
Bridgewater
Summary
Bridgewater is the second-smallest of the 21 towns in population size, and predominantly rural. Unlike Bethlehem, agriculture is not a major industry and most of the town’s 252 jobs are white-collar positions. The unemployment rate is below regional and state averages. A relatively large percentage of the children in Bethlehem live below 200% of the federal poverty level when weighed against other towns in the area, but this percentage is also the state average. The 4-year cohort graduation rate is slightly above regional and state averages. Bridgewater has the highest median age and the second largest percentage of elderly residents in the region, statistics that become a matter of concern when factoring in the relatively low access to healthcare and food sources. The large 55 to 64 cohort promises a sizable increase in the elderly population. Residents of Bridgewater are highly car-dependent and must travel to the nearby city of New Milford for these and other resources. Library usage and voter turnout in Bridgewater are among the highest in the region, perhaps reflecting the large elderly population, and other opportunities for civic engagement exist within the town. Although less than the regional average, the town has a significant amount of protected open space and there are no brownfield sites.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 1,729
Households (2012 ALICE)- 746
Population by age group (2013):
55 to 64 years- 19.5%
65 years or over- 22.7%
85 years or over- 2.0%
Under 5 years- 2.8%
Median age- 51.5
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 27.4
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
21
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 82
SNAP cases (2014)- 18
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 2
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
Home health agencies serving town- 3
22
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 1
Food banks within 5 miles- 3
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 0
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 3 (4.3 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 2 (11.7 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 12.14
Library program attendance per capita- 2.58
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 94.75%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.5%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 10,000 to 25,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1461 (13.2% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
23
Cheshire
Summary
Cheshire has often been referred to as a bedroom community and most area residents are commuters who travel to major employment centers such as Hartford and New Haven. However, a large number of distribution facilities are located in Cheshire due to its central location and highway access. The agricultural sector is reflected in a few large greenhouses and a small number of orchards and farms. Cheshire has grown quickly in recent years, and is considered a desirable place to live. It has the access to employment and central location of a city but its overall quality of life is indicative of its suburban character. The percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level is the lowest of the 21 towns as well as one of the lowest in the state. The 4-year cohort graduation rate is also well above regional and state averages. The elderly population is below regional and state averages but is predicted to grow significantly as the 55 to 64 cohort ages. Access to healthcare and food is limited, and, despite its central location, residents in Cheshire are highly car-dependent. Opportunities for civic engagement in Cheshire exceed the regional averages, and participation rates are also above average. The amount of open space in Cheshire exceeds the regional average, although, reflective of the town’s rapidly growing population, few significant additions are predicted.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 29,231
Households (2012 ALICE)- 9,641
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 15.0%
65 years or over- 14.2%
85 years or over- 2.7%
Under 5 years- 3.5%
Median age- 42.5
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 4.4
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 95.4%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)24
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 1,717
SNAP cases (2014)- 357
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 40
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 4
Home health agencies serving town- 29
25
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 0
Food banks within 5 miles- 2
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 3
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 12 (4.1 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 25 (8.5 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 5.81
Library program attendance per capita- 0.58
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 78.65%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.7%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 50,000 to 100,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 4166 (19.7% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
26
Goshen
Summary
As with Bridgewater, the largest employer in Goshen is the municipal government. The unemployment rate is lower than regional and state average, but access to jobs is very limited. This necessitates a long commute for many. The situation in Goshen is reflective of many of the rural Litchfield County communities that are not located near a major city, as access to healthcare and food options is severely limited. Car-dependence is nearly universal as residents of Goshen must travel to Torrington, a distance of about 7 miles, for these and other needs. The percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level exceeds the regional average, but the 4-year cohort graduation rate for the school district which encompasses Goshen is above regional and state averages. An marked increase in the already significant elderly population is expected as the very large 55 to 64 cohort ages. This demographic shift will be pronounced, and has been identified as an area of concern. Opportunities for civic engagement in Goshen are plentiful despite the community’s small population, and participation rates are above the regional benchmark. Goshen has the largest percentage of land set aside as open space of the 21 towns, indicative of the town’s commitment to maintain its rural character. A legacy of past industry remains, however, in the single brownfield site listed in the most recent DEEP inventory.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 2,779
Households (2012 ALICE)- 1,288
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 19.5%
65 years or over- 18.5%
85 years or over- 2.2%
Under 5 years- 2.1%
Median age- 49.4
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 18.9
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.5%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
27
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 201
SNAP cases (2014)- 51
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 0
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
28
Home health agencies serving town- 4
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 1
