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Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania

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Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania
NameUpper Darby Township
Settlement typeFirst-class township
Subdivision typeCountry
Subdivision nameUnited States
Subdivision type1State
Subdivision name1Pennsylvania
Subdivision type2County
Subdivision name2Delaware County
Government typeCouncil-Manager
Leader titleMayor
Leader nameBarbarann Keffer
Area total sq mi7.84
Population as of2020
Population total85,681
Population density sq miauto
TimezoneEST
Utc offset-5
Timezone DSTEDT
Utc offset DST-4
Postal code typeZIP Code
Postal code19082
Area code610 and 484
Blank nameFIPS code
Blank info42-045-79248
Websitewww.upperdarby.org

Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania is a first-class township located in Delaware County, adjacent to the western border of Philadelphia. It is one of the most populous townships in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and serves as a major residential and commercial suburb within the Delaware Valley. The township is known for its cultural diversity, historic Tower Theater, and extensive public transit connections via the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

History

The area was originally part of a William Penn land grant and was settled in the 17th century, formally separated from Lower Darby Township in 1780. Its development accelerated with the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the construction of the 69th Street Transportation Center, a major hub for the SEPTA Market–Frankford Line and trolley lines. Notable historical figures include John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who owned property in the area. The township transformed from a rural landscape into a dense streetcar suburb in the early 20th century, with significant growth following World War II.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 7.84 square miles, all land. It is bordered by the Cobbs Creek to the east, separating it from Philadelphia, and by Millbourne and Lansdowne to the south. The topography is characterized by rolling hills, part of the Atlantic coastal plain. Major thoroughfares include U.S. Route 1 (Township Line Road), State Route 3 (West Chester Pike), and I-476 (the Blue Route).

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population was 85,681, making it one of the largest municipalities in Pennsylvania without city status. The township is noted for its significant immigrant communities, with large populations from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Languages such as Vietnamese, Spanish, and various Indian languages are widely spoken. The racial and ethnic composition is diverse, with substantial Asian, African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents.

Government

Upper Darby operates under a Council-Manager form of government with a seven-member Township Council and an elected Mayor. The current mayor is Barbarann Keffer. The township is part of Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Mary Gay Scanlon, and in the Pennsylvania State Senate by Timothy P. Kearney. Law enforcement is provided by the Upper Darby Police Department, one of the largest municipal forces in Delaware County.

Economy

The township's economy is heavily commercial, centered around the 69th Street business district and major retail corridors along Market Street and West Chester Pike. It is a regional healthcare hub, anchored by the Delaware County Memorial Hospital. Major employers include the Upper Darby School District, SEPTA, and numerous small businesses. The Tower Theater is a significant entertainment venue that draws patrons from across the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Education

Public education is administered by the Upper Darby School District, which operates Upper Darby High School, one of the largest high schools in Pennsylvania by enrollment. The district also includes three middle schools and numerous elementary schools. Private institutions include Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. Higher education access is provided by nearby institutions like Delaware County Community College and Saint Joseph's University.

Culture and recreation

The township is renowned for the historic Tower Theater, which has hosted legendary performers such as Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and Prince. Recreational facilities include the Upper Darby Summer Stage outdoor theater program, the Sellers Memorial Free Library, and numerous parks like Drexel Park. The annual Upper Darby International Festival celebrates the community's diversity. The township is also home to the Upper Darby Arts Center and is served by the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

Category:Townships in Delaware County, Pennsylvania Category:Populated places established in 1780