Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Jefferson County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Pennsylvania
. In 2010, its population was 45,200. It was established on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County
and named for then-President Thomas Jefferson
. Its county seat
is Brookville
. It is home to Punxsutawney Phil
, the groundhog
that predicts when spring will come every February 2 (Groundhog Day
).
, the county has a total area of 657 square miles (1,701.6 km²), of which 655 square miles (1,696.4 km²) is land and 1 square miles (2.6 km²) (0.21%) is water.
of 2000, there were 45,932 people, 18,375 households, and 12,862 families residing in the county. The population density
was 70 people per square mile (27/km²). There were 22,104 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile (13/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.97% White
, 0.13% Black
or African American
, 0.16% Native American
, 0.21% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.07% from other races
, and 0.45% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 31.1% were of German, 13.4% Italian
, 10.8% American
, 9.2% Irish
and 7.8% English
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 18,375 households out of which 30.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples
living together, 9.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 26.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.60 males.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. In 2010, its population was 45,200. It was established on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
-Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Plateau:Lycoming County is divided between the Appalachian Mountains in the south, the dissected Allegheny Plateau in the north and east, and the valley of the West Branch Susquehanna River between these.-West Branch Susquehanna River:The West Branch of the...
and named for then-President Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Brookville
Brookville, Pennsylvania
Brookville is a borough in Jefferson County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. 2,472 people lived in Brookville in 1900, and 3,003 people lived there in 1910. The population was 4,230 at the 2000 census...
. It is home to Punxsutawney Phil
Punxsutawney Phil
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On February 2 of each year, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the beloved groundhog with a festive atmosphere of music and food...
, the groundhog
Groundhog
The groundhog , also known as a woodchuck, whistle-pig, or in some areas as a land-beaver, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Other marmots, such as the yellow-bellied and hoary marmots, live in rocky and mountainous areas, but...
that predicts when spring will come every February 2 (Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end...
).
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited 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...
, the county has a total area of 657 square miles (1,701.6 km²), of which 655 square miles (1,696.4 km²) is land and 1 square miles (2.6 km²) (0.21%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Forest CountyForest County, PennsylvaniaForest County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population is 7,716. Forest County is famous as a rural retreat. Nearly 75% of all dwellings in the county are second or vacation homes . Forest County does not have a single traffic light, the only county in the...
(north) - Elk CountyElk County, PennsylvaniaElk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 31,946.Elk County was created on April 18, 1843, from parts of Jefferson, Clearfield and McKean Counties, and is named for the Eastern elk that historically inhabited the region. Its county...
(northeast) - Clearfield CountyClearfield County, PennsylvaniaClearfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 81,642.Clearfield County was created on March 26, 1804, from parts of Huntingdon and Lycoming Counties but was administered as part of Centre County until 1812...
(east) - Indiana CountyIndiana County, Pennsylvania-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 58,077 registered voters in Indiana County .* Democratic: 26,653 * Republican: 24,159 * Other Parties: 7,265 -County commissioners:*Rodney Ruddock, Chairman, Republican...
(south) - Armstrong CountyArmstrong County, PennsylvaniaArmstrong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,941. It is located northeast of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Armstrong County was added to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2003.The county seat is Kittanning...
(southwest) - Clarion CountyClarion County, PennsylvaniaAs of the census of 2000, there were 41,765 people, 16,052 households, and 10,738 families residing in the county. The population density was 69 people per square mile . There were 19,426 housing units at an average density of 32 per square mile...
(west)
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 45,932 people, 18,375 households, and 12,862 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 70 people per square mile (27/km²). There were 22,104 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile (13/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.97% 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...
, 0.13% 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...
, 0.16% 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...
, 0.21% 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...
, 0.07% 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 0.45% from two or more races. 0.41% 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. 31.1% were of German, 13.4% 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...
, 10.8% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 9.2% 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...
and 7.8% 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...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 18,375 households out of which 30.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% 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, 9.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 26.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.60 males.
