Bridgeport

The City in Brief

Founded: 1639 (incorporated, 1836)

Head Official: Mayor John Michael Fabrizi (D) (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 142,546

1990: 141,686

2000: 139,529

2003 estimate: 139,664

Percent change, 1990–2000: -1.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: 110th

U.S. rank in 1990: 123rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 172nd (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)

1990: 441,952

2000: 459,479

Percent change, 1990–2000: 3.5%

U.S. rank in 1990: 1st (CMSA)

U.S. rank in 2000: 1st (CMSA)

Area: 19.4 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 25 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 51.7° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 15.5 inches of rain; 26.2 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, trade, government, services

Unemployment Rate: 4.7% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $16,306 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 8,551

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Bridgeport; Sacred Heart University; Fairfield University; Bridgeport Engineering Institute

Daily Newspaper: The Connecticut Post