Editing Fairfield, Connecticut

{{Short description|Town in Connecticut, United States}}
{{About|the U.S. town|the county in Connecticut|Fairfield County, Connecticut|other uses|Fairfield (disambiguation){{!}}Fairfield}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Fairfield, Connecticut
| native_name        = Uncoway (The Place Beyond)
| native_name_lang   = Mohegan-Pequot language
| settlement_type    = [[New England town|Town]]
| image_skyline      = File:Fairfield_photo_montage.png
| image_caption      = Clockwise from top: Old Town Hall, [[Fairfield University Art Museum]], Fairfield Community Theater, Fairfield Beach, Lake Mohegan
| image_flag         = Fairfield, CT Flag.gif
| image_seal         = Fairfield Connecticut Town Seal.png
| etymology          =  
| motto              = Qui Transtulit Sustinet
| image_map          = {{switcher|[[File:Fairfield County Connecticut incorporated and unincorporated areas Fairfield highlighted.svg|230px|frameless|alt=Fairfield's location within Fairfield County and Connecticut]]|&nbsp;[[Fairfield County, Connecticut|Fairfield County]] and Connecticut|[[File:Greater Bridgeport incorporated and unincorporated areas Fairfield highlighted.svg|250px|frameless|alt=Fairfield's location within the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region and the state of Connecticut]]|&nbsp;[[Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut|Greater Bridgeport Planning Region]] and Connecticut|default=1}}
| image_map1         = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=200|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{coord|qid=Q754635}}###{{coord|qid=Q779}}###{{coord|41|10|33|N|73|16|19|W}}|zoom=SWITCH:10;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;point;point|marker=city|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|id2=SWITCH:Q754635;Q779;Q30|type2=shape|fill2=#ffffff|fill-opacity2=SWITCH:0;0.1;0.1|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080|stroke-opacity2=SWITCH:0;1;1|switch=Fairfield;Connecticut;the United States}}
| coordinates        = {{coord|41|09|N|73|16|W|region:US-CT|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Connecticut]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[County (United States)|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Fairfield County, Connecticut|Fairfield]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Councils of governments in Connecticut|Region]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut|CT Metropolitan]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 1639
| founder            = [[Roger Ludlow]]
| seat_type          = 
| seat               = 
| government_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|title=Officials, Boards & Commissions|url=http://www.fairfieldct.org/filestorage/10726/12573/12557/34172/Officials%2C_Boards_%26_Commissions_Book.pdf|website=Fairfield, Connecticut|publisher=QScend Technologies, Inc.|access-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref>
| leader_party       = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| leader_title       = [[Board of selectmen#First selectman|First selectman]]
| leader_name        = Bill Gerber
| leader_title1      = Selectwoman
| leader_name1       = Christine Vitale (D)
| leader_title2      = Selectwoman
| leader_name2       = [[Brenda Kupchick]] (R)
| unit_pref          = US
| government_type    = [[Representative Town Meeting|RTM]]
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|title=Connecticut: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-8.pdf|website=United States Census 2010|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce|access-date=June 28, 2017|ref=1|page=10}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 
| area_total_sq_mi   = 31.38
| area_land_km2      = 
| area_land_sq_mi    = 29.9
| area_water_km2     = 
| area_water_sq_mi   = 1.48
| dimensions_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 18
| elevation_ft       = 59
| population_total   = 61512
| population_as_of   = 2020
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = 
| population_density_sq_mi = 2057.3
| timezone           = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset         = −5
| timezone_DST       = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset_DST     = −4
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 06824, 06825, 06828
| area_code          = [[Area codes 203 and 475|203/475]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 09-26620
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0213429
| blank3_name        = Major highways
| blank3_info        = [[File:I-95.svg|25px|link=Interstate 95 in Connecticut]] [[File:Merritt Pkwy Shield.svg|25px|link=Merritt Parkway]]
| website            = {{URL|https://www.fairfieldct.org/}}
}}

'''Fairfield''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Fairfield County, Connecticut]], United States. It borders the city of [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] and towns of [[Trumbull, Connecticut|Trumbull]], [[Easton, Connecticut|Easton]], [[Weston, Connecticut|Weston]], and [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] along the [[Gold Coast (Connecticut)|Gold Coast of Connecticut]]. As of 2020, the town had a population of 61,512.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US0900126620|title=Census - Geography Profile: Fairfield town, Fairfield County, Connecticut|access-date= December 15, 2021}}</ref> The town is part of the [[Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut|Greater Bridgeport Planning Region]]. Fairfield is a hub of higher education, enrolling more than 17,000 students between [[Sacred Heart University]] and [[Fairfield University]].<ref>{{cite web |title=College Navigator - Sacred Heart University |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=sacred+heart+university&s=all&id=130253#enrolmt |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=College Navigator - Fairfield University |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=fairfield&s=all&id=129242#enrolmt |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref>

==History==

=== Colonial era ===

In 1635, [[Puritan]]s and [[Congregationalists]] in the [[Massachusetts Bay Colony]], were dissatisfied with the rate of [[Anglican]] reform, and sought to establish an ecclesiastical society subject to their own rules and regulations. The Massachusetts General Court granted them permission to settle in the towns of [[Windsor, Connecticut|Windsor]], [[Wethersfield, Connecticut|Wethersfield]], and [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]] which are now within a state known as [[Connecticut]].

On January 14, 1639, a set of legal and administrative regulations called the [[Fundamental Orders of Connecticut|Fundamental Orders]] was adopted and established Connecticut as a self-ruling entity.  By 1639, these settlers had started new towns in the surrounding areas. [[Roger Ludlowe]], framer of the Fundamental Orders, purchased the land called Unquowa (presently called Fairfield), and established the name. The name "Fairfield" is commendatory.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qoEyAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA332|year=1903|work=Connecticut Magazine Company|page=332}}</ref>

According to historian John M. Taylor:
{{blockquote|Early in 1639, the General Court granted a commission to Ludlowe to begin a plantation at Pequannocke. He was on that errand, with a few others from Windsor, afterwards joined by immigrants from [[Watertown, Massachusetts|Watertown]] and [[Concord, Massachusetts|Concord]]. He stole a large tract of land from the Pequannocke sachems – afterwards greatly enlarged by other purchases to the westward – and recalling the attractive region beyond (Unquowa), which he had personally seen on the second Pequot expedition, he also "set down" there, having purchased the territory embraced by the present town of Fairfield.<ref>Taylor, John M., ''Roger Ludlowe the Colonial Lawmaker'', 1900, Google Book Search, Retrieved May 27, 2008</ref>}}

