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Derby, CT

Frequently asked questions

Derby, CT

Derby is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, approximately 8 miles (13 km) west-northwest of New Haven. It is located in southwest Connecticut at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers. It shares borders with the cities of Ansonia to the north and Shelton to the southwest, the towns of Orange to the south, Seymour to the northwest, and Woodbridge to the east. The city is part of the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region. It is the smallest city in Connecticut by area, at 5.3 square miles (14 km²).

Derby was settled in 1642 as an Indian trading post under the name Paugasset. It was named after Derby, England, in 1675. It included what are now Ansonia, Seymour, Oxford, and parts of Beacon Falls. Derby is home to the first electric trolley system in New England, only the second in the United States. It is also home to the first electric locomotive in U.S. history to be built and successfully used commercially for hauling freight. The locomotive, built in 1888, is still kept in running condition by the Shore Line Trolley Museum.

Derby was settled in 1642 as an Indian trading post under the name Paugasset by John Wakeman of New Haven, though fur traders had been in the area before and Native Americans had lived there for centuries. In 1651, the first year-round houses were completed, at which time the New Haven Colony had recognized Paugasset as a town. The residents of the town of Milford protested Paugasset's recognition as an independent town and, as a result, the order was rescinded and Paugasset returned to the Milford jurisdiction. In 1675, the former plantation of Paugasset was admitted as the township of Derby by the state legislature, named after Derby, England. Derby was incorporated on May 13, 1775.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.4 square miles (8.7 km²), of which, 5.0 square miles (13 km²) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²) (7.41%) is water. The city is home to the 417-acre (0.652 sq mi) Osbornedale State Park. Derby is divided into two main sections by the Naugatuck River: East Derby and Derby Center (Birmingham). The center of Derby is approximately 66 miles (106 km) from New York City. The lowest elevation is 3 ft (1m) and the highest elevation is 466 ft (142m) above sea level.

Derby prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents, offering various facilities and services. Griffin Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. At the Derby Greenway, enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. The Valley YMCA offers comprehensive fitness programs, swimming, and wellness workshops. Yoga lovers can unwind at Breathing Room, which offers classes for all levels. Rejuvenate at Aqua Salon & Spa with their range of spa treatments.

The top sites in Derby, CT are Indian Well State Park, Osbornedale State Park, and Osborne Homestead Museum.

Population: 12,358 (2022). ZIP Codes: 06418. Area codes: 203, 475. Elevation: 469 ft (142 m). Area: 5.41 sq mi (14.00 km²).

FAQs

What is Derby, CT famous for?

The smallest city in the state offers a multitude of sightseeing opportunities including a 3-mile Greenway Trail, enjoy scenic views of the Naugatuck River and the Housatonic River. Visitors will enjoy the 400 acres of open space at the Kellogg Environmental Center and the Osborne Homestead Museum located in the Osbournedale State Park. The historic downtown district includes the historic greens and the nationally recognized Sterling Opera House, which hosted notables such as Harry Houdini. Derby is also home to the Yale University boathouse that houses crew teams and holds its spring regattas.

What are the demographics of Derby, CT?

Derby is a city located in Connecticut. Derby has a 2024 population of 12,437. Derby is currently growing at a rate of 0.25% annually and its population has increased by 1.02% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 12,312 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Derby was White: 67.88%, Black or African American: 13.81%, Two or more races: 8.29%, Other race: 7.18%, Asian: 2.44%, Native American: 0.39%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

What is the crime rate in Derby, CT?

With a crime rate of 34 per one thousand residents, Derby has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 30. While these figures underscore the challenges related to crime in the area, efforts to enhance community safety remain a priority.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Derby 

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

CT Visit

Griffin Hospital

Indian Well State Park

Osbornedale State Park

Osborne Homestead Museum

Griffin Hospital

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness

Derby Greenway

Valley YMCA

Breathing Room

Derby Neck Library 

Aqua Salon & Spa

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