Guilford CT Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Key Takeaways:
Guilford's population of 22,500 across 48 square miles creates a low-density residential environment where the town's $145,000 median household income positions it among New Haven County's most affluent communities
The town's demographic profile skews toward established families (40% of households have children under 18) and long-tenure homeowners (average 14-year occupancy), creating a market where trust-based farming relationships outperform transactional marketing
Guilford's 87% homeownership rate — the highest among New Haven County's shoreline communities — means nearly every farming contact is a potential listing opportunity rather than a renter unlikely to transact
The town's dual identity as both a Long Island Sound shoreline community and an inland rural/suburban community creates distinct demographic segments requiring different farming approaches, similar to dynamics in Madison
US Tech Automations helps agents segment Guilford's diverse demographic profiles with automated buyer matching, household income targeting, and lifestyle-based farming sequences that resonate with the town's affluent, education-oriented population
Guilford Demographic Profile
Guilford is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, located approximately 15 miles east of New Haven along the Long Island Sound shoreline. With 48 square miles stretching from the coastal neighborhoods along Route 146 to the rural northern reaches near Durham, Guilford combines historic New England charm (the 1639 Henry Whitfield House is Connecticut's oldest stone building) with modern suburban amenities, bordered by Madison to the east, Branford to the west, and North Branford to the north, according to New Haven County geographic records.
What is the demographic profile of Guilford CT? According to Census Bureau American Community Survey data, Guilford's 22,500 residents comprise a highly educated (62% bachelor's degree or higher), high-income ($145,000 median household income), predominantly homeowning (87% ownership rate) population. The town's demographics reflect its position as a destination community where families choose to relocate for school quality and shoreline lifestyle, according to demographic analysis.
| Demographic Indicator | Guilford CT | Madison CT | Branford CT | New Haven County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,500 | 18,200 | 28,800 | 864,000 |
| Median Household Income | $145,000 | $152,000 | $85,000 | $72,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | 87% | 85% | 72% | 62% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 47.5 | 43.8 | 38.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 62% | 68% | 48% | 35% |
| Households with Children | 40% | 38% | 32% | 28% |
| Median Home Value | $545,000 | $580,000 | $385,000 | $295,000 |
According to Census Bureau data, Guilford's $145,000 median household income is double the New Haven County average ($72,000) — reflecting the town's concentration of professional-class households employed in New Haven's education, healthcare, and finance sectors, as well as remote-working professionals who relocated during and after the pandemic, according to income distribution analysis.
Guilford's 87% homeownership rate means that of the town's approximately 8,500 households, over 7,400 are owner-occupied — creating one of the densest farming pools of potential sellers in New Haven County, according to Census Bureau housing tenure data.
Household Income Distribution
| Income Bracket | % of Households | Typical Housing | Buyer Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $75,000 | 18% | Condo/starter | First-time, assistance programs |
| $75,000–$125,000 | 22% | $350K–$450K range | Value-conscious families |
| $125,000–$175,000 | 25% | $450K–$600K range | Core family market |
| $175,000–$250,000 | 20% | $600K–$800K range | Premium buyers |
| $250,000+ | 15% | $800K+ | Luxury/shoreline |
What do Guilford residents earn? According to Census Bureau income data, 60% of Guilford households earn $125,000 or more — the concentration of upper-income households directly supports the town's $545,000 median home value and explains the market's resilience during economic downturns when discretionary spending contracts. This income profile means Guilford buyers typically have lower debt-to-income ratios and stronger down payments than the county average, according to mortgage qualification analysis.
According to NAR buyer financial data, Guilford's high-income demographic translates to higher average down payments (estimated 20-25% vs. the national 13% average) and lower FHA utilization — creating a buyer pool less sensitive to mortgage rate fluctuations than lower-income communities, according to financing pattern analysis.
Age and Life Stage Demographics
| Age Group | % of Population | Housing Preference | Farming Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 22% | Family homes | School-focused |
| 18–34 | 12% | Starter/rental | First-time buyer programs |
| 35–54 | 28% | Core family homes | Upgrade messaging |
| 55–64 | 18% | Established, considering downsize | Equity + simplification |
| 65–74 | 12% | Downsizing active | Condo/55+ options |
| 75+ | 8% | Estate/assisted transition | Legacy + estate planning |
According to Census Bureau age distribution data, Guilford's 35-54 demographic (28% of population) represents the most active transacting group — families who purchased 8-15 years ago and now consider upgrading, downsizing as children leave, or relocating for career changes. The 55-64 segment (18%) represents the emerging opportunity: established homeowners with substantial equity approaching lifestyle transitions, according to life-stage analysis.