===Towns created from Fairfield===

Fairfield was one of the two principal settlements of the [[Connecticut Colony]] in southwestern Connecticut (the other was [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]). The town line with Stratford was set in May 1661 by John Banks, an early Fairfield settler, Richard Olmstead, and [[Joseph Judson|Lt. Joseph Judson]], who were both appointed as a committee by the Colony of Connecticut.<ref>Colonial Records of Connecticut Vol. 1 p. 367</ref> The town line with [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]] was not set until May 1685.<ref>Colonial Records of Connecticut Vol. 3 p. 175</ref>

Over time, several new towns broke off and incorporated separately. The following is a list of towns created from parts of Fairfield.
* [[Redding, Connecticut|Redding]] in 1767
* [[Weston, Connecticut|Weston]] in 1787
*[[Easton, Connecticut|Easton]], created from Weston in 1845
* [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] in 1821 (also partly from [[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]) and again in 1870 when the [[Black Rock (Bridgeport)|Black Rock]] section left Fairfield
* [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]] in 1835 (partly from Weston and [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]])

===Revolutionary War===
{{See also|Burning of Fairfield (1779)}}

When the [[American Revolutionary War]] began in the 1770s, Fairfielders were caught in the crisis as much as, if not more than, the rest of their neighbors in Connecticut. In a predominantly [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Tory]] section of the colony, the people of Fairfield were early supporters of the cause for independence. Throughout the war, a constant battle was being fought across the [[Long Island Sound]] as Loyalists from [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]]-controlled [[Long Island]] raided the coast in [[whaleboat]]s and [[privateer]]s. [[Gold Selleck Silliman]], whose home still stands on Jennings Road, was put in charge of the coastal defenses.

In the spring of 1779, Silliman was kidnapped from his home by [[Loyalist (American Revolution)|Loyalist]] raiders in preparation for a British raid on Fairfield County. His wife, [[Mary Silliman]] watched from their home as, on the morning of July 7, 1779, approximately 2,000 British troops landed on Fairfield Beach near Pine Creek Point; the force proceeded to [[Burning of Fairfield (1779)|burn Fairfield]] due to the town's support for [[Patriot (American Revolution)|Patriot]] cause. A decade later, President [[George Washington]] noted that after traveling through Fairfield that "the destructive evidence of British cruelty are [sic] yet visible both in [[Norwalk, Connecticut|Norwalk]] and Fairfield; as there are the chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet".<ref>Washington, George. (1860). [https://archive.org/details/diarygeorgewash00washgoog ''The Diary of George Washington, from 1789 to 1791'']. A.D.F. Randolph & Co. p. 21. Google Book Search. Retrieved on March 11, 2008</ref>

===Twentieth century===

The [[World War I|First World War]] brought Fairfield out of its agrarian past by triggering an unprecedented economic boom in Bridgeport, which was the center of a large [[munition]]s industry at the time. The prosperity accompanied a temporary housing shortage in the city, and many of the workers looked to Fairfield to build their homes. The [[tram|trolley]] and later the automobile made the countryside accessible to these newly rich members of the middle class, who brought with them new habits, new attitudes, and new modes of dress. The prosperity lasted throughout the twenties.

By the time of the [[Wall Street Crash of 1929]], the population had increased to 17,000 from the 6,000 it had been just before the war. Even during the [[Great Depression|Depression]], the town kept expanding.

The grounding of a barge with two crewmen on Penfield Reef in Fairfield during a gale led to the 1st civilian helicopter hoist rescue in history, on November 29, 1945. The helicopter flew from the nearby [[Sikorsky Aircraft]] plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The opening of the [[Connecticut Turnpike]] in the 1950s brought another wave of development to Fairfield, and by the 1960s the town's residential, suburban character was firmly established.

Fairfield became the home of the corporate headquarters of [[General Electric]] (GE), one of the world's largest companies, ca. 1970. On May 8, 2017, GE relocated to Boston, Massachusetts.

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Fairfield Beach Postcard 1932.jpg|Postcard from 1932 showing bathers at Fairfield Beach
File:Tide Mill Tavern Fairfield Connecticut Postcard.jpg|Historical Postcard of the Tide Mill Tavern, [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]]
File:Burr Homestead.jpg|Fairfield's Burr Homestead in a 1938 photo
File:Pequot Library.jpg|Pequot Library in [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]], 1966
File:Southport Congregational Church, 1966.jpg|[[Southport, Connecticut|Southport Congregational Church]], 1966
File:Fairfield Connecticut Town Green Woodcut c1840.jpg|Historical Woodcut from {{circa|1840}} Showing Old Town Hall and Town Green
File:Trinity Church Southport Connecticut.jpg|Trinity Church in Southport, 1966
File:Penfield Reef Light.jpg|Penfield Reef Lighthouse is located in Long Island Sound off the coast of Fairfield Beach
File:Bellarmine Hall (three-quarter view) - Jan 2011.JPG|Bellarmine Hall at [[Fairfield University]]
File:1812 Sycamore, Fairfield, CT - October 22, 2012.jpg|The "1812 Sycamore" near Town Hall (cut down in 2013)
File:Pequot Library 1894 historic building.jpg|Historic [[Pequot Library]], founded in 1887, [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]]
</gallery>

==Geography==
The town is on the shore of the [[Long Island Sound]].  According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|31.3|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|30.0|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|3.4|km2|sqmi|sigfig=2}}, or 4.15%, is water.  

===Waterways===
Rivers flowing through Fairfield include [[Mill River (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Mill River]], [[Rooster River]], [[Ash Creek (Connecticut)|Ash Creek]], Sasco Brook, and [[Aspetuck River]].

===Neighborhoods===
[[File:Fairfield Post Road 1956 Postcard.jpg|thumb|250px|Fairfield Center in a 1956 postcard]]
Fairfield consists of many neighborhoods. The best known are wealthy [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]], where General Electric Chief Executive Officer [[Jack Welch]] lived for many years, and [[Greenfield Hill]], with its large green areas, famous dogwood trees, and picturesque green with its white-spired Congregational church. Other neighborhoods include Stratfield, Tunxis Hill, the University area, Grasmere, [[Mill Plain, Fairfield, Connecticut|Mill Plain]], Knapp's Village, Melville Village, Holland Hill, [[Murray, Connecticut|Murray]], and the [[Fairfield Beach (Fairfield)|Fairfield Beach]] area, which has recently undergone a renaissance with the construction of many new homes by residents wishing to live in proximity to the beach and downtown.<ref name="Prevost">Prevost, Lisa (July 3, 2005). "Living in/The Fairfield, Conn., Beach Area; A Beach Community in an Awkward Transition", ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> This has resulted in steadily rising property prices.{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}} Two shopping districts in town include the [[Boston Post Road|Post Road]] ([[U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut|U.S. 1]]) and [[Black Rock Turnpike]].

