Upper Darby is a township located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Upper Darby was 82,795, making it the largest township in Pennsylvania. The population density was 11,307.9 people per square mile, making it a densely populated inner ring suburb located immediately west of Philadelphia.
Population
According to the 2020 United States Census, Upper Darby has a population of 82,795 residents, making it the largest township in Pennsylvania. The population density is a very high 11,307.9 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Upper Darby is diverse, with 45.1% White, 36.4% African American, 12.2% Asian, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races.
Economy
Upper Darby has a thriving local economy with many major employers. Some of the top companies headquartered in Upper Darby include SAP America Inc, Thomson Reuters Inc, Acella Pharmaceuticals, and CardConnect Corp. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are major industries, with many medical practices and facilities located in the township. Retail is also big, with major shopping centers such as Upper Darby Marketplace.
In addition to major employers, Upper Darby is located close to Philadelphia which provides access to many job opportunities. The SEPTA regional rail provides direct access to downtown Philadelphia. Overall, Upper Darby has a strong and diverse economy that serves the residents of the township and surrounding region.
Landmarks
Upper Darby is home to several notable landmarks and points of interest:
- Tower Theater – Historic music venue and movie palace
- Upper Darby Township Building – Seat of government for the township
- Upper Darby Library – Large public library system with multiple branches
- Upper Darby Performing Arts Center – State-of-the-art theater venue
- Various parks – Including Naylors Run Park and Highland Park
These landmarks help give Upper Darby a unique identity and provide recreation, entertainment, education, and civic pride for residents.
Sports
Upper Darby is home to several local sports teams and organizations, providing opportunities for residents to participant in athletics and recreation.
The most notable is the Upper Darby High School sports teams, with the nickname “Royals.” The school competes in the Central League in sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and more. Additionally, youth sports leagues like Upper Darby Buccaneers Youth Football help get local kids involved in athletics.
On a professional level, many locals are fans of Philadelphia’s sports teams, like the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers. Upper Darby’s location right next to Philadelphia provides easy access for residents to enjoy professional sporting events.
Local Government
Upper Darby Township is governed by a 5-member Township Council and Mayor under a Mayor-Council system. The Township of Upper Darby government website provides information on local government departments, services, programs, and initiatives that serve the community.
Residents can get involved by attending Council meetings, volunteering for boards and commissions, voting in local elections, reporting issues or concerns to Township officials, and staying informed on community matters through the government website and social media pages.
Visitor and Tourism Information
Upper Darby has many great attractions for visitors to enjoy. The Visit Philadelphia tourism website provides a good overview of top things to see and do in Upper Darby and the surrounding region. Some highlights include:
- Catching a concert or comedy show at the famous Tower Theater music venue
- Strolling through historic Arlington Cemetery, which dates back to 1853
- Sampling international cuisine along Upper Darby’s restaurant row on State Street
- Visiting the Upper Darby Library and Upper Darby Arts & Cultural Center
- Shopping at Upper Darby Marketplace which has over 50 stores and restaurants
Upper Darby’s close proximity to downtown Philadelphia also provides easy access to all that the city has to offer visitors.
The official Upper Darby Township Facebook page is a great way to stay up-to-date on local news and events. The page shares announcements from local government departments, photos from community events, important notices and reminders, and more. Residents and visitors alike can follow the page to get a taste of what’s happening in Upper Darby.