Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania

Susquehanna County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,356.[1] Its county seat is Montrose.[2] The county was created on February 21, 1810, from part of Luzerne County[3] and later organized in 1812.[4] It is named for the Susquehanna River.

Susquehanna County
U.S. county
The Susquehanna County courthouse in Montrose
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°49′N 75°48′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedOctober 13, 1812
Named forSusquehanna River
SeatMontrose
Largest boroughForest City
Area
 • Total832 sq mi (2,150 km2)
 • Land823 sq mi (2,130 km2)
 • Water8.7 sq mi (23 km2)  1.0%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
40,589
 • Density51/sq mi (20/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district12th
Websitewww.susqco.com

History

Settlement and conflict

The first settlers began to move into the area from Philadelphia and Connecticut in the mid-1700s. At the time, the area was part of Luzerne County. As more and more people from Connecticut moved in, there began to be some conflict. Under Connecticut's land grant, they owned everything from present-day Connecticut to the Pacific Ocean. This meant their land grant overlapped with Pennsylvania's land grant. Soon fighting began. In the end, the government of Connecticut was asked to surrender its claim on the area, which it did.

Formation

In 1810, Susquehanna County was formed out of Luzerne County and later in 1812, Montrose was made the county seat.

Coal and early prosperity

After the Civil War, coal started to be mined. Following this, railways and roads were built into the county allowing for more people to come. At one point the county had nearly 50,000 people. Coal became, as with neighboring counties, the backbone of the economy. This boom in coal would allow for an age of prosperity in the county.

Great Depression

When the Great Depression hit, the coal industry suffered horribly. Within months, the coal industry was struggling. During World War II, the coal industry picked up again, but only for a short time. Soon after, the economy in the county failed. Many mines were closed, railways were torn apart, and the economy took a turn for the worse. Unemployment rose and population decline increased.

Geography
Milk Can Corners in Hallstead

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 832 square miles (2,150 km2), of which 823 square miles (2,130 km2) is land and 8.7 square miles (23 km2) (1.0%) is water.[5]

Susquehanna County is very mountainous, with large concentrations of mountains in the east and smaller, more hill-like mountains in the west. The highest mountain in the county is North Knob just west of Union Dale. Most people live in one of the several long and mostly narrow valleys. These valleys are good farming land.

The county has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in Montrose range from 21.2 °F in January to 67.7 °F in July.[6]

Adjacent counties

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18209,960—
183016,78768.5%
184021,19526.3%
185028,68835.4%
186036,26726.4%
187037,5233.5%
188040,3547.5%
189040,093−0.6%
190040,043−0.1%
191037,746−5.7%
192034,763−7.9%
193033,806−2.8%
194033,8930.3%
195031,970−5.7%
196033,1373.7%
197034,3443.6%
198037,87610.3%
199040,3806.6%
200042,2384.6%
201043,3562.6%
Est. 201840,589[7]−6.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2017[1]
Susquehanna Depot Main Street

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 42,238 people, 16,529 households, and 11,785 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile (20/km²). There were 21,829 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.54% White, 0.30% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. 0.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 26% were of English, 16.1% were of German, 15.1% Irish, 8.6% Italian and 7.7% Polish ancestry.

There were 16,529 households out of which 31.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 8.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.99.

Birth rate

In the county, the population was spread out with 25.50% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 27.10% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.80 males. Susquehanna County's live birth rate was 612 births in 1990. The County's live birth rate in 2000 was 499 births, while in 2011 it had declined to 374 babies.[13]

Teen Pregnancy rate

Susquehanna County had a 318 babies born to teens (age 15–19) in 2011. In 2015, the number of teen births in Susquehanna County was 265.[14]

County poverty demographics

According to research by The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, which is a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the poverty rate for Susquehanna County was 12.8% in 2014.[15] The statewide poverty rate was 13.6% in 2014. The 2012 childhood poverty rate by school district was: Blue Ridge School District - 42.9% living at 185% or below than the Federal Poverty Level; Montrose Area School District - 32%; Elk Lake School District - 45.3%; Forest City Regional School District - 53.7%; Mountain View School District - 48.8% and Susquehanna Community School District - 55.8%.[16]