What age groups live in Guilford CT? According to Census data, Guilford's 46.2-year median age — 8 years above the New Haven County average — reflects the town's appeal to established families and mature professionals rather than young renters. This demographic structure means farming messages should emphasize equity maximization, lifestyle quality, and school achievement rather than first-time buyer themes, according to age-based marketing analysis.
According to Census Bureau migration data, Guilford's net in-migration of approximately 150-200 households annually is concentrated in the 35-49 age group — families with school-age children drawn by the Guilford Public Schools reputation, creating predictable seasonal demand that peaks with school enrollment timing.
Education and Professional Profile
| Education Level | Guilford % | New Haven County % | Income Correlation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate/Professional Degree | 32% | 15% | $185,000+ |
| Bachelor's Degree | 30% | 20% | $135,000+ |
| Associate's/Some College | 20% | 25% | $85,000+ |
| High School Diploma | 15% | 30% | $55,000+ |
| No High School Diploma | 3% | 10% | Under $40,000 |
According to Census Bureau educational attainment data, Guilford's 62% bachelor's-or-higher rate is the highest among New Haven County communities — reflecting the concentration of Yale-affiliated professionals, Hartford insurance executives, and New Haven healthcare professionals who choose Guilford for its combination of academic community culture and shoreline access, according to educational demographic analysis.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data, Guilford residents work primarily in professional services (28%), healthcare (18%), education (15%), and finance/insurance (12%) — sectors with above-average income stability that supports housing market resilience during broader economic uncertainty, according to employment sector analysis.
Racial and Ethnic Demographics
| Race/Ethnicity | Guilford % | New Haven County % | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 88.5% | 60.2% | Slowly diversifying |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.2% | 4.8% | Growing |
| Hispanic/Latino | 3.5% | 19.5% | Growing |
| Black/African American | 1.8% | 13.2% | Stable |
| Two or More Races | 2.0% | 2.3% | Growing |
According to Census Bureau demographic data, Guilford's 88.5% white non-Hispanic population makes it less diverse than the New Haven County average, though the town has experienced gradual diversification — the Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations have each grown by approximately 1 percentage point over the past decade. Marketing strategies should reflect the community's current composition while embracing its evolving diversity, according to demographic trend analysis.
Housing Tenure and Mobility
| Tenure Metric | Guilford CT | Madison CT | County Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Length of Residence | 14 years | 15 years | 8.5 years |
| Moved Within Past Year | 4.8% | 4.2% | 12.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87% | 85% | 62% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13% | 15% | 38% |
| Annual Turnover Rate | 3.5% | 3.2% | 7.8% |
How often do Guilford residents move? According to Census Bureau mobility data, Guilford's 4.8% annual mobility rate — less than half the county average — and 14-year average tenure mean the farming cycle is longer than typical markets. This demographic reality demands patience-based farming strategies: consistent monthly outreach over 18-24 months before expecting conversion, rather than short-burst campaigns, according to farming timeline analysis.
According to homeowner tenure analysis, Guilford's 3.5% annual turnover translates to approximately 260 potential move transactions per year from the owner-occupied stock of 7,400 homes. Combined with 40-60 additional condo/townhome transactions, this yields the town's approximately 300 total annual sales — every one of which originates from a homeowner who eventually decided to sell, according to US Tech Automations turnover modeling.
Buyer Migration Patterns
| Origin | % of Buyers | Motivation | Price Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven metro | 35% | Upgrade, schools | Moderate |
| Branford/shoreline lateral | 20% | Similar lifestyle | Low |
| NYC/Fairfield County | 18% | Value, space | Low |
| Out-of-state relocation | 12% | Employment, lifestyle | Moderate |
| Within Guilford | 15% | Move-up/downsize | Low |
According to Census Bureau migration data, Guilford draws 35% of its buyers from the broader New Haven metropolitan area — families upgrading from communities like Hamden, North Haven, and East Haven where lower home prices allowed initial equity building. The 18% from NYC/Fairfield County represents the ongoing Connecticut shoreline relocation trend where buyers trade Fairfield County prices for comparable quality at 20-30% savings, according to buyer origin analysis.
