Centre County, Pennsylvania

Centre County, Pennsylvania is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, with its county seat in Bellefonte and largest city being State College, home to Pennsylvania State University. The county is part of the State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area and is surrounded by Clinton County, Pennsylvania to the north, Union County, Pennsylvania to the east, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania to the southeast, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania to the southwest, and Blair County, Pennsylvania to the west. Centre County is also near Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. The county is drained by Bald Eagle Creek, Spring Creek, and Juniata River, which are tributaries of the Susquehanna River.

Geography

Centre County is situated in the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians and has a total area of 1,113 square miles, with 1,100 square miles being land and 13 square miles being water. The county is home to Whipple Dam State Park, Black Moshannon State Park, and Rothrock State Forest, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. The Allegheny Front and Bald Eagle Mountain are notable geographic features in the county, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. Route 220 pass through the county. Nearby cities include Altoona, Pennsylvania, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the county is close to Raystown Lake and Seven Mountains.

History

Centre County was formed on February 13, 1800, from parts of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. The county was named for its central location in the state, and its history is closely tied to the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. The county seat, Bellefonte, was founded in 1795 and was an important stop on the Bellefonte and Snow Shoe Railroad. The county is also home to the Pennsylvania State University Berkey Creamery, which was established in 1865, and the Centre County Courthouse, which was built in 1805. Nearby historic sites include Fort Ligonier, Bushy Run Battlefield, and Fort Necessity National Battlefield.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Centre County was approximately 158,000 people, with a population density of 144 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of Pennsylvania State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as residents who work in the healthcare, technology, and manufacturing industries. The county is also home to a number of Amish communities, particularly in the Penns Valley area. Nearby cities with significant populations include Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the county is close to the New York City and Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan areas.

Government

Centre County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is composed of three members who are elected by the voters of the county. The county is also served by a number of other elected officials, including a district attorney, treasurer, and prothonotary. The county is part of the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and is represented in the Pennsylvania State Senate by the 34th Senatorial District and in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by the 76th, 77th, and 81st Legislative Districts. Nearby government institutions include the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the county is close to the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C..

Economy

The economy of Centre County is diverse and includes a mix of industries such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and education. The county is home to a number of major employers, including Pennsylvania State University, Mount Nittany Medical Center, and State College Area School District. The county is also a major tourist destination, with attractions such as Penn State University, Bryce Jordan Center, and Beaver Stadium drawing visitors from across the state and country. Nearby economic hubs include Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York City, and the county is close to the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation.

Education

Centre County is served by a number of school districts, including the State College Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District, and Penns Valley Area School District. The county is also home to Pennsylvania State University, which is one of the largest universities in the state and a major research institution. Other institutions of higher education in the county include South Hills School of Business & Technology and Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology. Nearby educational institutions include University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Drexel University, and the county is close to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and the New York Public Library in New York City. Category:Centre County, Pennsylvania