Politics
Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 67.7% 12,891 26.9% 5,123 5.4% 1,029
2012 59.6% 10,800 38.3% 6,935 2.1% 381
2008 54.8% 10,633 43.2% 8,381 2.1% 401
2004 60.8% 11,573 38.6% 7,351 0.6% 116
2000 59.2% 10,226 37.5% 6,481 3.3% 564
1996 47.0% 7,354 37.8% 5,912 15.2% 2,370
1992 44.0% 7,356 32.1% 5,368 23.9% 3,985
1988 64.6% 9,077 34.7% 4,871 0.8% 108
1984 70.0% 10,566 29.6% 4,471 0.4% 67
1980 61.2% 8,994 31.7% 4,660 7.1% 1,035
1976 56.7% 8,331 41.4% 6,075 1.9% 276
1972 67.8% 9,476 29.7% 4,154 2.5% 349
1968 62.0% 8,705 31.1% 4,364 6.9% 963
1964 45.6% 6,567 54.4% 7,838 0.1% 12
1960 63.9% 10,201 36.1% 5,760 0.1% 9
1956 71.4% 10,752 28.5% 4,293 0.1% 10
1952 74.0% 10,529 25.7% 3,653 0.4% 52
1948 67.8% 7,945 30.9% 3,621 1.3% 150
1944 67.4% 8,819 32.2% 4,212 0.4% 49
1940 63.7% 9,520 36.0% 5,383 0.3% 39
1936 58.9% 9,745 39.4% 6,520 1.6% 269
1932 56.0% 6,884 42.1% 5,171 2.0% 240
1928 68.1% 9,445 31.4% 4,353 0.5% 63
1924 67.4% 7,266 20.5% 2,208 12.2% 1,310
1920 66.4% 6,572 29.4% 2,905 4.2% 419
1916 53.1% 3,891 42.9% 3,145 4.0% 294
1912 26.9% 1,988 35.0% 2,588 38.2% 2,822[18]
1908 57.3% 4,999 37.0% 3,230 5.7% 496
1904 61.2% 4,988 31.6% 2,573 7.2% 589
1900 55.2% 5,019 38.8% 3,527 5.9% 539
1896 56.7% 5,310 38.7% 3,618 4.6% 432
1892 53.1% 4,531 39.7% 3,383 7.2% 613
1888 55.3% 5,019 36.7% 3,328 8.0% 729

As of November 3, 2015, there were 24,854 registered voters in Susquehanna County.

County Commissioners
  • MaryAnn Warren, Democrat (January 2004 to present)
  • Alan M. Hall, Chair, Republican (January 2012 to present)
  • Elizabeth M. Arnold, Vice-Chair, Republican (January 2016)

[19]

Row Offices
  • Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary, Jan Krupinski, Republican
  • Coroner, Tony Conarton, Republican
  • District Attorney, Marion O'Malley, Republican [20]
  • Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills, Michelle Estabrook, Republican
  • Sheriff, Lance Benedict, Republican
  • Treasurer, Jason Miller, Republican
  • Auditor, George Starzec, Republican
  • Auditor, Susan Jennings, Democrat

State Representatives[21]
  • Tina Pickett, Republican (110th district) - Apolacon, Auburn, Dimock, Forest Lake, Jessup, Middletown, and Rush Townships, and Little Meadows Borough
  • Jonathan Fritz, Republican (111th district) - Ararat, Bridgewater, Brooklyn, Choconut, Clifford, Franklin, Gibson, Great Bend, Harford, Harmony, Herrick, Jackson, Lathrop, Lenox, Liberty, New Milford, Oakland, Silver Lake, Springville, and Thompson Townships, and Friendsville, Great Bend, Hallstead, Hop Bottom, Lanesboro, Montrose, New Milford, Oakland, Susquehanna Depot, Thompson, and Union Dale Boroughs

State Senators[21]
  • Lisa Baker, Republican (20th district) - Ararat, Auburn, Brooklyn, Clifford, Gibson, Great Bend, Harford, Harmony, Herrick, Jackson, Lathrop, Lenox, New Milford, Oakland, Springville, and Thompson Townships, and Forest City, Great Bend, Hallstead, Hop Bottom, Lanesboro, New Milford, Oakland, Susquehanna Depot, Thompson, and Union Dale Boroughs
  • Gene Yaw, Republican (23rd district) - Apolacon, Bridgewater, Choconut, Dimock, Forest Lake, Franklin, Jessup, Liberty, Middletown, Rush and Silver Lake Townships, and Friendsville, Little Meadows, and Montrose Boroughs

U.S. Representative

United States Senate

Economy

The economy in the county is mainly made up of retail, health care industry, public school employment, small businesses, and government officials.[22]

Major employers
2018

Listed in order of number of employees at the end of 2018, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry May 2019 monthly report:[23]

  • Montrose Area School District
  • Barnes-Kasson County Hospital
  • Pennsylvania State Government
  • Endless Mountains Health Systems
  • Susquehanna County government
  • Mountain View School District
  • Elk Lake School District
  • Gassearch Drilling Services Corp
  • Blue Ridge School District
  • Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
2015[24]
  • Barnes-Kasson County Hospital
  • Montrose Area School District
  • Endless Mountains Health Systems
  • C & G Construction Inc
  • Elk Lake School District
  • Susquehanna County government
  • Mountain View School District
  • Pennsylvania State Government
  • Gassearch Drilling Services Corp
  • Blue Ridge School District
2014[25]
  • Montrose Area School District
  • Barnes-Kasson County Hospital
  • Gassearch Drilling Services Corp
  • Endless Mountains Health Systems
  • Elk Lake School District
  • Blue Ridge School District
  • Susquehanna County government
  • Mountain View School District
  • Elk Mountain Ski Resort INC
  • Forest City Regional School District

Natural gas

Since unconventional drilling for natural gas began in 2008, some say the economy has improved. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Susquehanna County was 6.1 percent in January 2008. It has since fluctuated between a high of 11.1 percent and a low of 3.1 percent. As of January 2018, the unemployment rate was 5.7 percent.[26] After decades of population growth since the 1950s, the population in Susquehanna County has since begun to decline, concurrent with the expansion of natural gas drilling and accompanying infrastructure. Between 2010 and 2016, there was an estimated population decline of 5.8 percent. As of 2011, there were 1,079 active natural gas wells in the county which had collectively been issued 795 notices of violations by the Department of Environmental Protection of Pennsylvania.[27]

Tourism

Susquehanna County's natural environment, skiing, and small villages make it a growing tourist destination.