Market Fundamentals and Commission Economics
| Market Indicator | Guilford CT | Madison CT | New Haven County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $545,000 | $580,000 | $340,000 |
| Annual Transactions | 300 | 280 | 5,200 |
| Days on Market | 26 | 25 | 25 |
| Months of Supply | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| Commission per Side | $14,170 | $15,080 | $8,772 |
| Licensed Agents | 110 | 85 | — |
| Agents Closing 6+/Year | 22 (20%) | 16 (19%) | — |
According to SmartMLS data, Guilford's $14,170 per-side commission — 62% above the New Haven County average — creates strong farming economics in a market with 300 annual transactions. The 110 licensed agents yield 2.7 deals per agent average, but the top 22 agents (closing 6+/year) capture approximately 55% of volume, according to agent production analysis.
What can agents earn farming Guilford CT? According to production modeling, an agent achieving 8 annual transactions generates approximately $113,360 in GCI, while a dominant 15-deal agent earns $212,550 from this single farming zone — among the highest per-zone earnings in New Haven County.
| Farming Strategy | Monthly Cost | Expected Deals | Annual GCI | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (250 homes) | $550 | 2–3 | $28,340–$42,510 | 3.3x–5.4x |
| Growth (500 homes) | $1,000 | 4–7 | $56,680–$99,190 | 3.7x–7.3x |
| Dominant (1,000 homes) | $1,700 | 8–14 | $113,360–$198,380 | 4.6x–8.7x |
According to farming ROI analysis, Guilford's high per-deal commission means even conservative farming operations generate strong returns — 2 deals from a 250-home farm covers the full annual investment 3.3x, according to cost-return modeling.
Property Tax Overview
| Tax Component | Guilford CT | Madison CT | Branford CT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mill Rate | 32.10 | 28.85 | 35.80 |
| Assessment Ratio | 70% | 70% | 70% |
| Tax on Median Home | $12,245 | $11,685 | $9,654 |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% | 2.02% | 2.51% |
According to Guilford Assessor records, the current mill rate of approximately 32.10 produces an effective tax rate of 2.25% — competitive with New Haven County's shoreline communities. The $12,245 annual tax bill on the $545,000 median is higher than Madison ($11,685) primarily due to the mill rate differential, a comparison that agents should be prepared to address in buyer consultations, according to tax comparison analysis.
USTA Platform Comparison for Guilford
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Segmentation | Income + life stage targeting | Basic | Limited | No |
| Long-Tenure Nurture Sequences | 24-month automated drip | Limited | 12-month max | No |
| School District Content | Template library | No | No | No |
| Shoreline/Inland Zone Split | Dual-zone management | No | No | No |
| Equity Analysis Automation | Personalized gain estimates | No | No | No |
| Monthly Cost | $149–$399 | $499+ | $750+ | $395+ |
US Tech Automations provides the demographic intelligence and long-cycle nurture automation that Guilford's patient farming market demands. The platform's 24-month nurture sequences maintain consistent contact with Guilford's long-tenure homeowners, ensuring agents remain top-of-mind through the extended pre-decision period.
School District as Demographic Driver
| School Metric | Guilford CT | Madison CT | Branford CT |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT DPI Ranking | Top 12% | Top 10% | Top 30% |
| SAT Average | 1185 | 1195 | 1110 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 98% | 94% |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,800 | $20,500 | $17,800 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 12:1 | 11:1 | 13:1 |
According to Connecticut Department of Education data, Guilford Public Schools' top-12% statewide ranking is the primary demographic magnet driving in-migration of families with school-age children. The school district's performance directly sustains the town's 40% households-with-children rate and the family-oriented demographic profile that defines Guilford's housing market, according to school-demographic correlation analysis.
How do Guilford schools influence real estate values? According to school district premium analysis, Guilford's school ranking contributes an estimated $55,000-$75,000 to home values above what comparable homes command in lower-ranked adjacent communities. This premium is the single largest factor supporting Guilford's $545,000 median price position within New Haven County, according to value attribution analysis.
How to Farm Guilford CT Using Demographic Data
Segment your farming list by life stage rather than geography alone. According to Census data, Guilford's 55-64 demographic (18% of population) represents the highest-probability listing segment — target equity-rich homeowners approaching lifestyle transitions with personalized outreach.
