Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Government and politics
As of November 2008, there are 58,077 registered voters in Indiana County http://www.dos.state.pa.us/elections/lib/elections/055_voter_registration_statistics/currentstats/currentvotestats.xls.- DemocraticDemocratic Party (United States)The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
: 26,653 (45.89%) - RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
: 24,159 (41.60%) - Other Parties: 7,265 (12.51%)
County commissioners
- Rodney Ruddock, Chairman, Republican
- Patricia Evanko, Democrat
- David S. Frick, Republican
Other county offices
- Coroner, Mike Baker, Republican
- District Attorney, Thomas Bianco, Democrat
- Prothonotary, Randy Degenkolb, Republican
- Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills, Patricia Streams-Warman, Republican
- Sheriff, Robert Fyock, Republican
- Treasurer, Sandra Kirkland, Democrat
State Representatives
- Jeff PyleJeff PyleJeffrey P. "Jeff" Pyle is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and was elected in 2004. He represents the 60th District which includes parts of Armstrong and Indiana counties....
, Republican, 60th district - David ReedDave L. ReedDave L. Reed is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represents the 62nd District, made up of parts of Indiana County....
, Republican, 62nd district - Sam SmithSamuel H. Smith (politician)Samuel H. "Sam" Smith is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 66th District and was elected in 1986. The district includes portions of Jefferson, Indiana and Armstrong counties...
, Republican, 66th district
US Representatives
- Bill ShusterBill ShusterWilliam Shuster is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Republican Party. He is a son of former Congressman Bud Shuster.-Early life, education and career:...
, Republican, 9th district - Mark Critz, Democrat, 12th district
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 89,605 people, 34,123 households, and 22,521 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 108 people per square mile (42/km²). There were 37,250 housing units at an average density of 45 per square mile (17/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.87% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.57% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.08% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.74% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.16% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.51% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 25.9% were of German, 11.6% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
, 10.7% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 8.6% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 7.1% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 6.8% Polish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 34,123 households out of which 27.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the county, the population was spread out with 21.10% under the age of 18, 16.60% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.60 males.
Municipalities
Boroughs
|
Homer City, Pennsylvania Homer City is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,844 at the 2000 census. The Homer City Generating Station is located outside of Homer City but it takes its name from the borough. Homer City is located in the Indiana metro area... Indiana, Pennsylvania Indiana is a borough in and the county seat of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 14,895 at the 2000 census.The borough and the region as a whole promotes itself as the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World" because the national Christmas Tree Grower's Association was... Marion Center, Pennsylvania Marion Center is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 451 at the 2000 census.-History:The village was laid out by John Park in 1841 and named Marion after the Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion. The Indiana Register first advertised lots for sale... Plumville, Pennsylvania Plumville is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 342 at the 2000 census.The borough was originally named for the presence of wild plum trees.-Geography:Plumville is located at .... Saltsburg, Pennsylvania Saltsburg is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 955 at the 2000 census. The town was based on the construction of salt wells and the canals and railroad tracks that passed through it.-Geography:... Shelocta, Pennsylvania Shelocta is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 127 at the 2000 census. The Keystone Generating Station is located to the west of the borough, in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.-Geography:... Smicksburg, Pennsylvania Smicksburg is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 49 at the 2000 census, and is one of the smallest incorporated boroughs in Pennsylvania. It was founded by Reverend J. George Schmick... |
Townships
|
Green Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania Green Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,995 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:... Montgomery Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania Montgomery Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,706 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 28.7 square miles , of which, 28.7 square miles of it is land and... Pine Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania Pine Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,140 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 31.0 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there... South Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania South Mahoning Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,852 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania Washington Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,805 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 38.3 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000,... West Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania West Mahoning Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,128 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... West Wheatfield Township, Pennsylvania West Wheatfield Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,375 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... White Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania White Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 14,034 at the 2000 census.-Geography:White Township entirely surrounds, but does not include, the Borough of Indiana... Young Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania Young Township is a township in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,744 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.8 square miles , of which, 34.8 square miles of it is land and 0.03%... |
Census-designated places
Census-designated placeCensus-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
s are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here as well.
