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