Norwalk

by The Linguist

Norwalk is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2020 census, the population of Norwalk was 91,184, making it the sixth-largest city in Connecticut.

History

Norwalk was founded in 1651 and incorporated as a town in 1653. It was named after the Algonquin word “noyank” meaning “point of land.” Norwalk was a major center for shipping and shipbuilding in the 1800s. The city grew as both a residential community and industrial center in the 20th century.

Geography

Norwalk is located on the northern shore of Long Island Sound. It covers over 36 square miles of land. The Norwalk Islands are located offshore and are part of the city. The Norwalk River flows through the city into Long Island Sound.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Norwalk had a population of 91,184 people. It is the sixth-largest city in Connecticut after Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, and Waterbury. The racial makeup of Norwalk is:

  • 56.9% White
  • 14.7% Black or African American
  • 4.8% Asian
  • 0.4% Native American
  • 0.1% Pacific Islander
  • 19.8% from other races
  • 3.3% from two or more races
  • 38.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race

29.7% of the population was under age 18 and 13.1% was age 65 or older. 50.3% of the population was female. The median age was 36.7 years.

Government

Norwalk has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is Harry Rilling, who has served since 2013. The city is divided into six districts, each represented by a council member. The city government website can be found at norwalkct.org.

Economy

Norwalk has a diverse economy with strength in finance, insurance, real estate, scientific research, technology, and manufacturing. Some of the major employers in Norwalk include:

The finance, insurance, and real estate sectors account for over 25% of jobs in Norwalk. The city has over 1,400 businesses in the financial activities sector. Major corporations are attracted to Norwalk due to its transportation infrastructure and proximity to New York City.

In 2019, the median household income in Norwalk was $82,759 and the per capita income was $43,986. About 10.1% of families live below the poverty line.

Landmarks and Attractions

Some of the most popular landmarks and attractions in Norwalk include:

  • Maritime Aquarium – aquarium with sharks, seals, turtle, and local marine life
  • Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum – historic 295-room Victorian mansion that is now a museum
  • Calf Pasture Beach – long beach along Long Island Sound that is popular for recreation
  • Mathews Park – waterfront park with a beach, trails, sporting facilities, and public art
  • Stepping Stones Museum for Children – award-winning, hands-on children’s museum

Sports

The Connecticut Wildcats of the Federal Prospects Hockey League play at the SoNo Ice House in Norwalk. The Wildcats are a minor league professional hockey team.

The Norwalk Senior Babe Ruth Baseball League has been operating in the city since 1952. High school sports are also popular, with local teams playing as the Norwalk Bears.

Facebook

You can find news and information about Norwalk on the city’s official Facebook page. The page includes updates from city departments, events calendars, important announcements, photos, and more.