Stamford city (1990 pop. 108,056), Fairfield co., SW Conn., on Long Island Sound; settled 1641, inc. 1893 as a city within the town of Stamford (the two were consolidated in 1949). A variety of light industrial goods are produced there, such as machinery, fabricated metal products, and chemicals. Since the 1970s, Stamford has become home to numerous corporate headquarters that moved here from New York City. It is also a residential community for many New York City commuters. Cummings Park is on the sound. The sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church was designed by Wallace K. Harrison and built (1958) in the shape of a whale. The Stamford Museum has a nature center and an observatory. A branch of the Univ. of Connecticut is in the city.

Stamford

The City in Brief

Founded: 1641 (incorporated, 1949)

Head Official: Mayor Dannel P. Malloy (D) (since 1995)

City Population

1980: 102,466

1990: 108,056

2000: 117,083

2003 estimate: 120,107

Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 161st

U.S. rank in 1990: 177th (State rank: 5th)

U.S. rank in 2000: 209th

Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA) 1990: 329,935

2000: 353,556

Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.1%

U.S. rank in 1990: 1st (Greater New York, NY CMSA)

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

Area: 38 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 34 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 51.9° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 49.46 inches

Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, trade, services

Unemployment Rate: 4.9% (March 2005)

Per Capita Income: $34,987 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 2,398

Major Colleges and Universities: St. Basil's College; branches of the University of Connecticut and Bridgeport Engineering Institute

Daily Newspaper: The Advocate