Waterbury overcame a poor geographical setting by using Yankee ingenuity to make the city the "Brass Capital of the World." From the early 1800s until the mid-1960s, Waterbury buttons, buckles, and clocks were found in most American homes. With the decline of the brass industry after World War II, Waterbury aggressively diversified its industrial base, drawing new manufacturing and service industries to the city. Within driving distance of New York City and Boston, Waterbury offers businesses affordable housing, a skilled work force, and a revitalized downtown.
The City in Brief
| 1674 (incorporated, 1853) | |
| Mayor Michael J. Jarjura (since 2001) | |
| 103,266 | |
| 108,961 | |
| 107,271 | |
| 108,130 | |
| -0.9% | |
| 157th | |
| 172nd (State rank: 5th) | |
| 238th | |
| 204,968 | |
| 221,629 | |
| 228,984 | |
| 1.03% | |
| 1st (CMSA) | |
| 1st (CMSA) | |
| 1st (CMSA) | |
| 29 square miles (2000) | |
| ranges from 215 to 965 feet above sea level | |
| 47.4° F | |
| 47.4 inches of rain; 35.2 inches of snow | |
| Manufacturing, research, services, distribution | |
| 7.2% (February 2005) | |
| $17,701 (1999) | |
| Not reported | |
| Not reported | |
| 6,524 | |
| Teikyo Post; Naugatuck Valley Community Technical College; University of Connecticut (Waterbury branch) | |
| The Waterbury Republican-American |