Food banks within 5 miles- 0
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 0
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 6 (20.3 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 4 (13.5 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 4.03
Library program attendance per capita- 0.53
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 82.1%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.3%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- less than 10,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 5463 (41.2% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 1
29
Litchfield
Summary
Litchfield is an historical Connecticut town whose center evokes traditional New England themes. Litchfield has a decidedly rural character reflected by the large amounts of land dedicated for preservation as open space and to agriculture. The town’s schools are its largest employers but the majority of the labor force works in town with another large amount commuting to nearby Torrington. The percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level exceeds the regional average, but the 4-year cohort graduation rate is higher than regional and state averages. As with many other Litchfield County communities, the elderly population in Litchfield is considerable. This population will grow quickly as this relatively older town ages. After Woodbury, Litchfield received the highest score on the AARP Livability Index and its downtown area is considered somewhat walkable. There is easy access to food in town, but healthcare options are more limited. This will affect the elderly and creates a state of car-dependence. Litchfield has many arts, entertainment, and recreational institutions and membership organizations for a community of its size. Civic participation mirrors opportunity as library usage and voter turnout exceeds regional averages.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 8,540
Households (2012 ALICE)- 3,326
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 15.3%
65 years or over- 19.2%
85 years or over- 4.2%
Under 5 years- 4.6%
Median age- 46.8
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 19.4
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 92.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
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Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 784
SNAP cases (2014)- 179
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 2
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 2
Home health agencies serving town- 6
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Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 5
Food banks within 5 miles- 4
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 3
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 12 (14.2 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 13 (15.4 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 9.86
Library program attendance per capita- 1.83
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 75.01%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.9%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 10,000 to 25,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- ~6000 (16.5% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
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Middlebury
Summary
Middlebury seemingly has the best of both worlds; easy access to Waterbury and its health and economic infrastructure, and the rural character of many parts of town. However, this arrangement is predicated on the automobile, and transit options in Middlebury are limited to a single intermittent bus route along the Route 64 corridor. A low percentage of Middlebury’s children live below 200% of the federal poverty level, and the 4-year cohort graduation rate for its school district is the highest in the region. The median age in Middlebury is lesser than many of the towns in the region but a sizable elderly population exists and is predicted to grow significantly as the 55 to 64 cohort ages. Proximity to Waterbury and its healthcare facilities will lessen the burden on these seniors, but their mobility within the community will be limited by the lack of alternative transportation options.
The unemployment rate in Middlebury is lower than regional and state averages and there is easy access to jobs. The majority of Middlebury’s residents work out of town, but a fair amount work where they live. White-collar jobs provide the bulk of local employment. Middlebury has a large number of arts, entertainment, and recreational establishments for a community of its size and four membership organizations. Library usage and voter turnout are higher than the regional average. Middlebury has committed to setting aside over 12 percent of its land for use as open space, but this effort will need to be maintained in the face of Middlebury’s rapidly growing population.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 7,550
Households (2012 ALICE)- 2,797
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 16.0%
65 years or over- 18.0%
85 years or over- 3.5%
Under 5 years- 3.2%
Median age- 45.0
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 10
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 96.7%
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Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 494
SNAP cases (2014)- 128
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 79
Hospitals within 5 miles- 1
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Nursing homes within 5 miles- 3
Home health agencies serving town- 15
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 6
Food banks within 5 miles- 10
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 1
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 12 (16.0 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 4 (5.3 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 6.7
Library program attendance per capita- 0.67
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 80.18%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.3%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 25,000 to 50,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1511 (12.8% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
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Morris
Summary
Morris, like Goshen and Warren, suffers due to its relative geographic isolation. It is not contiguous upon any community of appreciable size, and access to jobs, healthcare, and food are limited in consequence. The unemployment rate is lower than the state and regional average, but many more Morris residents commute than work in town, and relatively low-wage accommodation and food service industries account for the majority of jobs in Morris. The percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level is higher than regional and state averages, but the 4-year cohort graduation rate of the town’s school district also exceeds regional and state averages. The elderly population is smaller than in other rural communities but can be predicted to increase quickly due to the large 55 to 64 cohort. Opportunities for civic engagement are severely limited, and participation is at or below regional levels. With so little going on within the community, residents must travel elsewhere, and car-dependence is nearly universal.
