Connecticut is a Southernmost state located in the New England region of the northeastern part of the United States. In terms of area, Connecticut is the third smallest state among the 50 United States, having an area of 5,543 square miles (14,356 sq. km) with a land area of 4,849 square miles and 698 square miles of water area. According to the 2020 United States census, the population of the U.S. state of Connecticut is estimated as 3,605,944 residents, making Connecticut the 29th most populous and the fourth most densely populated among the 50 United States.
The U. S. state of Connecticut has a fascinating history, it was one of the original thirteen colonies (during the 17th century) and played a vital role in the American Revolutionary War. It was admitted to the union as the 5th state on 9th January 1788. The third smallest U.S. state is bordered south by Long Island Sound, north by Massachusetts, west by New York, and east by Rhode Island. Bridgeport is Connecticut’s most populous and the largest city. Hartford is the capital and the 4th largest city in the U.S. state of Connecticut.
The Southernmost U.S. state Connecticut, was divided into 8 counties. As of the 2020 United States census, Fairfield County is the most populous while Windham County is the least populous, with 116,418 residents. According to the geographical area, Litchfield County is the largest county among 8 counties of Connecticut, with an area of 920 square miles, while Middlesex County is the least Extensive county, having an area of 369 square miles.As of 2022 the U.S. census bureau introduced and recognised the councils of governments as county equivalents. The eight counties of Connecticut can exist for the name only, no longer for the statistical purpose. Even though the state has been divided into counties, unlike the other U.S. states there are no county-level governments. It follows constitutional government, sheriffs elected in each county, with an executive branch headed by the Governor and several departments such as agriculture administrative services developmental services, military, etc all come under the executive branch. Along with the governor and lieutenant governor, there are four executive officers elected directly by voters for 4-year terms. The legislative branch also called the General Assembly has an upper body as the state senate with 36 senators and a lower body consisting of the house representatives with 151 members to make and enforce local governance that does not conflict with general laws.
The U.S. state of Connecticut is also known as “The Constitution State” due to it being one of the U.S. states following the Constitution Government from earlier. The state is named after the Connecticut River, which approximately bisects the U.S. state of Connecticut. The Connecticut River, Thames River, some ports along Long Island Sound, and Estuaries of the Atlantic Ocean play a significant role in the state’s Maritime activities. The U.S. state of Connecticut is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The state consists of both coastal cities, and rural areas and is a blend of historic sites, and cultural attractions including Mystic Seaport Museum, Yale University Art Gallery, Mystic Aquarium, and the historical Museum – The Mark Twain House & Museum. The U.S. state of Connecticut is also home to the University of Connecticut (UConn), one of the major public research universities and North America’s largest fuel cell power plant. It has a diverse economy with various sectors including Financial services, and insurance, and it has a long history of manufacturing. These all support the state’s economy. Due to the State’s geographic diversity, famous tourist attractions draw visitors every year.
Here we are going to discuss the counties of the U.S. state of Connecticut & some interesting facts about each of them. The 08 counties of Connecticut along with their County Seat (no longer have a county government & County Seat), area, and population according to the 2020 census listed below.
08 Counties of Connecticut
|
County Name |
County Seat: Before 1960 None (Since 1960) |
Tot. Area (Sq. mi) |
Population |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fairfield County |
Bridgeport |
837 |
9,57,419 |
|
Hartford County |
Hartford |
750 |
8,99,498 |
|
Litchfield County |
Litchfield |
945 |
1,85,186 |
|
Middlesex County |
Middletown |
439 |
1,64,245 |
|
New Haven County |
New Haven |
862 |
8,64,835 |
|
New London County |
New London |
772 |
2,68,555 |
|
Tolland County |
Rockville |
417 |
1,49,788 |
|
Windham County |
Willimantic |
521 |
1,16,418 |
Fairfield County
Fairfield County is located in the Southwestern part of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It has an area of 837 square miles (2,170 sq. km). According to the 2020 United States census, the county is the fastest-growing and the most populous in the state, with a population of 9,57,419 residents. representing 26.6% of the overall Connecticut’s population. The county is named after the salt marshes that bordered the coast. Bridgeport is the county seat (Before 1960) of Fairfield County, Connecticut. It is the most populous city in the state and New England’s fifth most populous city, having a population of 148,654 residents.
The county is home to the state’s four largest cities Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and Danbury. The county had a rich history during the 17th century, visitors can step back in time by exploring the charming towns like Fairfield, the landmarks, and architecture provide a glimpse of the state’s history. It is known for its stunning natural beauty from rolling hills (Redding) to the estuaries of the Atlantic Ocean. It offers diverse landscapes including recreational Parks, Art Galleries, Nature Reserves, Picturesque coastlines, and most visiting places including The Waterhouse at FTC, Grace Farms, and The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, these all make the U.S.state Connecticut’s most populous county unique. Education, Life Insurance, and health sectors are the major contributors to the County’s local economy.
