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A Segregated Connecticut

At just over 5,500 square miles, Connecticut is the third smallest state in the country. Despite its small size, however, the state is divided into 169 towns, which are largely separated by race and wealth. This division among race and class is the result of decades of discriminatory policies and prejudicial practices, such as exclusionary zoning that prevents the construction of affordable housing, and "redlining," which barred Black residents and other people of color from owning certain property in predominantly white neighborhoods and new housing developments.

The institutional and systemic racism behind these policies has not only led to a deeply segregated state, it has also played a critical role in how Connecticut funds education and why the state's school districts are largely segregated.

Zoning
Learn how Connecticut’s land use regulations have restricted housing supply, increased housing prices and limited economic growth

Town Segregation

Segregation in Connecticut's public schools begins with segregation among Connecticut's towns. As seen in the map below, this segregation is evident along city and town lines.

For example, Hartford — with a Median Household Income (MHI) of nearly $37,500 and resident population that is over 85% BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) — borders a town like West Hartford, which has a MHI of $112,000 and a population that is nearly 70% white.

Use the visualization below to see how Connecticut is segregated by race and income. Hover over a city or town on the map to view its specific data and information for the selected metric. To search for a city or town on the map, click on the magnifying glass below the map legend.

Median Household Income (MHI)
Refers to the income level earned by a given household where half of the homes in the city or town earn more and half earn less

NOTES

The School and State Finance Project uses BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) to refer to individuals who self-identify as American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Hispanic/Latino of any race; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; or two or more races. Individual demographic categories and data used in the visualization above comes from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The acronym BIPOC is used in an effort to be as inclusive, succinct, and accurate as possible when using racial and ethnic demographics in our work. However, we know no single acronym, identifier, or label can accurately define an individual or fully encompass the rich diversity of cultures, heritages, and backgrounds represented in the demographic data we use. For questions or comments about the demographic terms we use, please contact us at info@schoolstatefinance.org.

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