Demographics
Population (2012 ALICE)- 2,469
Households (2012 ALICE)- 967
Population by age group (2010):
55 to 64 years- 17.0%
65 years or over- 15.6%
85 years or over- 2.4%
Under 5 years- 3.3%
Median Age- 46.0
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 19.4
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.5%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
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Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 202
SNAP cases (2014)- 48
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 1
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
Home health agencies serving town- 6
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Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 4
Food banks within 5 miles- 1
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 0
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 1 (4.1 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 0
Library visits per capita- 4.18
Library program attendance per capita- 0.56
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 77.59%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.7%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 10,000 to 25,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- ~4000 (33.9% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
Naugatuck
Summary
Out of all the communities in the 21 town region, conditions in Naugatuck most closely resemble those in Waterbury. Both communities were centers of industry and have had to cope with the aftermath of the departure of the manufacturing base. The unemployment rate in Naugatuck is higher 38
than all the communities in the region save Waterbury. There is good access to jobs, and a large number of jobs in Naugatuck but not in proportion to the borough’s residents. Children in Naugatuck enjoy a lower standard of living than that of all of the 21 towns except Waterbury. Naugatuck lacks the transit and healthcare infrastructures present in Waterbury, and only benefits by its proximity to these networks. Car-dependence is a fact of life for nearly all Naugatuck residents, with the exception of the few who live in the downtown area. Naugatuck has a notable paucity of arts, entertainment, and recreational establishments and membership organizations for a community of 30,000 plus. Civic engagement is predictably low. However, Naugatuck has a smaller percentage of elderly residents than many of the 21 towns, and the second-lowest median age. The 55 to 64 cohort is significant, but there will likely be lesser competition among Naugatuck’s seniors for available resources than in much of the region. Naugatuck has also made amends for the widespread environmental degradation of its industrial heyday. Today, nearly 16% of the town’s area is preserved as open space and only a single brownfield site remains.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 31,887
Households (2012 ALICE)- 12,588
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 15.9%
65 years or over- 13.7%
85 years or over- 2.7%
Under 5 years- 6.4%
Median age- 39.2
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 26.2
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 96.7%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
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% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 4,889
SNAP cases (2014)- 1,954
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes-8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 6
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 3
Home health agencies serving town- 29
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 5
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Food banks within 5 miles- 10
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 9
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 4 (1.3 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 21 (6.6 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 3.86
Library program attendance per capita- 0.27
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 65.57%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 8.2%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 50,000 to 100,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1680 (15.9% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 1
New Milford
Summary
As the westernmost community in the 21 town region, New Milford serves as the hub for the towns in the immediate area. Bridgewater, Roxbury, and Washington residents all avail themselves of New Milford’s resources. New Milford manages to avoid many of the problems concomitant for a community of its size. The unemployment rate, just below the regional average, is much lower than those in the Naugatuck Valley towns. The majority of the city’s workforce remains in town. International conglomerates Nestle and Kimberly-Clarke maintain facilities in New Milford. New Milford Hospital is
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also a major regional employer. However, this picture presented by these facts is misleading, as the large number of SNAP and Medicaid cases, in conjunction with a small elderly population, point toward a large number of what are referred to as the “working poor”. The elderly population is the smallest of the 21 towns, but will increase as the town ages. The demand for care and services will rise, especially considering that residents of several area towns travel to New Milford to partake of them. The town’s single hospital and two nursing homes may be insufficient to meet the growing demand.
Like the other two largest communities in the 21 town region, Naugatuck and Waterbury, New Milford has a sizeable youth population. The standard of living and educational attainment for New Milford’s children are only slightly lower than the regional average. Access to healthcare and food is adequate, but centered in the downtown area and along the Route 7 corridor. Transit options are severely limited, and residents, including those in the downtown area, must be classified as car-dependent. There are numerous opportunities for civic engagement, reflected in the large number of arts, entertainment, and recreational establishments and membership organizations. However, civic participation is slightly lower than the regional average. Despite having the largest area of all the 21 towns, New Milford has only dedicated approximately 4000 acres for preservation as open space. This amounts to about ten percent of the total area. A single brownfield site remains according the most recent DEEP inventory.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 26,948
Households (2012 ALICE)- 10,775
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 12.9%
65 years or over- 12.1%
85 years or over- 1.4%
Under 5 years- 4.4%
Median age- 41.0
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 18.4
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 89.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
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Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 7,602
SNAP cases (2014)- 4,149
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 14
Hospitals within 5 miles- 1
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 2
Home health agencies serving town- 11
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Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 1
Food banks within 5 miles- 2
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 7
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 17 (6.1 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 25 (8.9 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 6.08
