[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by East of the River

I mean we can look at census numbers and see it. There can be an argument about who is staying and going but it's hard to deny the numbers completely. On the other hand as far as income vs cost of living CT still tends to do better then you would think but I'm not sure that can last if we lose to many employers.

The numbers tell the ugly story. No one can refute them objectively.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by East of the River

I mean we can look at census numbers and see it. There can be an argument about who is staying and going but it's hard to deny the numbers completely. On the other hand as far as income vs cost of living CT still tends to do better then you would think but I'm not sure that can last if we lose to many employers.

Problem is in most COL studies, they don’t take into account tax burden, utilities, etc and usually just focus on home prices. Seeing that CT recently ranked 2 in the country for tax burden, and always ranks 1 or 2 in the continental US for utility cost, that would make the state’s income v cost of living not as good as you think.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

The numbers tell the ugly story. No one can refute them objectively.

According to the US Census the population of our state was 3.574 million in 2010 which is the last actual count taken. In 2017 it is estimated to be 3.588 million. That is a 0.4% increase. How is that ugly? Jay

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ct

[Mr_250]

I think CT is doing better than everyone thinks. With the stock market being so hot money is going to be pouring back here.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Mr_250

I think CT is doing better than everyone thinks. With the stock market being so hot money is going to be pouring back here.

I agree. Jay

[hvexpatinct]

I don't know why we are still having the income v cost of living conversation about CT against states like VA, when it's super clear that the point of reference being used is mid Fairfield County. The affordability conversation is completely different in metro Hartford.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by hvexpatinct

I don't know why we are still having the income v cost of living conversation about CT against states like VA, when it's super clear that the point of reference being used is mid Fairfield County. The affordability conversation is completely different in metro Hartford.

That is true. I have pointed out and given actual examples here numerous times that show that outside of Fairfield County, Connecticut is very close in costs to comparable communities in other major metropolitan areas. Jay

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by JayCT

According to the US Census the population of our state was 3.574 million in 2010 which is the last actual count taken. In 2017 it is estimated to be 3.588 million. That is a 0.4% increase. How is that ugly? Jay

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ct

However we lose residents net state-state migration, ranking amongst worst in USA. Plus the USA overall goes up in excess of .7% EVERY year, so .4% over 4 years, or .1% per, is 1/7th the US growth rate.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

However we lose residents net state-state migration, ranking amongst worst in USA. Plus the USA overall goes up in excess of .7% EVERY year, so .4% over 4 years, or .1% per, is 1/7th the US growth rate.

Who cares? Our state is overcrowded as it is. With low growth we are able to preserve our state’s character and avoid the vast section of ugly sprawl you find in high growth states. Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by hvexpatinct

I don't know why we are still having the income v cost of living conversation about CT against states like VA, when it's super clear that the point of reference being used is mid Fairfield County. The affordability conversation is completely different in metro Hartford.

You’re forgetting the income between those Fairfield County towns and those Hartford County towns are quite different. A Stamford salary is far higher than a Hartford salary for the same job.