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.
Fairfield County locator map
Location of Fairfield County on Connecticut map.

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 : 17:36:00 (28th March 2024)
Density : 435 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 2.72% (2010-2020)
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StamfordCTRRstaLookingNE11112007
StamfordCTRRstaLookingNE11112007 image

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

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.

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

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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)

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.