Library program attendance per capita- 0.45
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 70.48%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.8%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 10,000 to 25,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- ~4000 (9.8% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 1
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Oxford
Summary
Oxford is the southernmost town in the CCF service region and, while its primary function is as a bedroom community, it is closely linked with the lower Naugatuck Valley towns such as Seymour, Ansonia, and Derby. The unemployment rate is below regional and state averages, even as the majority of the population commutes out of town for work. This sets up a standard of car-dependence that is further underscored by the lack of access to healthcare and food options. As expected of a bedroom community, the standard of living for children is high. Oxford boasts a very low percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level and the second-highest 4-year cohort graduation rate in the 21 town region. The elderly population is relatively low for a suburban community, but can be expected to grow quickly as the sizable 55 to 64 cohort ages. As Oxford residents are required to travel to Griffin Hospital in Derby, and there is only one nursing home in town, Oxford seniors in poor health are particularly underserved. Opportunities for civic engagement are below regional averages, and participation rates are also lower. Approximately 10 percent of the town’s land area is set aside as open space, and there are no brownfield sites.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 12,736
Households (2012 ALICE)- 4,420
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 17.8%
65 years or over- 12.4%
85 years or over- 1.2%
Under 5 years- 5.3%
Median age-43.4
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 9.6
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 96.6%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
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Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 660
SNAP cases (2014)- 171
Health (county-level data):
Tobacco Usage- 22.64% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 5
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 1
Home health agencies serving town- 23
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Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 1
Food banks within 5 miles- 1
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 0
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 2 (1.6 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 10 (7.4 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 2.52
Library program attendance per capita- 0.48
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 75.48%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.2%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 25,000 to 50,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 2139 (10.0% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
Prospect
Summary
Prospect is also primarily a residential town and its demographic makeup reflects this status. The unemployment rate is lower than regional and state averages, and majority of residents commute outside of town for work. Car-dependence is endemic and access to healthcare and food options is 47
limited. Prospect residents routinely avail themselves of the health care and economic opportunities in Waterbury. The percentage of elderly residents is lower than in many suburbs, and the 55 to 64 cohort is likewise smaller than the regional average. The large number of nursing homes in town and Prospect’s proximity to Waterbury’s healthcare network indicates that town seniors are likely well served. The standard of living for children is high, particularly for a town contiguous to Waterbury, but this is consistent with the town’s role as a bedroom community. Prospect played an early but small part in the industrialization of the region and one brownfield site remains. Approximately a quarter of the town’s total area is designated open space but much of this belongs to the regional water companies and public access is limited or prohibited.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 9,520
Households (2012 ALICE)- 3,280
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 14.4%
65 years or over- 15.6%
85 years or over- 3.2%
Under 5 years- 5.3%
Median age- 44.3
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 9.3
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 92.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
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% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 866
SNAP cases (2014)- 181
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 15
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 7
Home health agencies serving town- 21
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 2
Food banks within 5 miles- 11
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 1
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Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 3 (3.2 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 4 (4.2 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 3.26
Library program attendance per capita- 0.22
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 81.39%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.7%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 50,000 to 100,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 2281 (24.7% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 1
Roxbury
Summary
Roxbury is a predominantly rural town in southwestern Litchfield County that is best known as being the home to such famous individuals as Arthur Miller and Dustin Hoffman. It is a highly affluent community and boasts the lowest unemployment rate of all the 21 towns and one of the lowest in the state. While the number one commuter destination is Danbury, a significant amount of Roxbury residents work in town. The town government is the main employer. Despite this arrangement, car-dependence is a fact of life for most in Roxbury because there are almost no healthcare or food options in town. The lot of children is Roxbury is consistently excellent, the percentage of children living below 200% of the federal poverty level is among the lowest in the 21 town region and the regional school district has a 4-year cohort graduation rate above the regional and state averages. The outlook for the
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significant elderly population is less optimistic. With a considerable percentage of elderly residents and a 55 to 64 cohort among the largest in the region, seniors who live in Roxbury will become a highly stressed group. Very few services exist in town, reflective of the overall lack of access to healthcare and food options. Roxbury residents tend to use New Milford Hospital, and this trend is likely to continue. Opportunities for civic engagement in Roxbury are significantly higher than average and are accompanied by higher than average participation rates. Surprisingly little of this rural town’s total area is preserved as open space, possibly due to large private landholdings.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 2,293
Households (2012 ALICE)- 994
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 19.4%
65 years or over- 19.8%
85 years or over- 2.4%
Under 5 years- 1.9%
Median age- 51.1
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 6.5