|
Heilwood, Pennsylvania Heilwood is a census-designated place in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 786 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Heilwood is located at .... Jacksonville, Pennsylvania Jacksonville is a census-designated place in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 675 at the 2000 census. It was formerly an independent borough, until January 1, 1993 when it was returned to Black Lick Township, Pennsylvania.... Lucerne Mines, Pennsylvania Lucernemines is a census-designated place in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 951 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lucernemines is located at .... Rossiter, Pennsylvania Rossiter is a Census-designated place in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 790 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Rossiter is located at .... |
Other communities
|
Wehrum, Pennsylvania Wehrum is an abandoned coal mining company town in Buffington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania that thrived for a time during the early 20th Century. The mine upon which it was entirely dependent closed in 1929, and the last known inhabitants left in 1934... West Lebanon, Pennsylvania West Lebanon is an unincorporated community, founded in 1839, in northern Young Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its altitude is 1,309 feet . Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 15783.Old State Rt. 56 passes through West Lebanon... |
Environment
In 2003 the county was recommended for nonattainment under EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
ozone
Ozone
Ozone , or trioxygen, is a triatomic molecule, consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is an allotrope of oxygen that is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope...
standards based upon mobile source contribution to smog
Smog
Smog is a type of air pollution; the word "smog" is a portmanteau of smoke and fog. Modern smog is a type of air pollution derived from vehicular emission from internal combustion engines and industrial fumes that react in the atmosphere with sunlight to form secondary pollutants that also combine...
-forming emissions
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
.
The county is also the site of the Homer City Generating Station
Homer City Generating Station
Homer City Generating Station is a 2-GW coal-burning power station near Homer City, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is owned by Edison International and operated by its subsidiary Midwest Generation. Units 1 and 2, rated at 660 MWe, were launched into operation in 1969. Unit 3, rated at...
, a coal-burning power plant. The plant has caught the attention of environmentalist
Environmentalist
An environmentalist broadly supports the goals of the environmental movement, "a political and ethical movement that seeks to improve and protect the quality of the natural environment through changes to environmentally harmful human activities"...
s as being ranked second in emissions, in 2002, of Toxics Release Inventory
Toxics Release Inventory
The Toxics Release Inventory is a publicly available database containing information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities in the United States.-Summary of requirements:...
(TRI) in Pennsylvania. The plant also ranked high, in 2003, in the emissions of both sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is the chemical compound with the formula . It is released by volcanoes and in various industrial processes. Since coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds, their combustion generates sulfur dioxide unless the sulfur compounds are removed before burning the fuel...
and carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom...
ranking 4th and 28th in the nation.
Notable natives and residents
- John BuccigrossJohn BuccigrossJohn Buccigross , has been an anchor for ESPN since 1996.-Biography:A graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, OH, and Heidelberg College , his television duties include the Emmy winning SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight...
, ESPN anchor, former co-host of NHL 2NightNHL 2NightNHL 2Night was a TV show that had highlights of National Hockey League games five nights a week on ESPN2. It was usually broadcast live at midnight eastern time or immediately following an NHL telecast on ESPN2. It was then re-broadcast a few times throughout the night and following day.The show... - Samuel Kier, "Grandfather of the American Oil Industry"
- Jim NanceJim NanceJames Solomon "Big Jim" Nance was an American collegiate and Professional Football fullback with the Boston Patriots during their days in the American Football League...
, former football player, Running Back Syracuse UniversitySyracuse UniversitySyracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
and later professionally with the New England/Boston PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... - James StewartJames Stewart (actor)James Maitland Stewart was an American film and stage actor, known for his distinctive voice and his everyman persona. Over the course of his career, he starred in many films widely considered classics and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one in competition and receiving one Lifetime...
, actor, born in Indiana BoroughIndiana, PennsylvaniaIndiana is a borough in and the county seat of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 14,895 at the 2000 census.The borough and the region as a whole promotes itself as the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World" because the national Christmas Tree Grower's Association was...
