Derby, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,487
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,500/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,219
1.5% year-over-year change

Derby population

How many people live in Derby

Derby is home to 12,487 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Derby locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
12,487
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
6,036
Female
51.7%
6,451
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,036 48.3% 3.4%
Female 6,451 51.7% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Derby is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.5% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 30.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.5%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
30.6%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,434 11.5% 0.1%
15 to 24 1,203 9.6% 0.6%
25 to 44 3,399 27.2% 3.7%
45 to 64 3,819 30.6% -2.3%
Over 65 2,632 21.1% 3.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Derby, 82.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.8% of locals are Caucasian, 12% are African American and 2.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.1%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,298 82.5% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,641 13.1% 10.3%
Non-citizens 548 4.4% 18.4%
Racial breakdown
White
64.8%
Black or African American
12%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
12.4%
Value Percent
White 8,097 64.8%
Black or African American 1,498 12%
American Indian and Alaska Native 32 0.3%
Asian 313 2.5%
Two or more races 1,003 8%
Other 1,544 12.4%

Households in Derby

A peek inside Derby households

Derby has 5,896 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.8% are families, while the remaining 43.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,896
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,550
Family households
3,346
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,550 43.2% 1.8%
Family households 3,346 56.8% 2.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Derby

The housing landscape of Derby

Derby's housing consists of 6,219 units, with 37.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 17.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
6,219
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,337 37.6%
1 unit, attached 1,090 17.5%
2 units 862 13.9%
3 or 4 units 787 12.6%
5 to 9 units 532 8.6%
10 to 19 units 128 2.1%
20 to 49 units 249 4%
50 or more units 234 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Derby

In Derby, the median construction year is 1967. About 18.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,138 18.3% 3.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 505 8.1% -10.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 848 13.6% -12.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 923 14.8% 2.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,034 16.6% -2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 697 11.2% 23.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 548 8.8% 23.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 163 2.6% -12.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 363 5.8% 4.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Derby occupancy rates

Out of the 5,896 occupied housing units in Derby, 61.9% are owner-occupied, while 38.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,896
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,249
Owner occupied
3,647
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,249 38.1% 3.0%
Owner occupied 3,647 61.9% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Derby housing costs

Housing costs in Derby come to a median of $1,432 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,452.

Median housing costs per month
$1,432/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Derby
$1,452/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Derby

Derby education at a glance

About 39.9% of the population in Derby went to high school, while 15.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 19.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 365 3.4% 24.1%
High school diploma 4,258 39.9% -3.3%
College diploma 1,635 15.3% 4.8%
Associate degree 756 7.1% -3.6%
Bachelor's degree 2,085 19.6% 9.7%
Graduate degree 1,563 14.7% 9.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Derby

How much people earn in Derby

The average annual household income in Derby was $94,431 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,500, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Derby
$94,431/year
1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Derby
$79,500/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Derby income by age

In Derby, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,917. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,248 overall. Overall, 89.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,917 16.8%
45 - 64 $103,248 6.8%
Over 65 $36,786 -9.3%
Above poverty level
10,909
Below poverty level
1,337
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,909 89.1% -1.3%
Below poverty level 1,337 10.9% 17.5%

Average renter income in Derby

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Derby, their median household income was $36,528 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,528
Rent-to-income ratio
47.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Derby

Workforce and job types in Derby

The job market in Derby is powered by 6,730 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,730
6.5% year-over-year change
White collar
5,551
Blue collar
1,179
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,551 82.5% 6.0%
Blue collar 1,179 17.5% 8.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
15.3%
Not for profit companies
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 472 7% -1.3%
Private companies 4,450 66.1% 10.1%
Governmental workers 1,027 15.3% -1.4%
Not for profit companies 781 11.6% 2.8%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-15.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Derby stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Derby

How people get around in Derby

Commuting methods vary: 82.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,420 82.2% 6.6%
Taxicab 51 0.8% 168.4%
Railroad 27 0.4% 68.8%
Motorcycle 12 0.2% 20.0%
Walk 72 1.1% -32.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Derby by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06418 12,205 5,850 $78,542 $94,046

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FAQs about Derby demographics 

What is the total population of Derby?

Derby has a total population of 12,487 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Derby?

The gender ratio in Derby is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (6,036 residents)
  • 51.7% females (6,451 residents)

What is the median age in Derby?

The median age in Derby is 46.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Derby?

The age distribution in Derby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.5% (1,434 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (1,203 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (3,399 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.6% (3,819 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.1% (2,632 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Derby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Derby is as follows:
  • White: 64.8% (8,097 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12% (1,498 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (32 residents)
  • Asian: 2.5% (313 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (1,003 residents)
  • Other: 12.4% (1,544 residents)

What percentage of the population in Derby are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.5% of the population in Derby.

How many housing units are there in Derby?

There are 6,219 housing units in Derby, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Derby and what is the average household size?

Derby has a total of 5,896 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Derby?

Derby has a median household income of $79,500, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Derby?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Derby, with a workforce of 6,730 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.5% (5,551 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.5% (1,179 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (472 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (4,450 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.3% (1,027 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.6% (781 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025