Municipalities
Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in County:Boroughs
|
Falls Creek, Pennsylvania Falls Creek is a borough located in both Jefferson and Clearfield Counties in Pennsylvania in the United States. The population was 983 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Falls Creek is located at .... Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Punxsutawney is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States, northeast of Pittsburgh. In 1907, Punxsutawney and Claysville boroughs were consolidated and incorporated as Greater Punxsutawney. A high-grade soft coal was mined in the surrounding region... Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania Reynoldsville is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, northeast of Pittsburgh, in a productive soft coal region. In the past, it had silk mills, brick and tile works, a tannery, a macaroni factory, and an asbestos plant to provide employment. In 1900, the population stood at 3,435 people;... Summerville, Pennsylvania Summerville is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 525 at the 2000 census. It was named after Summers Baldwin, first settler in the area... |
Sykesville, Pennsylvania Sykesville is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,246 at the 2000 census.Sykesville is the birthplace of Olga Madar , first woman to be a vice-president in the United Auto Workers and founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women in... Timblin, Pennsylvania Timblin is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 151 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Timblin is located at .... Worthville, Pennsylvania Worthville is a borough in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 85 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Worthville is located at .... |
Townships
|
Knox Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Knox Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 1,056.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.... Oliver Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Oliver Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,129 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 30.4 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there... Perry Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Perry Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,289 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 Creek Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Pine Creek Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,369 at the 2000 census.-Geography:... Polk Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Polk Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 294 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 30.7 square miles , of which, 30.7 square miles of it is land and... Porter Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Porter Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 282 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 17.7 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there... |
Snyder Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Snyder Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,432 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 41.8 square miles , of which, 41.7 square miles of it is land and... Union Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Union Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 816 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 17.8 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there... Washington Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Washington Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,931 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 47.8 square miles , of which, 47.5 square miles of it is land and... Young Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Young Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,800 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 15.5 square miles , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there... |
Unincorporated community
- Sprankle Mills
Colleges and universities
- 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...
- Clarion University of PennsylvaniaClarion University of PennsylvaniaClarion University of Pennsylvania, located on a campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania, is one of fourteen universities of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education ....
Public School Districts
- Brockway Area School DistrictBrockway Area School DistrictThe Brockway Area School District serves over 1,100 students and spans portions of two counties. In Elk County, Pennsylvania it covers a small portion of Horton Township. In Jefferson County, Pennsylvania it covers the Borough of Brockway and Polk Township, Snyder Township and Washington...
- Brookville Area School DistrictBrookville Area School DistrictThe Brookville Area School District covers the Boroughs of Brookville and Summerville and Barnett Township, Beaver Township, Clover Township, Eldred Township, Heath Township, Knox Township, Pine Creek Township, Rose Township and Warsaw Township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania...
- Clarion-Limestone Area School DistrictClarion-Limestone Area School DistrictThe Clarion-Limestone Area School District is a small, rural, public school district which spans portions of two counties in Clarion County. it covers the Borough of Strattanville and Clarion Township, Limestone Township and Millcreek Township. In Jefferson County it covers the Borough of Corsica...
- DuBois Area School DistrictDuBois Area School DistrictThe Dubois Area School District spans portions of two counties. It encompasses an area of approximately with a population of 32,241 In Clearfield County it covers the City of DuBois, the Boroughs of Falls Creek and Troutville and Bloom Township, Brady Township, Huston Township, Sandy Township and...
- 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...
Recreation
Two Pennsylvania state parks are in the county.- Clear Creek State ParkClear Creek State ParkClear Creek State Park is a Pennsylvania state park in Barnett and Heath Townships, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Public campsites were first opened at the park in 1922. Many of the facilities seen today at the park were constructed during the Great Depression by the...
is in BarnettBarnett Township, Jefferson County, PennsylvaniaBarnett Township is a township in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 272 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
and Heath Townships. - Cook Forest State ParkCook Forest State ParkCook Forest State Park is a Pennsylvania state park in Farmington Township, Clarion County, Barnett Township, Forest County and Barnett Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is a heavily wooded area of rolling hills and mountains along the Clarion River in...
is in Barnett Township and stretches into neighboring ClarionClarion County, PennsylvaniaAs of the census of 2000, there were 41,765 people, 16,052 households, and 10,738 families residing in the county. The population density was 69 people per square mile . There were 19,426 housing units at an average density of 32 per square mile...
and Forest CountiesForest County, PennsylvaniaForest County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population is 7,716. Forest County is famous as a rural retreat. Nearly 75% of all dwellings in the county are second or vacation homes . Forest County does not have a single traffic light, the only county in the...
See also
- List of municipal authorities in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, PennsylvaniaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, PennsylvaniaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States...
- Oil Creek Library DistrictOil Creek Library DistrictThe Oil Creek Library District is an administrative unit designated by the Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries and charged with facilitating and enhancing public library service in Clarion, Venango, and Jefferson Counties. The District's offices are currently located at the Oil City...