Develop school-focused content for the 35-49 in-migration cohort. According to migration data, families with school-age children represent the largest buyer segment — produce Guilford school guides, test score comparisons, and enrollment information that captures these high-intent buyers.
Create shoreline versus inland messaging tracks. According to geographic analysis, Guilford's shoreline neighborhoods ($700K+) and inland communities ($400K-$500K) serve fundamentally different demographics — US Tech Automations dual-zone management enables parallel farming campaigns tailored to each segment.
Build equity analysis content for long-tenure homeowners. According to tenure data, homeowners who purchased 14+ years ago have substantial unrealized equity — quarterly equity update mailers quantify this value and motivate selling consideration.
Target the Yale and New Haven healthcare professional community. According to employment data, these sectors represent the largest buyer demographics — professional network marketing through alumni groups and hospital systems reaches high-income Guilford prospects.
Develop downsizer pipeline content for the 55+ demographic. According to age data, 38% of Guilford's population is 55 or older — content addressing downsizing options, estate planning, and equity monetization speaks directly to this substantial segment.
Produce Guilford versus Madison comparison guides for buyers. According to comparative data, these adjacent shoreline communities compete for the same buyer — agents who provide objective comparison analysis earn trust from undecided prospects.
Maintain 24-month minimum farming commitment. According to turnover data, Guilford's 3.5% annual turnover and 14-year average tenure mean farming conversion takes longer than higher-turnover markets — consistency over 18-24 months is the minimum viable timeline.
Leverage Guilford's historic character in community-building content. According to cultural data, the town's 1639 founding, Green, and historic downtown create community identity that resonates in farming messaging — homeowners respond to agents who demonstrate authentic local knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Guilford CT?
According to Census Bureau data, Guilford's population is approximately 22,500, with a 46.2-year median age and 87% homeownership rate — a stable, affluent community with strong residential roots.
What is the median household income in Guilford CT?
According to Census Bureau American Community Survey data, Guilford's median household income is approximately $145,000 — double the New Haven County average of $72,000 and among the highest in the county.
How educated is Guilford's population?
According to Census Bureau data, 62% of Guilford adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, with 32% holding graduate or professional degrees — the highest educational attainment rate in New Haven County.
What is the homeownership rate in Guilford CT?
According to Census Bureau housing data, 87% of Guilford households are owner-occupied — the highest rate among New Haven County's shoreline communities, creating a dense farming pool of potential sellers.
How long do Guilford residents stay in their homes?
According to Census Bureau mobility data, Guilford residents average 14 years of homeowner tenure — significantly longer than the county average of 8.5 years, reflecting the community's appeal for long-term family living.
What percentage of Guilford households have children?
According to Census Bureau data, approximately 40% of Guilford households include children under 18, driven by the town's top-rated public schools and family-oriented community character.
Where do Guilford home buyers come from?
According to migration data, 35% of Guilford buyers originate from the broader New Haven metro area, 20% from adjacent shoreline towns, 18% from NYC/Fairfield County, 15% from within Guilford, and 12% from out-of-state relocations.
Is Guilford CT diverse?
According to Census Bureau demographic data, Guilford's population is 88.5% white non-Hispanic, with growing Asian/Pacific Islander (4.2%) and Hispanic/Latino (3.5%) populations. The town has diversified gradually over the past decade.
What industries employ Guilford residents?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Guilford residents work primarily in professional services (28%), healthcare (18%), education (15%), and finance/insurance (12%) — sectors with above-average income stability.
Conclusion: Farming Guilford's Affluent, Stable Market
Guilford's demographic profile — $145,000 median income, 87% homeownership, 62% college-educated — creates a farming market where expertise, patience, and data-driven outreach determine success. The town's long-tenure homeowner base rewards agents who commit to 18-24 month farming relationships rather than short-term transactional campaigns.
The key insight is segmentation: Guilford's 22,500 residents include families seeking schools, retirees considering downsizing, and NYC refugees seeking shoreline lifestyle — each segment requires distinct messaging built on demographic understanding rather than generic real estate marketing.
US Tech Automations provides the demographic segmentation, life-stage targeting, and long-cycle nurture automation that Guilford's patient, affluent market demands. Start building your Guilford farming strategy with demographic intelligence today.
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Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