Education
Public School Districts
- Armstrong School District (pt.)
- Apollo-Ridge School DistrictApollo-Ridge School DistrictThe Apollo-Ridge School District spans portions of two counties. In Armstrong County it covers the Boroughs of Apollo and North Apollo and Kiskiminetas Township. In Indiana County it covers Young Township...
(pt.) - Blairsville-Saltsburg School DistrictBlairsville-Saltsburg School DistrictThe Blairsville-Saltsburg School District is a rural school district that spans portions of two counties. In Indiana County it covers the Boroughs of Blairsville and Saltsburg and Black Lick Township, Burrell Township and Conemaugh Township. In Westmoreland County it covers Loyalhanna Township...
† - Harmony Area School DistrictHarmony Area School DistrictHarmony Area School District is a public school district located in Indiana County, Pennsylvania and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. The district is very small, serving approximately 400 students in grades K–12...
(pt.) - Homer-Center School DistrictHomer-Center School DistrictHomer-Center School District is a public school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The district serves Homer City and Center Township. The district campus is located just south of the Homer City-Center Township border along South Main Street and adjacent to U.S. Route 119.Homer-Center's...
- Indiana Area School DistrictIndiana Area School DistrictIndiana Area School District is a public school district in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It is composed of White Township and Armstrong Township, along with Indiana and Shelocta boroughs.- Elementary schools :...
- Marion Center Area School DistrictMarion Center Area School DistrictThe Marion Center Area School District is a schooldistrict in the state of Pennsylvania. It is located in Marion Center in Indiana County. It also serves the municipalities of Creekside, Washington Twp, Ernest, Rayne Twp, Plumville, East Mahoning Twp, South Mahoning Twp, Grant Twp, and Canoe Twp...
- Penns Manor Area School DistrictPenns Manor Area School DistrictPenns Manor Area School District is located at 6001 Route 553 Highway Clymer, Pennsylvania. It also servies Cherryhill and Pine Townships.-History:...
- Punxsutawney Area School DistrictPunxsutawney Area School DistrictPunxsutawney Area School District is a school district located in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania and Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The district features six elementary schools plus a middle school, and the Punxsutawney Area High School...
(pt.) - Purchase Line School DistrictPurchase Line School DistrictPurchase Line School Districtis a public school district located in Indiana County, Pennsylvania and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. It features three schools: North Elementary School, South Elementary School, and Purchase Line Jr-Sr High School. It serves a rural region, including the townships...
† - United School DistrictUnited School District (Pennsylvania)United School District is a school district headquartered in East Wheatfield Township, Pennsylvania, United States.The district serves the borough of Armagh and the townships of Brush Valley, Buffington, East Wheatfield, and West Wheatfield....
-
- (pt.) – district partially in Indiana County, with school buildings located in another county.
† - district with facilities within Indiana County, but which also serves other regions.
Post-Secondary Education
- Cambria-Rowe Business College – Indiana
- Indiana University of PennsylvaniaIndiana University of PennsylvaniaIndiana University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, USA. The university is northeast of Pittsburgh. It is the largest university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and is the commonwealth's fifth largest university...
– Indiana - Westmoreland County Community CollegeWestmoreland County Community CollegeWestmoreland County Community College, commonly referred to as WCCC or 3C's, was founded in 1970 and is located in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, USA. In 2009, a new enrollment record was set, with WCCC registering its 7,000th student....
– Indiana - WyoTechWyoming Technical Institute (WyoTech)WyoTech, formerly known as Wyoming Technical Institute, is a for-profit college system founded in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1966. Initially an automotive-themed school, under the ownership of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., WyoTech has grown to six campuses nationwide and now offers degree and diploma...
– Blairsville
See also
- Indiana County Transit AuthorityIndiana County Transit AuthorityThe Indiana County Transit Authority, also known as IndiGO, is a public transportation system, serving the Indiana County Area of Pennsylvania.-Fleet:* 3 - New Flyer 30LF...
- List of municipal authorities in Indiana County, Pennsylvania
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Indiana County, PennsylvaniaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Indiana County, PennsylvaniaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States...