Connecticut State Information

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 Population Estimates Program, Connecticut's population is 3,675,069 people. The state saw a population increase of 32,046 residents between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, representing a 0.88% growth rate. This increase was driven entirely by international migration, which offset the state's net loss of residents to other states.

Ned Lamont (Democratic Party) is the 89th governor of Connecticut. He was sworn in on January 9, 2019, succeeding Dannel Malloy, and won re-election in 2022 to serve a second term beginning January 4, 2023. Governor Lamont has focused on economic development, tax relief, and supporting working families. His administration signed into law the largest income tax cut in Connecticut history and has worked with businesses to expand growth and create jobs.

Connecticut's real GDP is $296.6 billion, accounting for 24% of New England's economy and ranking as the second largest in the region behind Massachusetts. The state's economy expanded 2.6% in 2024, ranking 23rd among all states. Connecticut's GDP per capita is $80,006, the 5th highest in the nation. At $93,235, Connecticut's per capita personal income is the second highest of any state after Massachusetts.

Connecticut's economy is diverse and highly developed. Eighteen of the 23 industry sectors tracked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis posted productivity gains in 2024. Leading sectors include retail trade (which expanded 0.52%), finance and insurance (0.4% growth), real estate (0.27%), healthcare (0.27%), professional services (0.19%), and construction (0.14%). The state is also known for aerospace and defense manufacturing, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.

Connecticut is known as "The Constitution State" and was the 5th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The state is famous for its rich colonial history, charming coastal towns, prestigious universities (including Yale University), maritime heritage, and as a center of insurance and financial services. Connecticut played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution and continues to be a leader in advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace and defense.

Connecticut's labor market remained strong throughout 2024. The state has 1.718 million payroll jobs as of 2024, with employers adding 16,000 jobs during the year. The state has 1.957 million people in the labor force with a participation rate of 65%, which surpasses the national average of 62.6%. The unemployment rate has ranged between 3.0% to 3.3% over the past 24 months, below the national average.

The official Connecticut state government portal is CT.gov, where residents can access a comprehensive range of state services, department information, and resources. Key services include the Department of Education, Department of Public Health, Department of Labor, and various licensing and regulatory agencies. The portal provides access to online services for business registration, professional licensing, vital records, and much more.

Connecticut is home to numerous prestigious colleges and universities, including Yale University, the University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, Trinity College, Connecticut College, Quinnipiac University, and the United States Coast Guard Academy. The state also has an extensive public school system and community college network. For a complete list of educational institutions and resources, visit our Connecticut Colleges and Trade Schools page.