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
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% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 131
SNAP cases (2014)- 26
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 0
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
Home health agencies serving town- 7
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 0
Food banks within 5 miles- 1
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 0
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Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 4 (17.2 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 6 (25.8 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 7.78
Library program attendance per capita- 1.01
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 85.92%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 4.0%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 10,000 to 25,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1250 (7.4% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
Southbury
Summary
Southbury does not have the distinction of being the region’s oldest town, but it has the largest elderly population of the 21 towns. This population is distributed around town in the various senior living facilities and communities. While the 55 to 64 cohort is close to the regional average, many elderly individuals avail themselves of the town’s senior services, and there is a considerable migration among this population into Southbury. It is predicted that soon, nearly a third of Southbury’s residents will be elderly. Southbury residents are mainly commuters although the single largest group of residents works in town. Southbury Training School and Heritage Village are two of the largest employers. The unemployment rate is below regional and state averages. Along with Middlebury, with which it shares a school district, Southbury has the highest 4-year cohort graduation rate in the 21 town region, and the great majority of the town’s children are above 200% of the federal poverty level. Access to food and
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healthcare is limited, but not as badly as in other suburban communities. Car-dependence, however, is part of life in Southbury. This makes things difficult for the elderly population, who must travel the 12 miles to Waterbury Hospital for acute care. Civic opportunities and participation are above par in Southbury. Approximately 20 percent of the Southbury’s total area is conserved as open space and this number will likely be added to as environmental organizations continue to work to preserve the fading rural character of the town.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 19,864
Households (2012 ALICE)- 8,022
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 14.0%
65 years or over- 28.0%
85 or over- 8.2%
Under 5 years- 3.9%
Median age- 50.3
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 14.6
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 96.7%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
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% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 3,945
SNAP cases (2014)- 1,138
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 185
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 4
Home health agencies serving town- 24
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 2
Food banks within 5 miles- 1
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 5
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Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 13 (6.6 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 19 (9.6 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 9.62
Library program attendance per capita- 0.74
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 80.03%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.6%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 25,000 to 50,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 5160 (20.1% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
Thomaston
Summary
Aside from Naugatuck, Thomaston is the next most heavily industrialized of Waterbury’s neighboring communities. It is largely a blue-collar town whose employment is still dominated by manufacturing companies. The majority of town residents commute elsewhere for work, but a sizable number work in town. The unemployment rate is above the state and regional average. A small percentage of children live below 200% of the federal poverty level. The 4-year cohort graduation rate of the Thomaston school system is above regional and state averages. Thomaston’s elderly population is relatively small and the median age is lower than in many of the region’s towns. Still, this population will increase notably as the sizable 55 to 64 cohort ages. Access to healthcare is quite limited, but access to food is slightly better, although still lesser than in many towns within the region. Car-dependence is concomitant with life in Thomaston as no areas beyond the downtown region are walkable.
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Opportunities for civic engagement are about average, although the higher proportion of religious and social organizations reflects the relatively close-knit character of the town. Participation rates are near average, although library usage in Thomaston is much higher than in similar communities. Nearly a quarter of the town’s total area is preserved as open space. The majority of this land lies within the Mattatuck State Forest. The town has put forth considerable effort s toward remediation and only one brownfield site remains as of the DEEP’s last inventory.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 7,831
Households (2012 ALICE)- 3,192
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 13.4%
65 years or over- 13.3%
85 years or over- 2.4%
Under 5 years- 4.3%
Median age- 44.0
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 16.0
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
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Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 851
SNAP cases (2014)- 284
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 1
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 1
Home health agencies serving town- 13
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 4
Food banks within 5 miles- 2
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 1
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 2 (2.5 per 10,000)
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Membership Organizations- 9 (11.4 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 6.94
Library program attendance per capita- 1.28
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 76.01%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 6.9%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 25,000 to 50,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1812 (23.3% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 1
Warren
Summary
