Fairfield County, Connecticut
Fairfield County: County in Connecticut, United States
About
Fairfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the population was 916,829 and a population density of 423 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 942,426 inhabitants. Its county seat is Bridgeport. The county was created 358 years ago in 1665.
Fairfield County is located in the southwestern corner of Connecticut along Long Island Sound. It is part of the New York metropolitan area. The county seat and most populous city is Bridgeport. Other major cities include Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and Greenwich.
Fairfield County has a population of around 950,000 people as of the 2020 census. It is the most populous county in Connecticut. The county spans about 630 square miles.
Key Facts and History
- Fairfield County was founded in 1666 and named after Fairfield, one of its original towns.
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fairfield County became popular as a vacation spot for wealthy New Yorkers. Lavish estates and beach resorts were built along the coast.
- Today, Fairfield County is known for having some of the highest household incomes in the nation. Many financial and technology companies are headquartered here.
- The western portion of the county is more rural and forested, while the eastern side closest to New York City is more urbanized.
- Fairfield County has a diverse population including many Italian-American and Hispanic communities.
Major Industries and Attractions
- Finance, insurance, real estate, and technology are major industries in the county and drive its prosperity. Major corporations are headquartered here.
- Tourism continues to thrive, especially in coastal towns like Greenwich, Stamford, and Norwalk. High-end shopping and restaurants attract visitors.
- There are numerous museums, theaters, beaches, parks, and other attractions. Popular destinations include Lake Compounce amusement park, the Maritime Aquarium, and Barnum Museum.
- Colleges and universities include Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and Western Connecticut State University.
Transportation
- I-95 and the Metro-North Railroad provide access between Fairfield County and New York City. Many residents commute to New York daily.
- Within the county, there is bus service and local railroads operated by the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority.
Quick Facts about Fairfield County
| Population : | 942,426 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Connecticut (United States) |
| Different from : | Fairfield County, Fairfield County |
| Area : | 2168 km2 |
| Water as percent of area : | 25.3% |
| Land as percent of area : | 74.7% |
| Altitude : | 285 feet / 87 meters |
| Capital : | Bridgeport |
| Establishment : | January 01, 1666 |
| Time Zone : | Eastern Time Zone |
| Local time : | 21:48:57 (24th November 2024) |
| Density : | 435 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 2.72% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Fairfield County is located at 41°13'30"N 73°22'16"W (41.2249600, -73.3712000). It has 5 neighbors: Litchfield County, New Haven County, Dutchess County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.
Fairfield County map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
The largest city of Fairfield County is Bridgeport with a population of 143,525. Other cities include, Stamford population 131,397, North Stamford population 128,278, Norwalk population 88,655 and East Norwalk population 84,530. See all Fairfield County cities & populated places.
Fairfield County Populated Places (more)
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Fairfield County.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | 143,525 | The second most populous city in Connecticut. |
| Stamford | 131,397 | The second most populous city in Connecticut. |
| North Stamford | 128,278 | A census-designated place in Stamford, 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. |
| Greenwich | 62,769 | Town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States |
| Fairfield | 62,215 | Town in Connecticut, United States of America |
| Stratford | 51,660 | Town in Connecticut |
| Shelton | 40,957 | A town in Fairfield County, Connecticut. |
| Trumbull | 35,438 | Town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States |
| Westport | 28,444 | Town in Connecticut |
| Ridgefield | 24,898 | Town in Connecticut |
| Darien | 21,693 | Town in Connecticut |
| New Canaan | 20,115 | Town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States |
| Bethel | 19,941 | City in Alaska, USA |
Fairfield County has 5 neighbours.
- Litchfield County county in Connecticut, United States
- New Haven County county in Connecticut, United States
- Dutchess County county in New York, United States
- Suffolk County county in New York, United States
- Westchester County county in New York, United States. Connector between New York City/Long Island and the rest of New York
Demographics
The population of Fairfield County increased by 2.72% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 916,829 | - | census |
| 2011 | 928,000 | 1.2% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 935,099 | 0.76% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 939,924 | 0.51% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 944,196 | 0.45% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 944,943 | 0.08% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 944,347 | -0.06% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 943,038 | -0.14% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 943,971 | 0.1% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 943,332 | -0.07% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 942,426 | -0.1% | estimation process |
People born in Fairfield County (2)
People born in Fairfield County, including businessman Edward J. Sanford, football player Bill Webster, .
List
Other places with the same name (3)
- Fairfield County , Ohio county in Ohio, United States with a population of 159,709 people.
- Fairfield County , South Carolina county in South Carolina, United States with a population of 22,059 people.
Connecticut Other Counties (more counties)
| County Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Middlesex County | 161,657 | 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. |