* [[Fairfield Historic District (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Fairfield Center]]/Downtown Fairfield
* [[Fairfield Beach (Fairfield)|Fairfield Beach]]
* Fairfield Woods
* Grasmere
* [[Greenfield Hill]]
* Lake Hills
* Mill Plain
* Murray
* Sasco Hill and Beach
* [[Southport, Connecticut|Southport]]
* Stratfield Village
* Tunxis Hill

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1820= 4151
|1840= 3654
|1850= 3614
|1860= 4379
|1870= 5645
|1880= 3748
|1890= 3868
|1900= 4489
|1910= 6134
|1920= 11475
|1930= 17218
|1940= 21135
|1950= 30489
|1960= 46183
|1970= 56487
|1980= 54849
|1990= 53418
|2000= 57340
|2010= 59404
|2020= 61512
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2015 }}</ref>
}}
{{See also|List of Connecticut locations by per capita income}}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2010, there were 59,404 people in the town, organized into 20,457 households and 14,846 families.  The population density was {{convert|1,927|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 21,648 housing units at an average density of {{convert|703|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  The racial makeup of the town was 91.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 1.8% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.06% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.6% from two or more races.  5.0% of the population were [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 20,457 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.  The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older.  The median age was 40 years.  For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males.  For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median household income (in 2013 dollars) was $117,705<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/INC110213/0900126620,00|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Fairfield town, Fairfield County, Connecticut; United States|website=Census Bureau QuickFacts}}</ref> (these figures had risen to $103,352 and $121,749 respectively as of a 2007 estimate<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_DP3YR3&-ds_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3307&-redoLog=false&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=06000US0900126620&-format=&-_lang=en American FactFinder] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200210222701/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_DP3YR3&-ds_name=ACS_2007_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3307&-redoLog=false&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=06000US0900126620&-format=&-_lang=en |date=February 10, 2020 }}. Factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>). Males had a median income of $69,525 versus $44,837 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $55,733.  2.9% of the population and 1.8% of families were below the [[poverty line]].  Out of the total population, 2.8% of those under the age of 18 and 3.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

==Government and politics==
{| class="wikitable"  style="float:right; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ Fairfield town vote<br /> by party in presidential elections<ref>{{cite web|url=http://authoring.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Statement-Of-Vote-PDFs/General-Elections-Statement-of-Vote-1922|title=General Elections Statement of Vote 1922|website=CT.gov – Connecticut's Official State Website}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Election Night Reporting|url=https://ctemspublic.pcctg.net/#/selectTown|access-date=May 2, 2021|website=CT Secretary of State}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Third party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2024 United States presidential election|2024]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''61.71%''' ''21,494''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|36.45% ''12,696''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.84% ''626''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''64.55%''' ''22,861''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|34.03% ''12,052''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.42% ''501''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.18%''' ''18,041''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.39% ''12,112''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.44% ''1,400''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2012 United States presidential election|2012]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''51.05%''' ''15,283''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|47.95% ''14,357''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.00% ''300''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2008 United States presidential election|2008]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.44%''' ''17,236''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.80% ''13,071''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.75% ''230''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2004 United States presidential election|2004]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''49.86%''' ''15,068''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|48.66% ''14,706''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.48% ''448''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2000 United States presidential election|2000]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''49.62%''' ''14,210''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.54% ''13,042''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.84% ''1,387''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1996 United States presidential election|1996]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''45.44%''' ''12,639''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|44.28% ''12,314''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|10.28% ''2,859''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1992 United States presidential election|1992]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|37.67% ''12,099''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''43.49%''' ''13,968''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|18.84% ''6,053''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1988 United States presidential election|1988]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.48% ''11,336''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.38%''' ''17,786''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.14% ''337''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1984 United States presidential election|1984]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.80% ''9,573''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''68.84%''' ''21,396''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.35% ''110''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1980 United States presidential election|1980]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.29% ''9,169''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.50%''' ''17,406''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|12.22% ''3,698''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1976 United States presidential election|1976]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|39.64% ''11,895''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''59.70%''' ''17,916''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.66% ''198''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1972 United States presidential election|1972]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.73% ''10,368''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''64.63%''' ''19,866''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.65% ''506''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1968 United States presidential election|1968]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.23% ''11,110''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.65%''' ''14,813''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|6.12% ''1,690''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1964 United States presidential election|1964]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.22%''' ''14,837''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.78% ''11,095''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1960 United States presidential election|1960]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.30% ''10,836''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.70%''' ''13,626''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1956 United States presidential election|1956]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26.48% ''5,522''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''73.52%''' ''15,335''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0''
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1952 United States presidential election|1952]]<ref name="authoring.ct.gov">https://authoring.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/StatementOfVote_PDFs/1952SOVpdf.pdf?la=en {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.47% ''6,242''<ref name="authoring.ct.gov"/>
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''63.58%''' ''12,221''<ref name="authoring.ct.gov"/>
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|3.95% ''759''<ref name="authoring.ct.gov"/>
|}

{| class=wikitable
! colspan="4" | Voter registration as of July 1, 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Registrars of Voters News - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://fairfieldct.org/votenews/?FeedID=4481#tab0|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=fairfieldct.org|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130000452/https://www.fairfieldct.org/votenews/?FeedID=4481#tab0|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! colspan = 2 | Party
! Registered Voters
! Percentage
|-
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 10,026
| style="text-align:center;" | 24.4%
|-
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 13,995
| style="text-align:center;" | 34.1%
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| [[Independent voter|Unaffiliated]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 16,374
| style="text-align:center;" | 39.9%
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Minor parties
| style="text-align:center;"| 687
| style="text-align:center;" | 1.7%
|-
! colspan = 2 | Total
! style="text-align:center;"| 41,082
! style="text-align:center;"| 100%
|}

==Economy==
In May 2012, [[Moody's Investors Service]] revised the Town of Fairfield's $192 million [[general obligation bond]] debt from negative to stable.<ref>[https://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/Fairfield-Town-of-CT-credit-rating-600039762 Fairfield (Town of) CT Credit Rating – Moody's]. Moodys.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> In June 2012, Moody's awarded Fairfield with a Moody's Aaa Bond rating, which it maintains to this date.{{When|date=August 2017}}

===Taxes===
In 2005, the [[mill rate]] of Fairfield was 16.67.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://touch.courant.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-5529031/|title=Hartford Courant|website=touch.Courant.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> The 2012–2013 taxes in Fairfield rose 4% to a mill rate of 23.37.<ref>Mazzola, Caitlin. (May 10, 2012) [http://fairfield.patch.com/articles/fairfield-fy13-mill-rate-set-at-23-37-mills-4-tax-increase Fairfield FY13 Mill Rate Set at 23.37 Mills: 4% Tax Increase – Government – Fairfield, CT Patch]. Fairfield.patch.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> The 2013–2014 mill rate which went into effect on July 1 for fiscal year 2013–2014 also increased by 2.38% to 23.93.<ref>[http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Final-2013-14-tax-rate-set-with-2-4-increase-4501702.php Final 2013–14 tax rate set with 2.4% increase – Fairfield Citizen]. FairfieldCitizenOnline.com (May 9, 2013). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>

===Large and distinctive companies===

* R.C. Bigelow ([[Bigelow Tea Company]]) – headquarters, Black Rock Turnpike
* [[Sturm, Ruger]] & Co. – headquarters, Lacey Place in Southport, firearms manufacturer
* [[Fairfield University]] – 1073 North Benson Road (5000 students and more than 500 academic employees plus additional administrators and staff)
* [[Sacred Heart University]] – New England's second largest [[Roman Catholic]] university

==Points of interest==
[[File:Fairfield Beach Connecticut Postcard c 1921.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Fairfield Beach, in a 1921 postcard]]
[[File:1934 Postcard showing Post Road in Fairfield, Connecticut.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Post Road, in Fairfield Center, in a 1934 photo]]
[[File:Fairfield Library Horse.jpg|thumb|250px|right|1910 postcard showing Fairfield Library]]
[[File:Postcard of Fairfield, Connecticut c 1938 showing corner of Post Road and Old Post Road.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Fairfield Community Theater, building shown on the right in this 1938 postcard, is now operated by Sacred Heart University]]

=== Historic sites ===
* [[Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary]] – 314 Unquowa Road (added 1982)
* [[Bronson Windmill]] – 3015 Bronson Road (added 1971)
* [[David Ogden House]] – 1520 Bronson Road (added 1979)
* [[Fairfield Historic District (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Fairfield Historic District]] – Old Post Road from Post Road to Turney Road (added 1971). This is the old town center of Fairfield, roughly along Old Post Road between [[U.S. Route 1 (Connecticut)|U.S. Route 1]] and Turney Road. The area contains Fairfield's town hall, public library, and houses dating from the late 18th century.
* [[Fairfield Railroad Stations]] – Carter Henry Drive (added 1989)
* [[Greenfield Hill Historic District]] – Roughly bounded by Meeting House Lane, Hillside Road, Verna Hill Road and Bronson Road (added 1971)
* [[John Osborne House]] – 909 King's Highway West (added 1987)
* [[Jonathan Sturges House]] – 449 Mill Plain Road (added 1984)
* [[Pequot Library]] – 720 Pequot Ave (added 1971)
* [[Pine Creek Park Bridge]] – North of Old Dam Road, over Pine Circle (added 1992)
* [[Southport Historic District (Fairfield, Connecticut)|Southport Historic District]] – Roughly bounded by Southport Harbor, railroad tracks, Old South Road, and Rose Hill Road (added 1971)
* [[Southport Railroad Stations]] – 96 Station St. and 100 Center St. (added 1989)

===Arts, entertainment, and sports===
* The [[Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts]] on the campus of [[Fairfield University]] opened in 1990. Its schedule of events includes popular and classical music, dance, theatre, programs for young audiences, and the Open VISIONS Forum<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfield.edu/arts/index.html|title=Quick Center 2017|first=Fairfield|last=University|website=www.Fairfield.edu|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> lecture series which feature opinion-makers, artists, authors, political commentators, and contributors to the humanities and sciences. The Quick Center<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfield.edu/arts/qc_index.html|title=The Quick Center|website=Fairfield.edu|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208111611/http://www.fairfield.edu/arts/qc_index.html|archive-date=February 8, 2013}}</ref> houses the 740-seat Kelley Theatre, the 150-seat Lawrence A. Wien Experimental Theatre, and the Thomas J. Walsh Jr. Art Gallery. The Quick Center has become known as one of the finest concert halls in the country and was recognized as the "cultural epicenter of Fairfield County" by ''Westport Magazine''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westportmag.com/|title=Westport Magazine|website=iLoveFC.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* The PepsiCo Theatre, a renovated 1922 carriage house on the campus of Fairfield University, is the home to the theatre program of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Theater Fairfield,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfield.edu/x5487.html|title=Theater Fairfield|website=Fairfield.edu|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930182450/http://www.fairfield.edu/x5487.html|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> the resident production company of the university. The PepsiCo Theatre also hosts experimental productions by students, faculty and local professionals.
* The [[Bellarmine Museum of Art]] on the campus of Fairfield University hosts shows by regional artists and touring exhibitions as well as a permanent collection.
* The [[Sacred Heart University Community Theatre|Community Theatre]] in downtown Fairfield was acquired, renovated, and reopened by Sacred Heart University in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sacredheart.edu/news-room/news-listing/university-to-lease-renovated-fairfield-community-theater/ |title = University to Lease Renovated Fairfield Community Theater| date=May 28, 2019 }}</ref> Originally built in 1920 as a [[vaudeville]] venue, it is Fairfield's oldest and last remaining cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |title=history |url=https://www.shucommunitytheatre.org/history |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=SHUCommunityTheatre |language=en}}</ref>
* The Fairfield Theater Company operates an auditorium located near the downtown Fairfield train station.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fairfieldtheatre.org |title = Fairfield Theater Company}}</ref>
* The Gazebo on Sherman Town Green is home to free concerts during the summer in the afternoon hours.
* [[Pequot Library]], known for programming and rare books
* [[WSHU-FM]] Public Radio, operated by Sacred Heart University
* [[WVOF]], student-run radio at Fairfield University
* Fairfield University hosts collegiate athletic competitions open to the public including basketball, baseball, cross-country, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.

===Parks and recreation===
[[File:Penfield Beach II.jpg|thumb|Penfield Beach]]
Fairfield residents enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities, many of which stem from Fairfield's enviable location on the Long Island Sound.
* The town's {{convert|5|mi|km|0}} of Long Island Sound coastline include five town beaches which are staffed by lifeguards during the summer, and miles of privately owned beach which are open to the public below the high tide mark.
* South Benson Marina is a town-owned facility providing 600 boat slips which residents can rent for the summer.<ref name="Prevost"/>
* Lake Mohegan, which includes waterfalls called The Cascades, is a popular destination for hiking, as are the Fairfield Audubon Society<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctaudubon.org/center-at-fairfield/|title=Center at Fairfield – Connecticut Audubon Society|website=www.CtAudubon.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> and the Bird Sanctuary.
* Ye Yacht Yard, a town-owned facility on Southport Harbor, provides boat launch services to residents, and access to moorings in Southport Harbor.  Ye Yacht Yard is also the location of Community Sailing of Fairfield, whose members share use of two 18-foot sailboats.
* The "SportsPlex" is located in downtown Fairfield and offers athletic activities such as [[ice skating]], [[indoor climbing]], [[indoor soccer]] and [[gymnastics]].

===Other points of interest===
* [[File:Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Road, Southport (Fairfield County, Connecticut).jpg|thumb|320x320px|Southport's historic [[Pequot Library]]]][[Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield]] (separate from the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary)&nbsp;– {{convert|6|mi|km|0}} of boardwalk nature trails in a wildlife sanctuary of {{convert|160|acre|km2|sigfig=2}} with a nature center
* [[Fairfield Museum and History Center]]&nbsp;– displays on local history, art and decorative arts, and a library on local history
* Gallery of Contemporary Art at [[Sacred Heart University]]&nbsp;– holds five exhibitions each year
* [[Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts]] at Fairfield University
* [[Pequot Library]]-- exhibitions on local history, rare books, in a landmark building

==Government==
[[File:FAIRFIELD TOWN HALL, FAIRFIELD, CT.jpg|thumb|Fairfield's town hall]]
The town government consists of the three-member Board of Selectmen, a [[Representative Town Meeting]] (RTM), a Board of Finance, a Board of Education, a Town Planning and Zoning Commission (TPZ), and many other politically appointed commissions, boards, and committees. The current First Selectman is Bill Gerber ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairfieldct.org/electedofficials.htm|title=Elected Officials, Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|website=FairfieldCt.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831115611/http://fairfieldct.org/electedofficials.htm|archive-date=August 31, 2013}}</ref>

=== Makeup of notable governmental bodies ===
''As of November 27, 2023''

==== Board of Selectmen ====

''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] controlled 2–1<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Registrars of Voters - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://fairfieldct.org/vote|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=fairfieldct.org}}</ref>''
{| class="wikitable"
!Member
!Term
|-
|Bill Gerber (D)
|2023-2027
|-
|Christine Vitale (D)
|2023-2027
|-
|Brenda Kupchick (R)
|2023-2027
|}

==== Representative Town Meeting ====
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] Supermajority 31–9<ref name=":0" />''
{| class="wikitable"
|+Fairfield RTM Members, 2023–2025
!District #
!Democratic
!Republican
|-
|1
|0
|4
|-
|2
|2
|2
|-
|3
|3
|1
|-
|4
|4
|0
|-
|5
|4
|0
|-
|6
|4
|0
|-
|7
|4
|0
|-
|8

|2
|2
|-
|9
|4
|0
|-
|10
|4
|0
|-
|Totals:
|31
|9
|}

==== Board of Finance ====
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] Controlled 5–4<ref name=":0" />''
{| class="wikitable"
|+Fairfield BoF Members, as of 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://www.fairfieldct.org/bof/members|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=www.fairfieldct.org}}</ref>
!Member
!Term
|-
|Craig Curley (D)
|2021–2027
|-
|Lori Charlton (D)
|2019–2025
|-
|Christopher DeWitt (R)
|2017–2023
|-
|Kevin Starke (D)
|2021–2023*
|-
|Mary LeClerc (R)
|2019–2025
|-
|Sheila Marmion (D)
|2021–2027
|-
|John Mitola (D)
|2017–2023
|-
|Jack Testani (R)
|2019–2025
|-
|James Walsh (R)
|2021–2027
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Special Election held in 2021 to replace the seat left vacant by Ed Bateson on 5/17/21

==== Board of education ====
''[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] Controlled 5–4''
{| class="wikitable"
|+Fairfield BoE Members, as of 2021<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut|url=https://www.fairfieldct.org/boe/members|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=www.fairfieldct.org}}</ref>
!Member
!Term
|-
|Jeffery Peterson (R)
|2021–2025
|-
|Jennifer Jacobsen (D)
|2021–2025
|-
|Carol Guernsey (D)
|2021–2025
|-
|Nicholas Aysseh (R)
|2021–2025
|-
|Christine Vitale (D)
|2019–2023
|-
|Bonnie Rotelli (R)
|2019–2023
|-
|Crissy Kelly (R)
|2019–2023
|-
|Jessica Gerber (D)
|2019–2023
|-
|Jennifer Maxon-Kennelly (D)
|2019–2023
|}
The town has no criminal or civil court system, and all trials are handled by the [[Bridgeport]] Superior Court system. However, the town does also offer access to a [[Juvenile Review Board]] (JRB) for certain juvenile cases outlined by the Fairfield Police Department.

Fairfield is represented in the Connecticut General Assembly by one [[Republican Party (US)|Republican]], Sen. [[Tony Hwang]], and three [[Democratic Party (US)|Democrats]], Rep. [[Cristin McCarthy Vahey]], Rep. [[Jennifer Leeper]], and Rep. [[Sarah Keitt]].<ref name=":0"/>

==Emergency services==

===Police Department===
The Fairfield Police Department was created in 1926, approximately 287 years after the town was founded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fpdct.com/history.htm|title=Error – Not Found or Private – Fairfield Police Department|website=www.FPDCt.com|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212013758/http://www.fpdct.com/history.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Fire Department===
The town of Fairfield is protected by the 95 career firefighters of the Fairfield Fire Department (FFD), and volunteer firefighters of the Southport Volunteer Fire Department and Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department. The career Fairfield Fire Department operates five fire stations, located throughout the town, and uses a fire apparatus fleet of five engine companies, one ladder company, one rescue company, three fireboats, and 1 Shift Commander's Unit, as well as many special support, and reserve units.<ref>[http://fdfairfield.com/departme.htm Operations]. Fdfairfield.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref> The Southport Volunteer Fire Department has served the community since 1895.<ref>[http://southportfire.org/abbreviated_history.php Southport Volunteer Fire Department] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125731/http://southportfire.org/abbreviated_history.php |date=April 13, 2014 }}. southportfire.org Retrieved on April 10, 2014.</ref> The Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department has several stations and has served the community since 1920.<ref>[http://www.rescue15.com/index2.html Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department]. Rescue15.com (May 21, 2011). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Fairfield Entrance.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Main entrance to [[Fairfield University]]]]
{{Main|Education in Fairfield, Connecticut}}
Fairfield has two [[High school (North America)|public high schools]], [[Fairfield Warde High School|Fairfield Warde]] and [[Fairfield Ludlowe High School|Fairfield Ludlowe]]; three public middle schools, [[Roger Ludlowe Middle School|Roger Ludlowe]], Tomlinson, and [[Fairfield Woods Middle School]]; and eleven public elementary schools.<ref>[http://sdeportal.ct.gov/Cedar/WEB/ct_report/CedarHome.aspx State Department of Education – CEDaR]. Sdeportal.ct.gov. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>

Fairfield has several Catholic schools, including two high schools, [[Fairfield College Preparatory School|Fairfield Prep]] and [[Notre Dame Catholic High School (Connecticut)|Notre Dame]], and two primary schools, St. Thomas Aquinas and Our Lady of the Assumption. A third Catholic primary school, Holy Family, was closed by the [[Diocese of Bridgeport]] at the end of the 2009–2010 academic year.

Non-religious private schools include [[Fairfield Country Day School]] and the [[Unquowa School]].

Fairfield is also home to two post-secondary institutions, [[Fairfield University]] and [[Sacred Heart University]].

==Media==
* ''[[Connecticut Post]]'' (headquartered in neighboring [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]])
* ''[[Fairfield Minuteman]]''
* ''CT Insider - Fairfield Citizen News'' <ref>https://www.ctinsider.com/fairfield/</ref>
* ''HamletHub Fairfield''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/|title=Fairfield's HamletHub|website=news.HamletHub.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* ''Fairfield Magazine''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://townvibe.com|title=TownVibe|website=TownVibe.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* ''Fairfield County Catholic''
* [[WSHU-FM]]
* [[WVOF]]

==Transportation==
[[File:Fairfield station from southbound train (2), July 2019.JPG|thumb|The [[Fairfield station (Metro-North)|Fairfield Metro-North station]] platform, tracks, and overpass]]
Fairfield is traversed by [[U.S. Route 1 in Connecticut|U.S. 1]], [[Interstate 95 in Connecticut|Interstate 95]], and the [[Merritt Parkway]]. It has three [[Metro-North Railroad]] stations, [[Fairfield–Black Rock station|Fairfield–Black Rock]], [[Fairfield (Metro-North station)|Fairfield]] and [[Southport station (Metro-North)|Southport]]. The town is served by several public bus lines of the [[Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority]].

==Places of worship==
* St. Anthony of Padua Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stanthonyffld.org|title=Welcome|website=StAnthonyFfld.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* Trinity [[Baptist Church]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trinityfairfield.org/|title=Trinity Baptist Church / Welcome / Welcome|website=www.TrinityFairfield.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* Greenfield Hill Congregational Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenfieldhillchurch.com/|title=Greenfield Hill Congregational Church – A Historic Church With A Modern Ministry|website=www.GreenfieldHillChurch.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Congregational church|Congregational Church]]
* First Church [[Congregational]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstchurchfairfield.org/|title=An Open & Affirming Church in Fairfield, CT – First Church Fairfield|website=www.FirstChurchFairfield.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[United Church of Christ|UCC]]
* Southport Congregational Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southportucc.com/|title=Southport Congregational Church|website=SouthportUCC.com|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215021137/http://www.southportucc.com/|archive-date=December 15, 2009}}</ref>
* St. Paul's Episcopal Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stpaulsfairfield.org/|title=Welcome!|website=St. Paul's Episcopal Church|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Episcopal Church (United States)]]
* St. Timothy's Episcopal Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sttimschurch.org/|title=St. Timothy's Episcopal Church|access-date=December 26, 2017}}</ref> – [[Episcopal Church (United States)]]
* Trinity Episcopal Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trinitysouthport.org/|title=Welcome!|website=Trinity Episcopal Church|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Episcopal Church (United States)]]
* Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fairfieldgrace.org/|title=Fairfield Grace – Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors|website=FairfieldGrace.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[United Methodist Church]]
* [[Black Rock Congregational Church]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brcc.org/|title=Black Rock Church|website=www.BRCC.org|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[non-denominational]] [[evangelical]]
* Our Saviour's Lutheran Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oursaviours.net/|title=Welcome to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church – Our Saviour's Lutheran Church|website=OurSaviours.net|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Lutheran Church]] [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America|(ELCA)]]
* First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpresby.net/|title=First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield|website=www.FirstPresby.net|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> – [[Presbyterian Church]]
* Holy Cross [[Roman Catholic Church]]
* Our Lady of the Assumption<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assumption-fairfield.org/default.aspx|title=Our Lady of the Assumption|website=Assumption-Fairfield.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921080631/http://assumption-fairfield.org/default.aspx|archive-date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>
* St. Pius X Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.st-pius.org/|title=St. Pius X of Fairfield – An open, inviting Roman Catholic Family of Faith|website=St. Pius X of Fairfield, CT|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* St. Thomas [[Roman Catholic Church]]
* Chabad of Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chabadff.com/|title=Chabad of Fairfield|website=www.chabadff.com|access-date=December 5, 2018}}</ref>
* Congregation Beth El<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.congbethel.net/|title=Congregation Beth El|website=www.CongBethEl.net|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>