Along with Washington and Goshen, Warren suffers from relative isolation. It has the lowest population density of the 21 towns, reflective of its largely rural makeup. Although the unemployment rate is the lowest of all the communities in the region, there are very few jobs in town. Most residents commute to New Milford or Danbury. Automobiles are a necessity given this situation and the paucity of amenities and services in town. The town government is the largest employer in Warren. Opportunities for entertainment and recreation are nonexistent, and library usage is below regional and state averages. However, there are a number of membership organizations in town, indicating a notable level of social involvement. Youth in Warren are, on average, poorer than those in neighboring communities, as the amount of children below 200% of the federal poverty level is well above the regional average. Other trends indicate a somewhat better environment for the large younger population of Warren as the 4-year cohort graduation rate of the local school district is above regional and state benchmarks and all youth aged 16 to 19 are either working or in school. The elderly population is below the regional average, but is predicted to grow considerably as a significant 55 to 64 cohort ages. Access to healthcare and food options are among the worst in the region. Warren residents must travel nearly 15 miles to 59
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington for acute care, and the nearest primary care physicians and nursing homes are over six miles away. Somewhat ironically, for such a rural community, there are no farmers’ markets in town. Consistent with a town with a large agricultural sector, there is very little land set aside for preservation as open space. As industry in Warren is and has been quite limited, there are no brownfield sites in town.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 1,850
Households (2012 ALICE)- 604
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 17.0%
65 years or over- 13.5%
85 or over- 2.1%
Under 5 years- 9.5%
Median age- 44.1
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 26.1
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.5%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.860
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 61
SNAP cases (2014)- 11
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 0
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
Home health agencies serving town- 4
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 0
Food banks within 5 miles- 0
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 0
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 0
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Membership Organizations- 7 (44.9 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 2.3
Library program attendance per capita- 0.77
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 83.9%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 4.1%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- Less than 10,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- ~1200 (6.8% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
Washington
Summary
Washington is, in fact, two smaller communities. It consists of Washington proper, a hilltop village, and Washington Depot, in the Shepaug Valley. The demographic makeup of both communities is similar, but there are notable differences. The town’s single grocery store is in Washington Depot, but all the major centers of employment, consisting mainly of local schools and the town government, are in Washington. Washington Depot has a higher median age, reflected in the larger number of elderly and 85 or over individuals and the smaller number of children under five. It is more effective, however, to merge this data and treat the town as a whole unit. Access to healthcare and food is very limited. Many residents of Washington commute to New Milford for work, and they are likely to use New Milford Hospital for acute care. The nearest nursing home is also in New Milford. The lack of in-town healthcare and senior services combined with the very large and quickly growing elderly population indicates a major area of concern.
Children and youth in Washington enjoy a higher standard of living. Approximately ten percent live below 200% of the federal poverty level, and the 4-year cohort graduation rate exceeds state and regional averages. All youths aged 16 to 19 are either working or in school. There are many arts, 62
entertainment, and recreation establishments and religious organizations in Washington and library usage and voter turnout are among the highest in the region. This is perhaps reflective of the population’s relative affluence. The Steep Rock Preserve is one of the town’s jewels, and a large portion of the town’s total area is preserved as open space. Although there are many large private landholdings in town, more property owners are amenable to working with the local land trust than in neighboring Roxbury. Despite historical attempts to industrialize the Shepaug Valley, manufacturing never became a significant part of the local economy and there are no brownfield sites in Washington.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 3,472
Households (2012 ALICE)- 1,483
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 21.0%
65 years or over- 22.2%
85 or over- 3.1%
Under 5- 1.9%
Median age- 52.0 (Washington Depot), 50.1 (Washington)
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 9.7
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 93.8%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
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% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 236
SNAP cases (2014)- 47
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 1
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
Home health agencies serving town- 3
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 1
Food banks within 5 miles- 0
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 1
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Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 5 (14.0 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 7 (19.6 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 11.81
Library program attendance per capita- 2.32
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 88.35%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.4%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- Less than 10,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 4229 (17.1% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
Waterbury
Summary
As the largest community in the 21 town region, Waterbury serves as a focal point for the surrounding area. While the unemployment rate is the highest in the region and one of the highest in the state, many residents from the surrounding towns commute to Waterbury for work. Most Waterbury residents, however, commute elsewhere for work. Waterbury’s population is younger and more diverse than the other towns in the region. The population has been boosted by a large number of immigrants. Poverty is a major concern as more than half of all children live below 200% of the federal poverty level. The 4-year cohort graduation rate is lower for Waterbury schools than all other districts in the region and a large number of youth aged 16 to 19 are not working nor in school. The rapidly growing younger population promises to further strain existing resources indicating a major area of concern. Waterbury’s health and social services infrastructure is much better developed that that of the surrounding towns.
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The burden on health and social services in Waterbury is well above state and regional averages but below that of peer cities such as Hartford and New Haven. Access to food and healthcare, while widespread, is not equal, as, despite concerted efforts, economic and language barriers exist. In keeping with the general trend of older suburbs/ younger cities, Waterbury’s elderly population is small and it is not predicted to grow much. Particularly troubling, though, is the number of elderly residents in Waterbury who live alone. This number is above state and regional averages.
