Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
County	Susquehanna County
State	Pennsylvania
Founded	October 13, 1810
Seat	Montrose
Largest town	Forest City
Area total sq mi	832
Area land sq mi	823
Area water sq mi	8.7
Population as of	2020
Population total	38,434
Population density sq mi	46.7
Time zone	Eastern
District	9th
Named for	Susquehanna River

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Located in the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, it is a rural county known for its scenic landscapes, agricultural heritage, and significant natural gas reserves. Established from part of Luzerne County, its county seat is Montrose, a historic community with a distinctive New England-influenced town square. The county's economy has historically been shaped by dairy farming, lumber production, and more recently, the Marcellus Shale energy industry.

History

The region was originally inhabited by the Lenape and Susquehannock peoples before European settlement. Following the American Revolutionary War, the area was part of the Connecticut Claim within the larger Pennamite–Yankee War dispute, attracting settlers from New England and giving towns like Montrose a distinctive character. The county was officially created on October 13, 1810, and named for the Susquehanna River, which forms its western border. The 19th century saw growth through agriculture and industries like tanneries, glassmaking, and railroad development, including lines built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The Great Blizzard of 1888 severely impacted the region, and the county later experienced economic shifts with the decline of anthracite mining in adjacent areas.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 832 square miles, making it one of Pennsylvania's largest counties by area. It lies within the Allegheny Plateau and is characterized by the rolling hills and valleys of the Endless Mountains. Major waterways include the Susquehanna River along its western edge, the Starrucca Creek, and the Tunkhannock Creek. Notable natural features include the Salt Springs State Park and the Merli-Sarnoski Park, with parts of the county lying within the Delaware State Forest. The climate is classified as humid continental, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 38,434, representing a slight decline from previous decades. The population density is approximately 47 people per square mile. The racial makeup is predominantly non-Hispanic White, with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Asian residents. A significant portion of the population claims English, German, Irish, or Italian ancestry. The median household income is below the state average, and a notable percentage of residents live in rural, unincorporated areas.

Economy

Traditionally, the economy has been dominated by dairy farming and agriculture, with the county being a notable producer within the state. Timber and wood product manufacturing also played historical roles. In the 21st century, the discovery and extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation has become a major, though sometimes controversial, economic driver, involving companies like Cabot Oil & Gas. Other sectors include light manufacturing, retail trade, and tourism, with attractions centered on outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. The Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center supports vocational training for local industries.

Government and politics

Susquehanna County operates under a commissioner form of government, with three elected commissioners. The county is part of the 9th Congressional District, represented by Congressman Dan Meuser, and is located in the 20th Pennsylvania Senate District and the 110th House District. It has historically been a Republican-leaning county in federal and state elections, voting for candidates like Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. The county courthouse and administrative offices are located in Montrose.

Communities

Under Pennsylvania law, municipalities are classified as boroughs, townships, or unincorporated communities. The county seat is the Borough of Montrose. The most populous municipality is Forest City, though it is not the largest by area. Other notable boroughs include Susquehanna Depot, Hallstead, and New Milford. There are numerous townships, including Great Bend, Harford, and Springville. Unincorporated places and census-designated places include Kingsley, Thompson, and Friendsville.

Category:Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania Category:1810 establishments in Pennsylvania Category:Counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania