Berlin, Connecticut
Berlin is a town located in Hartford County, Connecticut. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 18,215. It is home to the geographic center of Connecticut. It was incorporated in 1785. Berlin is residential and industrial. Berlin includes the hamlet of Kensington. There are 3 elementary schools, Mary E. Griswold School, Emma Hart Willard School, and Richard D. Hubbard School, as well as Catherine M. McGee Middle School, and Berlin High School.
The town's name is pronounced differently from the English name for the German city of the same name, with stress on first syllable: IPA /ˈbɝlɪn/ listen.
Town Seal
The greatest boom to Berlin industry resulted from the decision of the Patterson brothers to start their business on West Street (now called Lower Lane). For twenty years until 1760, they kept their work in the family selling their wares from a basket. When demand increased they took apprentices into the shop and engaged peddlers to travel throughout the Colonies selling the shiny, useful articles.
The Town Seal was adopted from this "The Yankee Peddler" outfitted in his revolutionary dress with a basket under his arm, a pack on his back full of tin ware. As others learned the trade, they soon set up shop and hired apprentices. There were so many that the noise of the white smiths and their banging could be heard in every part of town.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 70.0 km² (27.0 mi²). 68.5 km² (26.5 mi²) of it is land and 1.5 km² (0.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.18% water. Berlin is also the geographical direct center of the state of Connecticut.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 18,215 people, 6,792 households, and 5,155 families residing in the town. The population density was 265.9/km² (688.6/mi²). There were 6,955 housing units at an average density of 101.5/km² (262.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.03% White, 0.36% African American, 0.05% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.47% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,792 households out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $68,068, and the median income for a family was $76,756. Males had a median income of $49,714 versus $34,832 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,744. 2.5% of the population and 1.4% of families were below the poverty line. 0.9% of those under the age of 18 and 6.8% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Historical Population
- 1790 - 2,465
- 1800 - 2,702
- 1810 - 2,798
- 1820 - 2,877
- 1830 - 3,037
- 1840 - 3,411
- 1850 - 1,869 *New Britain, Connecticut separated from Berlin
- 1860 - 2,146
- 1870 - 2,436
- 1880 - 2,385
- 1890 - 2,600
- 1900 - 3,448
- 1910 - 3,728
- 1920 - 4,298
- 1930 - 4,875
- 1940 - 5,230
- 1950 - 7,470
- 1960 - 11,250
- 1970 - 14,149
- 1980 - 15,121
- 1990 - 16,787
- 2000 - 18,215
- 2002 - 19,116 (estimate)
Sources: Interactive Connecticut State Register & Manual and U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division