The Winsted Comprehensive Plan sets forth the specific approaches to land use decisions in the town. It is guided by the Community-Based Planning Act goals to ensure that Winsted has examined all important components of a sustainable community. The Comprehensive Plan establishes the Future Land Use Plan for urban growth. The plan examines residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational land uses as well as estimates the amount of annexation the town will require over the next twenty years. Chapter Seven of the Comprehensive Plan outlines how to implement and update the Plan.
The city is situated in the eastern portion of the town of Winchester, Connecticut. It is located along the Still River, one of the New England Mad Rivers. The Still River continues north as a tributary of the Farmington River. The city is surrounded by seven hills. The median age was 36.3 years. There were 17.3% of residents who were under the age of eighteen, 14.6% between the ages of 25 and 44, and 15.2% who were 65 or older. The population is male-dominated, with 49.3% men and 50.7% females.
The median household income in Winsted is $51,684 per year. This is significantly less than the $65,712 national average. The city has a low rate of poverty, at 52.7%, which is slightly lower than the national average. In addition, Winsted's median household income is equal to the national average, with two cars per household. The median property value is $149,900.