==Notable people==<!--consensus reached to standardize this heading per WP:WikiProject Cities/US Guideline -->
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2010}}
{{colbegin|colwidth=30em|small=yes|rules=yes}}
[[File:Leonard Bernstein in his studio at his home, Fairfield, CT 1988.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Leonard Bernstein in his Fairfield home studio, {{circa|1988}}]]
* [[William Burnett Benton]] (1900–1973), former U.S. senator<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000399|title=Benton, William – Biographical Information|website=bioguide.Congress.gov|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Leonard Bernstein]] (1918–1990), conductor, composer, musician<ref>Dixon, Ken (April 26, 2007). "Music Hall of Fame proposed for state". ''[[Connecticut Post]]''. "Leonard Bernstein, a longtime Fairfield resident".</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/09/arts/music/09bern.html | work=The New York Times | title=Bernstein's Workroom Will Head to Indiana | date=March 9, 2009 | access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref>
* [[James Blake (tennis)|James Blake]] (born 1979), professional tennis player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/james_blake/index.shtml|title=James Blake bio|website=NetGlimse.com|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508121502/http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/james_blake/index.shtml|archive-date=May 8, 2009}}</ref>
* [[Julius Boros]] (1920–1994), professional golfer, winner of 18 PGA tour events including the 1952 and 1963 [[U.S. Open (golf)|U.S. Open]] and 1968 [[PGA Championship]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110513023937/http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/hof/member.php?member=1026 World Golf Hall of Fame Member Profile]. WorldGolfHallOfFame.org. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Aaron Burr Sr.]] (1716–1757), native, clergyman, educator, and father of Vice President [[Aaron Burr]]
* [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] (born 1950) comic book artist and author<ref>[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=1&T1=Who+Is+John+Byrne%3F FAQ]. Byrne Robotics. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Ann Shaw Carter]] (1922–2005) first woman to be a commercial helicopter pilot<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/web/carter_ann_2.htm |title=A True Pioneer: WASP Ann Shaw Carter (44-W-10) aka Whirly Girl #2 |author=Erin Lynch |journal=Fairfield Citizen-News |date=September 28, 2005 |access-date=December 26, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Kenton Clarke]] (born 1951), CEO, trumpet player, Buglers Hall of Fame and Drum Corps Hall of Fame
* [[Susan Cooper]] (born 1935) author of children's sequence ''[[The Dark Is Rising]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Susan-Cooper/706255/biography |title=Susan Cooper |access-date=February 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721015223/http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Susan-Cooper/706255/biography |archive-date=July 21, 2010  }}</ref>
* [[Hume Cronyn]] (1911–2003), actor, ''[[Lifeboat (1944 film)|Lifeboat]]'', ''[[Cocoon (film)|Cocoon]]''
* [[Michael J. Daly]] (1924–2008), World War II Medal of Honor recipient
* [[T. F. Gilroy Daly]], attorney and federal judge, born in Fairfield<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/12/nyregion/t-f-gilroy-daly-65-us-judge-is-dead.html | work=The New York Times | title=T. F. Gilroy Daly, 65, U.S. Judge, Is Dead | first=Lynette | last=Holloway | date=July 12, 1996 | access-date=May 2, 2010}}</ref>
* [[C. Douglas Dillon]], Secretary of US Treasury, ambassador to France, lived in Fairfield {{circa|2002–2003}}
* [[David L. Downie]], author and professor of politics and environment policy at [[Fairfield University]]
* [[Keir Dullea]], actor, ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]''<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/08ctpeople.html?ex=1333944000&en=97d47145b5c9844f&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink "After 50 Years in Acting, Fully Relaxed in His Craft"]. ''The New York Times''. April 8, 2007.</ref>
* [[Dick Durrell]] (1925–2008), founder of ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine, adjunct professor at [[Sacred Heart University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rlauterborn.com/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi|title=Account Suspended|website=www.rlauterborn.com}}</ref>
* [[Timothy Dwight IV]] (1752–1817), Congregationalist minister, author, president of Yale College; pastor for 12 years at Greenfield Hill Church<ref>[http://web.me.com/greenfieldhillchurch/Site/GHCC_History.html iCloud]. Web.me.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Margaret Morrison]], granddaughter of [[Andrew Carnegie]]
* [[Tatiana Foroud]], internationally recognized genetic researcher
* [[Chris Frantz]] and [[Tina Weymouth]], founding members of [[Talking Heads]] and [[Tom Tom Club]]<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/August-2007/Rock-Royalty/ |title=Rock Royalty |magazine=Westport Magazine |date=August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513023706/http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/August-2007/Rock-Royalty/ |archive-date=May 13, 2011}}</ref>
* [[Robert Greenberger]] (born 1958), writer, editor and Fairfield politician<ref>Canuel, Greg. [http://www.thedailyfairfield.com/news/fairfield-candidates-qa-bob-greenberger "Fairfield Candidates' Q&A: Bob Greenberger"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825232858/http://www.thedailyfairfield.com/news/fairfield-candidates-qa-bob-greenberger |date=August 25, 2017 }}. ''The Daily Fairfield''. September 28, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.crazy8press.com/the-inmates/robert-greenberger/ "Robert Greenberger"]. Crazy 8 Press. accessed October 13, 2011.</ref>
* [[J. J. Henry]], PGA golfer, 2006 Ryder Cup team member<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pgatour.com/players/02/33/53/ |website=www.pgatour.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126140702/http://www.pgatour.com/players/02/33/53/ |archive-date=November 26, 2011|title=J.J. Henry}}</ref>
* [[Paul Hogan]], aka "Crocodile Dundee", actor, lived many years in Fairfield with wife Linda Kozlowski
* [[Don Imus]], radio personality, past resident in Southport<ref name="Radomsky">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/11/realestate/if-you-re-thinking-of-living-in-southport.html?pagewanted=1 | work=The New York Times | title=If You're Thinking of Living in: Southport | first=Rosalie R. | last=Radomsky | date=October 11, 1992 | access-date=May 2, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Eliot A. Jardines]], Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for [[Open source intelligence]]
* [[Oliver Burr Jennings]], Exxon (Standard Oil) founder
* [[Pat Jordan (author)|Pat Jordan]], sportswriter and acclaimed author of ''A False Spring'', ranked #37 on ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''{{'s}} Top 100 Sports Books of All Time
* [[Linda Kozlowski]], actress, born in Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0468957/|title=Linda Kozlowski|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[David LaChapelle]], born in Fairfield, photographer and director<ref>{{cite magazine |last=von Speidel |first=Krystian |date=July 19, 2011 |url=http://bombmagazine.org/article/5714/ |title=David LaChapelle Krystian von Speidel |magazine=[[Bomb (magazine)|Bomb]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121011821/http://bombmagazine.org/article/5714/ |archive-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Jonathan Lewis (oncologist)|Jonathan Lewis]], biomedical researcher, cancer drug developer
* [[Justin Long]], actor, ''[[Jeepers Creepers (2001 film)|Jeepers Creepers]]'', ''[[Ed (TV series)|Ed]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0519043/|title=Justin Long|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Roger Ludlow]], town founder
* [[Pauline Bradford Mackie]] (1873–1956), writer of historical fiction
* [[Florence Lewis May]], art historian
