Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania

Upper Darby Township is a township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, USA. The township was incorporated as such on August 30, 1736 when it split from Darby Township. Located just 5.8 miles from Center City, Philadelphia, many of its residents work in the city. The east-west Philadelphia subway (the 'El') terminates at 69th street, Upper Darby's principal business district. Several trolley and bus lines connect 69th Street Terminal to the western suburbs of Philadelphia. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 81,821, making it the 5th largest municipality in Pennsylvania. Upper Darby is 65% residential 25% commercial, and 8% other. Because of a home-rule charter adopted in the 1970's, the township utilitzes a mayor-council form of management--other "First Class" townships in Pennsylvania have a board of commissioners divided into wards, and "Second Class" townships having a board of supervisors, which are usually elected "at-large."

It is the birthplace of singer, songwriter and record producer Todd Rundgren, singer, songwriter Jim Croce along with former Saturday Night Live head writer and cast member Tina Fey. Other notable residents include Jamie Kennedy, Dr. Jack Ramsey and Cheri Oteri.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 20.4 km² (7.9 mi²). The township lies on the edge of the Piedmont slightly above the City of Philadelphia (60 to 260 feet above sea level). The area is crossed by several small creeks. The borough of East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania is an enclave completely surrounded by Upper Darby Township; additionally, an exclave of Upper Darby Township is separated from the rest of the township.

The Census-Designated Place of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and the Community of Primos, Pennsylvania are part of Upper Darby Township.

Adjacent Municipalities

Haverford Township, Delaware County - north
City of Philadelphia - east
East Lansdowne Borough, Delaware County - southeast
Yeadon Borough, Delaware County - southeast
Lansdowne Borough, Delaware County - south
Darby Borough, Delaware County - south
Aldan Borough, Delaware County - south
Darby Township, Delaware County - south
Ridley Township, Delaware County - southwest
Springfield Township, Delaware County - west

History

The area was first settled in the late 1600's. The abundance of creeks and streams in the area favored the development of mills and it was in Upper Darby that the first mills in Delaware County could be found. The mill trade greatly increased the population of Upper Darby, from just over 800 in 1800 to almost 5000 by 1890. Reflecting its Quaker beginnings, Upper Darby was active in the antislavery movement. Many homes in the area were "stops" on the Underground Railroad. Two regiments from Upper Darby took part in the fighting in the American Cival War, and one--the 106th, was involved in the bloodbath at Antietam. The business district is noted for many fine examples of Art Deco style buildings. The 20th century saw a population explosion in Upper Darby. By the 1960's it ranked as the 7th most populous municipality in Pennsylvania, eclipsing such towns as Harrisburg (the state capital), Chester and Bethlehem.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 81,821 people, 32,551 households, and 20,474 families residing in the township. The population density was 4,014.1/km² (10,397.7/mi²). There were 34,322 housing units at an average density of 1,683.8/km² (4,361.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 77.27% White, 11.33% African American, 0.12% Native American, 8.86% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races and 1.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.64% of the population.

There were 32,551 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the township the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64 and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,489, and the median income for a family was $52,500. Males had a median income of $38,090 versus $30,416 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,770. About 7.3% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Upper Darby Township is served by the Upper Darby School District. The largest private schools are Monsignor Bonner High School and Archbishop Prendergast High School, both Roman Catholic.

Also available to residents of Upper Darby and surrounding areas is the Upper Darby Adult Evening Program (UDAEP). UDAEP offers professional development and general education classes to township residents. UDAEP is an independent non-profit entity separate from the Upper Darby School District.

External links