Branford Center, Connecticut

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Branford Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 5,735 at the 2000 census.

[edit] Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.4 km² (2.1 mi²). 4.8 km² (1.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (10.14%) is water. The boudaries of the Center are largely undefined, but extend approximately from Branford Hill in the west to East Main Street (where US Route 1 meets Main Street) in the east, and from about the train tracks in the south to North Main Street in the north.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 5,735 people, 2,863 households, and 1,374 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,196.9/km² (3,096.9/mi²). There were 2,982 housing units at an average density of 622.4/km² (1,610.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.50% White, 1.24% African American, 0.24% Native American, 2.35% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 0.80% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.80% of the population.

There were 2,863 households out of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.5% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.0% were non-families. 43.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 17.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 34.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $45,102, and the median income for a family was $59,604. Males had a median income of $42,750 versus $35,866 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $29,290. About 3.6% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Local Culture

The Center is typical to almost every New England town, and serves as the social, commercial, governmental, and transportation nerve center of the town. It is home to many small stores, restaurants, and coffee houses, which line Main Street, with the Green at the center. The Branford Green has churches as well as the town hall and other government facilities (such as the Branford Police Department and United States Post Office), and hosts concerts and other events, such as the annual Branford Festival. The center also serves as a typical meet-up and/or hang-out spot for many of the local youth.

The historic Blackstone Library is situated in the western portion of the Center. The Center also has two schools: St. Mary School (grades K-8) and Branford High School (grades 9-12).

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