* [[John Mayer (musician)|John Mayer]], Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1012082,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320004212/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1012082,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 20, 2008 | title=John Mayer Bounced from His Alma Mater | website=[[People (magazine)|People]] | author=Stephen M. Silverman | date=December 27, 2004 | access-date=November 9, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Bradley B. Meeker]], Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court justice<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mn.gov/lawlib/judgebio.html#meeker|title=Minnesota State Law Library-Bradley B. Meeker|website=MN.gov|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105045051/http://mn.gov/lawlib/judgebio.html#meeker|archive-date=January 5, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Brian Monahan]], US Navy rear admiral and [[Attending Physician of the United States Congress]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090903151825/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=514 Leadership Biographies]. Navy.mil (October 19, 2010). Retrieved on August 16, 2013.</ref>
* [[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]], professional wrestler, American Gladiator and actor<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/matt-morgan.html|title=Matt Morgan|website=OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Anne M. Mulcahy]], chairman, Xerox Corporation
* [[Charles Nagy]], former [[MLB]] pitcher for [[Cleveland Indians]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fairfieldcountysports.com/hall_of_fame_members/nagy.html |title=Charlie Nagy |access-date=March 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710220126/http://www.fairfieldcountysports.com/hall_of_fame_members/nagy.html |archive-date=July 10, 2011  }}</ref>
* [[Joe Namath]], [[New York Jets]] quarterback, [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]], past resident
* [[Henry Fairfield Osborn]], (1857–1935) geologist, paleontologist, eugenicist
* [[Dan Remmes]], actor/writer, book writer of [[Grumpy Old Men (musical)|Grumpy Old Men: The Musical]]
* [[Jason Robards]], actor, lived in Southport<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/27/arts/27ROBA.html?pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |title=Jason Robards, Actor Who Elevated O'Neill, Dies at 78 |date=December 27, 2000 |access-date=May 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524220226/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/27/arts/27ROBA.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date=May 24, 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Richard Rodgers]], composer of more than 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/24/magazine/the-lady-is-a-champ.html | work=[[The New York Times Magazine]] | title=The Lady Is A Champ | date=March 24, 2002 | access-date=June 28, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Philip Rubin]], CEO emeritus of [[Haskins Laboratories]] and a former [[White House]] science adviser
* [[Meg Ryan]], actress, ''[[Sleepless in Seattle]]'', ''[[When Harry Met Sally...]]'', born in Fairfield<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000212/bio|title=Meg Ryan|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Chris Sarandon]] and [[Joanna Gleason]], actors<ref>{{cite web |first=Leslie Chess |last=Feller |url=http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/December-2008/Beautiful-Life/ |title=Beautiful Life |work=Westport Magazine |date=December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302223852/http://www.mofflymedia.com/Moffly-Publications/Westport-Magazine/December-2008/Beautiful-Life/|archive-date=March 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Gold Selleck Silliman]], Revolutionary War general<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/silliman_gold_selleck.htm|title=General Gold Selleck Silliman – Sons of the American Revolution, Connecticut|website=www.ConnecticutSAR.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623231029/http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/silliman_gold_selleck.htm|archive-date=June 23, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Samuel Smedley]], privateer in [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War]]
* [[Howard Sosin]], founder of AIG Financial Products, presently investor
* [[Jonathan Sturges]], delegate to the [[Continental Congress]] and member of the [[United States House of Representatives]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url= http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S001047|title=Sturges, Jonathan, (1740–1819) |dictionary= Biographical Directory of the United States Congress|access-date= December 30, 2012 }}</ref>
* [[Gene Tierney]], actress, ''[[Laura (1944 film)|Laura]]'', ''[[Leave Her to Heaven]]''; attended [[Unquowa School]] in Fairfield
* [[Lee Tilghman]], former wellness influencer<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/wellness-influencer-lee-from-americas-story.html|title=Lee's American Dream|last=Silman|first=Anna|date=March 10, 2020|work=[[The Cut (website)|The Cut]]|publisher=[[New York Media]]|access-date=April 12, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Brian Torff]], jazz musician, composer, head of [[Fairfield University]] music program
* [[Raviv Ullman]], star of ''[[Phil of the Future]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0880504/bio|title=Raviv Ullman|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Franco Ventriglia]], opera singer, Fairfield native
* [[Jeffrey P. von Arx]], president of [[Fairfield University]]
* [[Robert Penn Warren]], author and poet<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/books/97/03/09/reviews/warren-obituary.html?_r=1&oref=slogin "Robert Penn Warren, Poet and Author, Dies"]. ''The New York Times''. September 16, 1989. page 1. accessed February 6, 2007.</ref>
* [[Robert Waterman (sea captain)|Robert Waterman]], clipper ship captain who sailed to California and named [[Fairfield, California]] after this city
* [[Michael Weatherly]], actor, plays [[Anthony DiNozzo|Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo]] in series ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915762/bio|title=Michael Weatherly|website=IMDb|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Jack Welch]], former CEO of General Electric, former town resident<ref name="Radomsky"/>
* [[Bob Wright]], chairman of NBC for 20 years
* [[Mabel Osgood Wright]], author and founder of Connecticut Audubon Society (Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwhf.org/browse_hall/hall/people/wright.php|title=wright.php|website=CWHF.org|access-date=August 25, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217011331/http://www.cwhf.org/browse_hall/hall/people/wright.php|archive-date=February 17, 2010}}</ref>
* [[Julie Benko]], actress; attended [[Fairfield Ludlowe High School]] in Fairfield <ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooke |first=Bruno |title=How old is Julie Benko? Age and career of Funny Girl's Fanny Brice |url=https://www.thefocus.news/celebrity/how-old-is-julie-benko-age-and-career-of-funny-girls-fanny-brice/ |access-date=January 21, 2022 |website=The Focus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morga |first=Adriana |date=May 2, 2022 |title=CT actress debuts in Broadway production of 'Funny Girl' as Beanie Feldstein's standby |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/entertainment/article/CT-Julie-Benko-funny-girl-broadway-17142191.php |access-date=January 21, 2022 |website=CT Insider}}</ref>

{{colend}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Connecticut}}
*Fairfield Community Connection

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Fairfield (Connecticut)|Fairfield, Connecticut}}
* {{Official website|https://www.fairfieldct.org/}}

{{Geographic Location
| Centre    = Fairfield
| Northeast = [[Trumbull, Connecticut|Trumbull]]
| North     = [[Easton, Connecticut|Easton]]
| Northwest = [[Weston, Connecticut|Weston]]
| East      = [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]]
| South     = [[Long Island Sound]]
| West      = [[Westport, Connecticut|Westport]]}}
{{Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut}}
{{Fairfield County, Connecticut}}
{{Connecticut}}
{{New York metropolitan area}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Fairfield, Connecticut| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1639]]
[[Category:Towns in the New York metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Towns in Connecticut]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Connecticut]]
[[Category:1639 establishments in Connecticut]]
[[Category:Towns in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut]]