HBJ | 2026 BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS
10 |
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM
MAJOR MARKETS | TOP 10
MAJOR MARKETS: 15,000 OR MORE JOBS (37 TOWNS)
#3 NORWALK
#4 HARTFORD
84.1
84.1
91.8
95.6
66.1
57.2
OVERALL
SCORE
OVERALL
SCORE
MARKET
STRENGTH
MARKET
STRENGTH
TRANSACTION
COST &
PROCESS
TRANSACTION
COST &
PROCESS
WHY IT RANKED HERE: A diverse employment base,
strong corporate presence and one of Connecticut's
largest concentrations of businesses keep Norwalk
among the state's premier markets.
WHY IT RANKED HERE: Connecticut's capital posts
the highest raw market strength in the state; a heavier
tax and cost burden is all that separates it from the
very top markets.
SIGNATURE STAT: 11,145 businesses — Among the
highest business-establishment counts in Connecticut.
SIGNATURE STAT: 82,281 jobs — One of the largest
employment bases in Connecticut, anchored by
insurance, healthcare and government.
MARKET SNAPSHOT
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Jobs
Jobs
42,297
82,281
Business establishments
Business establishments
11,145
11,494
Commercial tax base
Commercial tax base
23%
25%
Population within 45 minutes
Population within 45 minutes
2.18 million
1.97 million
5-year avg mill rate
5-year avg mill rate
32.69
70.02
Business registration growth (2021–25)
Business registration growth (2021–25)
-0.1%
+5%
OUT OF 100
OUT OF 100
OUT OF 100
OUT OF 100
MARKET SNAPSHOTS
Connecticut's Largest
Business Hubs
MUNICIPALITIES WITH THE HIGHEST
NUMBER OF BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS
RANK MUNICIPALITY
BUSINESS
ESTABLISHMENTS
1 STAMFORD 18,305
2 BRIDGEPORT 12,707
3 GREENWICH 12,695
4 HARTFORD 11,494
5 NORWALK 11,145
6 NEW HAVEN 10,684
7 DANBURY 10,074
8 GLASTONBURY 9,533
9 FAIRFIELD 9,198
10 WATERBURY 8,581
Source: Connecticut Commercial Opportunity Index
