Middlesex County, Connecticut
Middlesex County: County in Connecticut, United States
About
Middlesex County is a county located in the U.S. state of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the population was 165,676 and a population density of 146 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 161,657 inhabitants. Its county seat is Middletown. The county was created 239 years ago in 1784.
Middlesex County is located in central Connecticut along the state's southern coastline. It spans about 400 square miles and includes suburban towns as well as rural areas.
As of the 2020 census, the population of Middlesex County was around 160,000 people. The county seat and most populous city is Middletown.
Middlesex County was founded in 1785 and named for Middlesex, England. It is bisected by the Connecticut River.
Key Facts and History
- Native American tribes like the Wongunk and Mattabesec originally inhabited the area. Europeans arrived in the 1600s.
- Early colonists established shipping and shipbuilding industries, using the Connecticut River. Granite quarrying also thrived.
- Middletown grew as a busy port and industrial center. Manufacturing was a major employer for centuries.
- Wesleyan University opened in Middletown in 1831 and remains a prestigious liberal arts college.
- Tourism later became popular as a resort area with beaches along the shoreline.
Major Industries and Attractions Today
- While manufacturing has declined, aerospace and other high-tech industries now employ many residents.
- The Connecticut River, Long Island Sound beaches, and forests provide recreation. Popular activities include boating, fishing, and hiking.
- There are several yacht clubs and marinas, as well as golf courses and country clubs.
- Historic attractions include Essex Steam Train and Riverboat rides, plus museums and colonial villages.
Transportation and Cities
- Major highways are Interstates 95 and 91, and Routes 9 and 17.
- The Shore Line East railroad connects Middletown and other towns to New Haven and New London.
- Besides Middletown, other population centers include Clinton, Old Saybrook, and Haddam.
Quick Facts about Middlesex County
| Population : | 161,657 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Connecticut (United States) |
| Different from : | Middlesex County, Middlesex County, Middlesex County |
| Area : | 1137 km2 |
| Water as percent of area : | 15.9% |
| Land as percent of area : | 84.1% |
| Named for : | Middlesex |
| Capital : | Middletown |
| Establishment : | January 01, 1785 |
| Time Zone : | America/New_York |
| Local time : | 23:46:29 (18th April 2024) |
| Density : | 142 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | -2.49% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Middlesex County is located at 41°26'7"N 72°31'23"W (41.4353800, -72.5231200). It has 4 neighbors: Hartford County, New Haven County, New London County and Suffolk County.
Middlesex County map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
The largest city of Middlesex County is Middletown with a population of 46,013. Other cities include, East Haddam population 8,956, Haddam population 8,150, Killingworth population 6,340 and Saybrook Manor population 1,052. See all Middlesex County cities & populated places.
Middlesex County Populated Places (more)
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Middlesex County.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Middletown | 46,013 | A city in Middlesex County, Connecticut. |
| Cromwell | 13,772 | Town in Connecticut, United States |
| Clinton | 12,881 | Town located on Long Island Sound in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States |
| East Hampton | 12,747 | Town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States |
| Old Saybrook | 9,983 | Town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, USA |
| Portland | 9,213 | Town in Connecticut, United States |
| East Haddam | 8,956 | City in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States of America |
| Haddam | 8,150 | Human settlement in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States of America |
| Durham | 7,137 | Town in Connecticut, United States |
| Westbrook | 6,842 | Town in Connecticut, United States |
| Essex | 6,634 | Town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States |
| Killingworth | 6,340 | Human settlement in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States of America |
| Deep River | 4,419 | Town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States |
| Middlefield | 4,350 | Town in Connecticut, USA |
| Chester | 4,175 | Town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States |
| Lake Pocotopaug | 3,436 | Census designated place |
Middlesex County has 4 neighbours.
- Hartford County county in Connecticut, United States
- New Haven County county in Connecticut, United States
- New London County county in Connecticut, United States
- Suffolk County county in New York, United States
Demographics
According to census records, the population of Middlesex County decreased by 2.49% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 165,676 | - | census |
| 2011 | 166,174 | 0.3% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 165,634 | -0.33% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 165,329 | -0.18% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 164,786 | -0.33% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 163,724 | -0.65% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 163,292 | -0.26% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 162,942 | -0.21% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 162,870 | -0.04% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 162,436 | -0.27% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 161,657 | -0.48% | estimation process |
People born in Middlesex County (1)
botanist (1867-1937) Duncan Starr Johnson was born in Middlesex County
Other places with the same name (4)
- Middlesex County , Massachusetts county in Massachusetts, United States with a population of 1,609,379 people.
- Middlesex County , New Jersey county in New Jersey, United States with a population of 822,736 people.
- Middlesex County , Virginia county in Virginia, United States with a population of 10,569 people.
Connecticut Other Counties (more counties)
| County Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield County | 942,426 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| Hartford County | 889,226 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| New Haven County | 851,948 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| New London County | 264,999 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| Litchfield County | 179,610 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| Tolland County | 150,600 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| Bridgeport | 143,525 | The second most populous city in Connecticut. |
| Stamford | 131,397 | The second most populous city in Connecticut. |
| New Haven | 130,801 | The second most populous city in Connecticut. |
| North Stamford | 128,278 | A census-designated place in Stamford, Connecticut. |
| Hartford | 121,535 | The capital of Connecticut. |
| Windham County | 116,540 | County in Connecticut, United States |
| Waterbury | 106,826 | The second most populous city in Connecticut. |
| Norwalk | 88,655 | The most populous city in Fairfield County, Connecticut. |
| East Norwalk | 84,530 | A census-designated place in Norwalk, Connecticut. |
| Danbury | 84,317 | The most populous city in Fairfield County, Connecticut. |
