New Canaan, Connecticut Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, New Canaan, Connecticut had a total population of 6,896, the 54th largest community in Connecticut, with a median household income of $146,700, which is 53% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 53% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Connecticut.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 12.5% is notably above the national average.
New Canaan Quick Facts
How New Canaan Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,032 | 6,896 | -1.9% |
| Median household income | $163,355 | $146,700 | -10.2% |
| Median home value | $1,115,600 | $1,099,400 | -1.5% |
How New Canaan Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
New Canaan Rankings in Connecticut
Explore Connecticut Rankings
Cities Similar to New Canaan
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgefield | 6,970 | $148,279 | $843,600 | 68.9% | 2.5% |
| Simsbury Center | 6,198 | $138,242 | $412,800 | 70.1% | 3.9% |
| Staples | 7,340 | $192,656 | $1,165,500 | 73.0% | 4.4% |
| Glastonbury Center | 7,266 | $107,357 | $373,300 | 65.6% | 7.9% |
| Cos Cob | 7,546 | $190,481 | $1,210,400 | 70.2% | 5.6% |
Population Overview
New Canaan is a small city located in Connecticut. The total population is 6,896. It ranks as the 54th most populous out of 214 Census-designated places in Connecticut.
Age Demographics
The median age in New Canaan is 43.1 years. This is 5% higher than the state median of 41.1 years. 12.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in New Canaan is $146,700. This is 53% higher than the state median of $95,781. It is also 82% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%. This is 50% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 12.5%. This is 124% higher than the state rate of 5.6%. The median home value is $1,099,400. Housing costs are 200% higher than the state median of $366,900. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 66.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in New Canaan is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.0% of the population. Asian residents account for 7.7%. The Black or African American population (2.9%) is well below the state average of 9.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.7%) is well below the state average of 18.3%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (7.7% vs 4.8%).
Education
74.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 76% higher than the state rate of 42.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.4%. Notably, 34.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for New Canaan, Connecticut is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Connecticut state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 214 Census-designated places in Connecticut. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of New Canaan, Connecticut?
New Canaan, Connecticut has a population of 6,896 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in New Canaan, CT?
The median household income in New Canaan is $146,700, which is 82% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in New Canaan, CT?
The poverty rate in New Canaan is 5.1%. This means approximately 348 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of New Canaan, Connecticut?
New Canaan's population is 81.0% White, 2.9% Black, 4.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in New Canaan, CT?
The median home value in New Canaan is $1,099,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is New Canaan, Connecticut?
74.7% of adults (25+) in New Canaan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 34.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.