Census shows town’s growing diversity

NORTH HAVEN —

The town’s population grew and diversified slightly over the last decade, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, which shows North Haven’s Hispanic, Asian and multiracial populations experienced the most significant increases.

The data also shows the northern end of town gained residents while the southern end’s population decreased slightly.

In 2010, 929 people identified as Hispanic alone, 1,121 identified as Asian alone and 244 identified as multiracial. In 2020, those numbers rose to 1,490, 1,468 and 639, respectively.

North Haven remains predominantly white, though approximately 1,500 fewer residents identified only as white in 2020 as compared to 2010, when they made up 87 percent of the population. The latest census suggests they make up roughly 81 percent.

Meanwhile, those who identify as Hispanic account for 6 percent of North Haven’s population, as do those who identify as Asian.

In 2020, around 5 percent of residents identified as Asian and 4 percent identified as Hispanic.

(The above numbers do not include people who identified as multiracial.)

The town’s Black population also grew slightly, from 693 residents in

2010 to 889 residents in 2020.

Overall, the town’s population grew slightly, from 24,093 to 24,253 residents.

But census tract maps show the trend did not hold townwide.

While the northern section of the municipality gained around 400 residents, roughly 200 fewer residents now live in the southern section.

First Selectman Michael Freda said northern lots tend to be bigger, at 1 to 2 acres. He believes the extra space draws buyers.

“We’ve got a situation in North Haven where the housing market is very hot right now,” he said, adding that some homes are selling for above market value.

Freda noted the area is easily accessible from Interstate 91, another factor that may attract new residents.