Hartford County
Hartford County is a county situated in the North-central region of the U.S. state, Connecticut. It has an area of 750 square miles (1,900 sq. km), making it the state’s second-largest county by area. As of the 2020 United States census, Hartford County is the second most populous in the state among the eight counties, with a population of 8,99,498 residents. Hartford City is the County Seat of Hartford County and also the state capital. It is the county’s populous city, with 1,21,054 residents.
Hartford County is a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. The Connecticut River flows through the county and it divides the county into two unequal parts. The county is situated in the Connecticut River Valley. It is home to the University of Hartford and Central Connecticut State University. The county is known for various state parks and museums including New England Air Museum, The Mark Twain House & Museum, which is the historical place museum, Dunkin Park, and Dinosaur State Park. The finance and manufacturing industries had a vital role in the county’s local economy.
Litchfield County
Litchfield County is settled in the northwestern region of the U.S. state of Connecticut. In terms of area, Litchfield County is the largest among the eight counties of the U.S. Connecticut with an area of 945 square miles (2,450 sq. km). According to the 2020 United States census, the county has 1,85,186 residents. Litchfield is the county seat (before 1960) of Litchfield county. Torrington is the most populous city in the county. In the largest county, there is no County government and County seat, and also all other Connecticut counties. Each county is responsible for all types of local services.
The county has a rich historical significance. It had a vital role in the American Revolutionary War. It is known for its diverse geography with numerous Parks, and nature reserves including Kent Falls State Park, Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, The Institute for American Indian Studies – Museum, and Black Rock State Park. The county is home to the Litchfield Law School, which is the United State’s first law school.
Middlesex County
Middlesex County is in the South Central part of the U.S. state of Connecticut. In terms of land area Middlesex County is the smallest and the second smallest by the total area among the eight counties of Connecticut, with an area of 439 square miles (1,140 sq. km). According to the 2020 United States census, it has a population of 1,64,245 residents. Middletown is the county seat of Middlesex County (Before 1960) and is also the largest city in the county. For The second smallest county there is no County government and County seat, and also all other Connecticut counties. It does not have the same level of administrative functions as counties in some other states. Each county is responsible for all types of local services.
Middlesex County has a diverse geography with river valleys, forests & coastal areas. It plays a vital role in the development of the state and the nation. River Quest, Chatfield Hollow State Park, and Machimoodus State Park are the famous tourist attractions in the county. These all draw visitors every year. Education and manufacturing sectors had a major portion of the county’s local economy.
New Haven County
New Haven County is in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Connecticut. According to the 2020 Census New Haven County is the third most populous in the state, with 864,835 residents. In terms of area, it is the second largest County having an area of 862 square miles (2,230 sq. km). The City of New Haven is the county seat of New Haven County (Before 1960). In New Haven County there is no County government and County seat, and also for all other Connecticut counties. The County governments in the U.S. state of Connecticut ended in 1960. Each county is responsible for all types of local services. The county is home to Yale University, one of the Ivy League Institutions and the state’s two largest cities New Haven and WaterBury. New Haven County has a mix of Urban, Suburban, and rural areas.
New London County
New London County is located in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of Connecticut. According to the 2020 United States census, the county has a population of 2,68,555 within a total area of 772 square miles (2,000 sq. km). Norwich is the largest city in the county. The city of New London is the County Seat of New London County (Before 1960). In New London County there is no County government and County seat, and also for all other Connecticut counties. The County governments in the U.S. state of Connecticut ended in 1960. The County is responsible for all types of local services. It is one of the state’s four original counties.
Tolland County
Tolland County is one of the eight counties in the U.S. state of Connecticut. As of the 2020 United States census, the county has a population of 149,788 residents within an area of 417 square miles (1,080 sq. km). Once, Tolland and Rockville were the County seats of the Tolland county. The County governments in the U.S. state of Connecticut ended in 1960. It is home to the main campus of the University of Connecticut (UConn).
Windham County
Windham County is located in the Northeastern region of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is the least populated county among the eight counties of Connecticut, with a population of 1,16,418, having an area of 521 square miles. Willimantic is the county seat of Windham County (Before 1960). The County governments in the U.S. state of Connecticut ended in 1960.
Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many counties does the U.S. state of Connecticut have?
The U.S. state of Connecticut has 08 counties.
- Which is the most populated county in the U.S. state of Connecticut?
Fairfield County is the most populous & one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. state of Connecticut.
- What is the least populated county in the U.S. state of Connecticut?
Windham County is the least populous county in the U.S. state of Connecticut.
- What is the capital city of Connecticut?
Hartford city is the County Seat of Hartford County and the Capital city of the U.S. state of Connecticut.