Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Name	Middletown
Settlement type	Borough
Pushpin label	Middletown
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	U.S. state
Subdivision name1	Pennsylvania
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Dauphin
Established title	Settled
Established date	1752
Established title1	Incorporated (borough)
Established date1	1828
Government type	Borough Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	James H. Curry III
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	5.50
Area land km2	5.20
Area water km2	0.30
Area total sq mi	2.12
Area land sq mi	2.01
Area water sq mi	0.12
Population as of	2020
Population total	9592
Population density km2	1844.6
Population density sq mi	4772.1
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	40, 11, 47, N...
Elevation ft	358
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	17057
Area code	717 and 223
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	42-49048
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1213649
Website	https://www.middletownborough.com/

Contents

History
Geography
Demographics
Economy
Government and infrastructure
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● Culture and Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania|Middletown, Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania and

Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania is a historic borough situated along the Susquehanna River in south-central Pennsylvania. Strategically located at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and Swatara Creek, it has long been a vital transportation and industrial hub. The borough is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle metropolitan statistical area and is known for its deep roots in Pennsylvania Canal history and its proximity to major facilities like Three Mile Island and the Penn State Harrisburg campus.

History

The area was originally settled by John Harris and George Fisher in the early 18th century, with the town formally laid out in 1755. Its location made it a key point during the French and Indian War and a significant transportation center with the completion of the Union Canal and later the Pennsylvania Canal. The arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 19th century, including major yards and the iconic Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad, solidified its status. The borough was the site of the Middletown Air Depot, later renamed Olive D. M. Hodges Army Airfield, and played a role in the recovery from the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.1 square miles, with the Susquehanna River forming its western border and Swatara Creek entering from the north. It is located within Dauphin County, adjacent to Lower Swatara Township and across the river from Royalton in Lebanon County. The geography is characterized by riverfront lowlands and gently rising terrain, with Three Mile Island located just downstream in the river.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 9,592. The borough has seen demographic shifts tied to its industrial and military history, including the presence of the Middletown Air Depot and personnel from the adjacent Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg. The population is served by the Middletown Area School District, and the community includes a mix of residential neighborhoods and historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Economy

Historically dominated by transportation and heavy industry, including the massive shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the economy has diversified. Major employers include the Penn State Harrisburg campus, the United States Navy's Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, and various healthcare and service industries. The borough's riverfront and historic downtown areas support local commerce, and it remains a logistical center due to its access to Interstate 76, U.S. 322, and PA Route 230.

Government and infrastructure

Middletown operates under a borough council form of government with a mayor. It is part of Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district and the 17th Pennsylvania Senate District. Critical infrastructure includes the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad, public utilities managed by the borough, and proximity to major state facilities. The borough provides police and fire protection through the Middletown Police Department and volunteer fire companies, and is home to the Pennsylvania State Police's Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania|Middown, Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania and West Virginia|Pennsylvania

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● Culture and Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania|Middletown, Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania and

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