Education
Map of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, school districts

Public libraries
  • Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association
  • Pratt Memorial Library
  • Forest City Library
  • Hallstead Public Library
  • Hallstead-Great Bend Library
  • Susquehanna Free Library

Public school districts

Vocational schools
  • Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center (Dimock Township)

Intermediate unit
  • Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18

Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 (NEIU 19)

Private schools
  • Faith Mountain Christian Academy (New Milford)

Transportation

Major Highways

Rail

Susquehanna County's last mainline passenger train services, through New Milford and Hallstead, ended in January 1970. Since then, freight trains (presently Norfolk Southern) use the railroad line.

Air

Although Susquehanna County boasts several airstrips, they are strictly recreational. The closest main airports are in Binghamton, New York and Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Recreation

There is one Pennsylvania state park in Susquehanna County:

Susquehanna County is located in the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Susquehanna County is rural in nature. In 2010, it ranked 54th out of 67 Pennsylvania counties for population density per square mile at 52.7 people per square mile.[28]

Communities
Map of Susquehanna County with municipalities labeled

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in two cases at most, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in Susquehanna County:

Boroughs

Townships

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Susquehanna County.[29]

† county seat

RankBorough/TownshipMunicipal typePopulation (2010 Census)
1 BridgewaterTownship 2,844
2 CliffordTownship 2,408
3 New MilfordTownship 2,042
4 Great BendTownship 1,949
5 AuburnTownship 1,939
6 LenoxTownship 1,934
7 Forest CityBorough 1,911
8 Silver LakeTownship 1,716
9 Susquehanna DepotBorough 1,643
10 SpringvilleTownship 1,641
11 † MontroseBorough 1,617
12 DimockTownship 1,497
13 HarfordTownship 1,430
14 HallsteadBorough 1,303
15 LibertyTownship 1,292
16 RushTownship 1,267
17 GibsonTownship 1,221
18 Forest LakeTownship 1,193
19 BrooklynTownship 963
20 FranklinTownship 937
21 New MilfordBorough 868
22 JacksonTownship 848
23 LathropTownship 841
24 Great BendBorough 734
25 ChoconutTownship 713
26 HerrickTownship 713
27 OaklandBorough 616
28 OaklandTownship 564
29 AraratTownship 563
30 JessupTownship 536
31 HarmonyTownship 528
32 LanesboroBorough 506
33 ApolaconTownship 500
34 ThompsonTownship 410
35 MiddletownTownship 382
36 Hop BottomBorough 337
37 ThompsonBorough 299
38 Little MeadowsBorough 273
39 Union DaleBorough 267
40 FriendsvilleBorough 111
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See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. "Township Incorporations, 1790 to 1853". Susquehanna County Historical Society. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  4. "Pennsylvania: Individual County Chronologies". Pennsylvania Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2008. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  5. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  6. Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model
  7. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  8. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  9. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  10. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  11. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  13. Pennsylvania Department of Health, Birth Age County Reports 1990 and 2011, 2011
  14. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2016). "Pennsylvania Teen Births 2015".
  15. US Census Bureau (2015). "Poverty Rates by County Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates".
  16. Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (2012). "Student Poverty Concentration 2012".
  17. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  18. The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 2,498 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 298 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 25 votes, and Socialist Labor candidate Arthur Reimer received 1 vote.
  19. "County Commissioners". susqco.com. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  20. Bugda, Jayne Ann (2018-02-05). "Marion O'Malley Sworn in as Susquehanna County D.A." PAHOMEPAGE. Retrieved 2018-11-29.
  21. Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 2017-05-12.
  22. Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (2015). "Susquehanna County Profile".
  23. Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (May 2019). "Susquehanna County Profile" (PDF).
  24. Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (April 2016). "Susquehanna County Profile" (PDF).
  25. PA Department of Labor and Industries - Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, Susquehanna County Profile 2014, October 2015
  26. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018). "Unemployment Rate in Susquehanna County, PA".
  27. NPR State Impact (2018). "Shale Play Susquehanna County Natural Gas Wells Map showing active wells and violations".
  28. U.S. Census Bureau (2010). "Pennsylvania Population per square mile, 2010 by County".
  29. Promotions, Center for New Media and. "US Census Bureau 2010 Census". www.census.gov. Retrieved 3 April 2018.

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