Opportunities for civic engagement are numerous in Waterbury, but not in proportion to the city’s population. Few residents avail themselves of these opportunities, and library usage and voter turnout in Waterbury are the lowest of the 21 towns. Much ado has been made of the environmental degradation that was the main legacy of the city’s brass industry. Much remediation work has been conducted, but no new open space parcels have been preserved in recent years and much of the existing open space lies in the Mattatuck State Forest on the border with Thomaston and Plymouth. Only 7 percent of city’s total area is preserved as one space, among the lowest of the 21 towns. While this is partly due to the city’s urban status, there are still notable pockets of green within city limits. Residential subdivisions continue to carve away the few areas worthy of conservation while the city pursues the Greenway Project, a venture that is less about environmental conservation and more about boosting the economy, as it has been absorbed by the Freight Street corridor revitalization project. Many brownfield sites remain to remind modern-day Waterbury residents of the darker days of their city’s past. There is still much work to be done.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 110,052
Households (2012 ALICE)- 40,992
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 10.6%
65 years and over- 12.6%
85 years or over- 2.6%
Under 5 years- 7.2%
Median age- 35.1
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 58.8
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 67.9%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 19.2 (city data)
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Percentage of elderly population living alone- 50.8 (city data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 34,639
SNAP cases (2014)- 18,052
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 136
Hospitals within 5 miles- 2
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 10
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Home health agencies serving town- 33
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 7
Food banks within 5 miles- 13
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 20+
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 15 (1.4 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 70 (6.3 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 2.43
Library program attendance per capita- 0.04
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 56.76%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 11.3%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 50,000 to 100,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 1298 (7.0% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 9
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Watertown
Summary
Watertown comprises two communities, Watertown proper, which is larger in land area and still contains small rural and agricultural areas, and Oakville, a more densely populated blue-collar suburb that is a linear continuation of Waterbury’s residential outskirts. Oakville residents are younger on average and enjoy slightly better access to Waterbury’s health care services. The unemployment rate for Watertown as a whole is slightly above the regional and state averages. While the majority of Watertown residents commute, there are a significant number of jobs in town. The manufacturing sector is the larger employer. Children in Watertown enjoy a high standard of living with less than 7 percent living below 200% of the federal poverty level. The 4-year cohort graduation rate for the Watertown school system is slightly below the regional average but greater than the state average. The elderly population in Watertown is significant and there is good access to food and healthcare options, although most errands require a car. There are a limited number of arts, entertainment, and recreational establishments that are barely sufficient to support the population. Civic participation is very low for a suburban community, and many residents travel to Waterbury for their entertainment needs. Conservation groups are working hard to keep Watertown’s open space out of the hands of developers and have so far acquired a limited number of parcels. Much of the open space permanently preserved lies in the Mattatuck State Forest. There was a single brownfield site remaining in Watertown as of the last DEEP inventory.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 22,409
Households (2012 ALICE)- 8,270
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 13.9%
65 years or over- 16.7%
85 or over- 2.0%
Under 5- 4.5%
Median age- 44.1 (Oakville), 45.0 (Watertown)
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 6.7
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2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 91.7%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 2,492
SNAP cases (2014)- 715
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 55
70
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 3
Home health agencies serving town- 18
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 6
Food banks within 5 miles- 13
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 3
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 4 (1.8 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 11 (4.9 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 2.95
Library program attendance per capita- 0.2
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 73.5%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 7.1%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 25,000 to 50,000 jobs
Environmental
Open space acreage- 3552 (18.9% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 1
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Wolcott
Summary
Wolcott is the northernmost community in New Haven County and, like many of the towns in the CCF service region, has connections to other districts. Wolcott’s unemployment rate is lower than the state average but higher than the regional average. While a large number of resident work in town, the majority commute. Some travel north and east toward Bristol and Hartford, others south and west to Waterbury and New Haven. Wolcott has close ties with Waterbury, although the nearest healthcare and shopping options for some lie in Bristol. As befits a bedroom community, the standard of living for children is high, with few living under economic duress and a 4-year cohort graduation rate well above regional and state averages. Wolcott’s elderly population is considerable and is likely to grow. As very few services or amenities are accessible by walking or transit, car-dependence is the lot of most Wolcott residents. There are a limited number of arts, entertainment, and recreational facilities, and membership organizations are mainly religious in nature. Participation as measured by library usage and voter turnout is lower than the regional average. Wolcott has set aside a very small portion of its total land area for preservation as open space. The town is developing quickly and most land is prized for its economic value. There are no brownfield sites in Wolcott as industrial activities in town have been limited in scope.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 16,688
Households (2012 ALICE)- 5,947
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 14.7%
65 years or over- 15.2%
85 years or over- 3.0%
Under 5 years- 3.5%
Median age- 43.8
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 10.6
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 95.1%
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Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 21.5 (county data)
Percentage of elderly population living alone- 48.2 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 12.9
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 5.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 7.6
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 21.3
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 7.4
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 14.9
Social servicesMedicaid cases (2014)- 1,712
SNAP cases (2014)- 422
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 27%
Physically Inactive- 24%
With access to exercise opportunities- 96%
Diabetes- 8.4%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 4
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 573
Home health agencies serving town- 18
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 4
Food banks within 5 miles- 12
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 2
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 3 (1.8 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 7 (4.2 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 3.46
Library program attendance per capita- 0.21
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 74.65%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 6.7%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 50,000 to 100,000
Environmental
Open space acreage- 975 (7.2% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 0
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Woodbury
Summary
Woodbury is a picturesque town, with winding country roads and a charming Main Street lined by antiques shops. Strict zoning has preserved much of the town’s traditional character and residents are justly proud of their community. Woodbury received a score of 53 out of 100 on the AARP Livability Index, making it the top regional performer along with Bethlehem and Litchfield. The town has more than its pleasing appearance to thank for this. The unemployment rate is lower than regional and state averages and, while a large number of residents are commuters, many jobs are located in town. The area’s schools are the largest employers. The living conditions for children are on par with similar towns, and the local school district has the highest 4-year cohort graduation rate of the region. All youth aged 16 to 19 are employed or in school. Woodbury has a large elderly population whose access to services is limited. Overall access to healthcare and food options is restricted, and car-dependence is the rule. There are a number of arts, entertainment, and recreational establishments but in proportion to the regional average. Membership organizations are numerous, but consist mainly of religious organizations. Civic participation as measured by library usage and voter turnout is high. While the town is still predominantly rural, the percentage of land set aside as preserved open space is relatively small. Limited manufacturing facilities exist, and two brownfield sites remained as of the last DEEP inventory.
Demographics
Population (2013 ACS)- 9,918
Households (2012 ALICE)- 4,204
Population by age group (2013 ACS):
55 to 64 years- 17.7%
65 years or over- 17.5%
85 years or over- 3.1%
Under 5 years- 4.4%
Median age- 47.8
Percentage of children living below 200% of U.S. poverty level- 11.7
2013-2014 4-year cohort graduation rate- 96.7%
Percentage of elderly population who are veterans- 23.8 (county data)
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Percentage of elderly population living alone- 45.4 (county data)
Disability (county-level data)
% 65 or over with difficulty hearing- 11.1
% 65 or over with difficulty seeing- 3.7
% 65 or over with cognitive difficulties- 6.7
% 65 or over with ambulatory difficulties- 15.5
% 65 or over with self-care difficulties- 5.6
% 65 or over with independent living difficulties- 12.8
Social services
Medicaid cases (2014)- 611
SNAP cases (2014)- 154
Health (county-level data)
Tobacco Usage- 22.53% (DMHAS Regional data)
Obesity- 24%
Physically Inactive- 20%
With access to exercise opportunities- 92%
Diabetes- 5.8%
Access to care
Primary Care Providers within 5 miles- 1
Hospitals within 5 miles- 0
Nursing homes within 5 miles- 0
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Home health agencies serving town- 23
Access to food
Farmers’ markets within 5 miles- 2
Food banks within 5 miles- 1
Grocery stores/supermarkets in town- 2
Civic engagement
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Establishments- 5 (5 per 10,000)
Membership Organizations- 10 (10.1 per 10,000)
Library visits per capita- 6.62
Library program attendance per capita- 1.31
Voting turnout for 2012 election- 74.84%
Employment
Unemployment rate- 5.5%
Jobs accessible by 45 minutes transit ride- n/a
Jobs accessible by 45 minute drive- 25,000 to 50,000 jobs
Environmental
Open space acreage- 3706 (15.8% of total area)
Brownfield sites- 2
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Sources
Demographic information
United States Census – American Community Survey
The ALICE Project
Connecticut Voices for Children
Disability data
United States Census
Social services data
The ALICE Project
Health data
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
County Health Rankings and Road Maps
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (diabetes)
Access to care data
Medicare.gov
Access to food data
United States Department of Agriculture
CTfoodbank.org
Google Maps
Civic engagement data
United States Census- County Business Patterns
Connecticut Public Libraries (ctdata.org)
Ct.gov/sots
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Employment data
The ALICE Project
Connecticut Economic Resource Center
United States Environmental Protection Agency (smart mapping locator)
Environmental data
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online
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