Union County, Pennsylvania

Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 44,947.[1] Its county seat is Lewisburg.[2] The county was created on March 22, 1813, from part of Northumberland County. Its name is an allusion to the federal Union.

Union County
U.S. county
Old Union County Courthouse in New Berlin
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°58′N 77°04′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedMarch 22, 1813
SeatLewisburg
Largest boroughLewisburg
Area
 • Total318 sq mi (820 km2)
 • Land316 sq mi (820 km2)
 • Water1.8 sq mi (5 km2)  0.6%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
44,785
 • Density142/sq mi (55/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district12th
Websitewww.unionco.org

Union County comprises the Lewisburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 318 square miles (820 km2), of which 316 square miles (820 km2) is land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2) (0.6%) is water.[3] It is the fourth-smallest county in Pennsylvania by area. Union has a humid continental climate (Dfa/Dfb) and average temperatures in Lewisburg range from 27.2 °F in January to 72.7 °F in July, while in Hartleton they range from 26.4 °F in January to 72.1 °F in July.

Adjacent counties

State protected areas

Major highways

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
182018,619—
183020,79511.7%
184022,7879.6%
185026,08314.5%
186014,145−45.8%
187015,56510.0%
188016,9058.6%
189017,8205.4%
190017,592−1.3%
191016,249−7.6%
192015,850−2.5%
193017,46810.2%
194020,24715.9%
195023,15014.3%
196025,64610.8%
197028,60311.5%
198032,87014.9%
199036,17610.1%
200041,62415.1%
201044,9478.0%
Est. 201844,785[4]−0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
1790–1960[6] 1900–1990[7]
1990–2000[8] 2010–2017[1]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 41,624 people, 13,178 households, and 9,211 families residing in the county. The population density was 131 people per square mile (51/km²). There were 14,684 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile (18/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.08% White, 6.91% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. 3.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 41.2% were of German, 13.9% American, 6.5% Irish, 5.9% English and 5.3% Italian ancestry. 90.4% spoke English, 3.7% Spanish, 2.0% Pennsylvania Dutch and 1.2% German as their first language.

There were 13,178 households out of which 31.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.90% were married couples living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out with 20.10% under the age of 18, 13.90% from 18 to 24, 30.90% from 25 to 44, 21.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 123.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.50 males.

Union County's live birth rate was 414 births in 1990. Union County's live birth rate in 2000 declined to 395 births, while in 2011 it was 396 live births of babies.[10] Over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), rural Pennsylvania saw a steady decline in both the number and proportion of residents under 18 years old.

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 Union County was 13.4% in 2014.[11] The statewide poverty rate was 13.6% in 2014. The 2012 childhood poverty rate by public school district was: Mifflinburg Area School District – 40.1% living at 185% or less than the Federal Poverty Level, Lewisburg Area School District – 22.4%, Milton Area School District – 51.9% and Warrior Run School District – 32.2%.[12]

According to the US Census Bureau, from 2009 to 2014 Union County saw a 68% increase in the number of families in the federal food assistance program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).[13] The number of people or families receiving monthly SNAP dollars rose from 977 in 2009 to 1,641 people in 2014.[14]

Teen pregnancy rate

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports the annual birth rate by teens aged 15–19. From 2011 to 2015, Union County experienced a 9% decline in teen pregnancies.[15] In Pennsylvania, the majority of pupils graduate from high school at age 18. Union County is home to a large Amish population where pregnancies at age 17–19 are common.

  • 2015 – 196
  • 2014 – 194
  • 2013 – 203
  • 2012 – 207
  • 2011 – 216

Micropolitan Statistical Area
Map of the Bloomsburg–Berwick–Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), composed of the following parts:
  Bloomsburg–Berwick, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
  Sunbury, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA)
  Lewisburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA)
  Selinsgrove, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA)

The United States Office of Management and Budget[16] has designated Union County as the Lewisburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA). As of the 2010 census[17] the micropolitan area ranked 12th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 263rd most populous in the United States with a population of 44,947. Union County is also a part of the Bloomsburg–Berwick–Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the populations of Union County, as well as Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder Counties in Pennsylvania. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 8th in the State of Pennsylvania and 115th most populous in the United States with a population of 264,739.

Government

County Commissioners
  • Preston Boop (R)
  • Jeff Reber (R)
  • Stacy Richards (D)

Budget

Union County levies several taxes and receives funding from both the state and federal government. The County is mandated by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide many social services to residents.[18][19]

In 2015, the Union Commissioners approved a $20 million budget which did not require raising property taxes.[20] In 2016, Union County Commissioners set their annual budget at 20.6 million. To cover the costs they raised county property taxes by 0.25 mills. This was the first increase of property taxes in eight years.[21]

State government

Federal level

2016 Election

Former Lewisburg Mayor, Mike Molesevich, unsuccessfully ran for US Congress in PA's 10th Congressional District against incumbent Tom Marino.[22][23] Molesevich attributed his loss to advantages the incumbent has and redistricting issues.[24]

Politics
Presidential elections results
Presidential election results[25]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 60.0% 10,622 34.9% 6,180 5.1% 894
2012 60.6% 9,896 37.4% 6,109 2.0% 332
2008 56.4% 9,859 42.0% 7,333 1.6% 283
2004 64.1% 10,334 35.4% 5,700 0.6% 89
2000 64.7% 8,523 32.0% 4,209 3.4% 443
1996 56.0% 6,570 31.2% 3,658 12.8% 1,496
1992 51.9% 6,362 29.5% 3,623 18.6% 2,280
1988 71.1% 7,912 28.4% 3,163 0.6% 61
1984 73.7% 7,792 26.0% 2,747 0.4% 40
1980 66.3% 6,798 26.2% 2,687 7.5% 771
1976 63.7% 6,309 34.4% 3,405 1.9% 188
1972 73.6% 6,905 24.3% 2,278 2.2% 202
1968 69.7% 6,422 23.6% 2,178 6.7% 615
1964 53.7% 4,944 46.3% 4,262 0.1% 10
1960 78.8% 7,466 21.0% 1,993 0.1% 13
1956 78.1% 6,620 21.8% 1,844 0.2% 14
1952 80.2% 6,558 19.7% 1,610 0.2% 13
1948 76.8% 5,058 21.9% 1,442 1.3% 87
1944 76.2% 5,585 23.3% 1,704 0.6% 41
1940 71.4% 5,612 28.3% 2,220 0.3% 25
1936 65.0% 5,589 34.3% 2,946 0.8% 67
1932 61.6% 3,534 34.0% 1,948 4.4% 252
1928 87.5% 5,708 11.7% 765 0.8% 54
1924 71.6% 3,707 23.4% 1,209 5.1% 262
1920 71.4% 3,305 25.0% 1,155 3.7% 170
1916 58.1% 1,902 38.8% 1,272 3.1% 102
1912 13.6% 470 32.5% 1,126 53.9% 1,869
1908 66.9% 2,547 30.3% 1,154 2.8% 107
1904 69.3% 2,548 28.1% 1,034 2.6% 97
1900 65.8% 2,810 31.8% 1,359 2.3% 100
1896 65.6% 2,585 30.1% 1,186 4.3% 168
1892 58.0% 2,308 39.4% 1,569 2.5% 101
1888 59.9% 2,448 38.7% 1,582 1.5% 60

In presidential elections, Union County has voted for Democratic candidates less than almost any county in the nation. Andrew Jackson was the last Democratic Party candidate to win the county, in 1828. The county has been solidly Republican in Presidential elections since John C. Frémont's win against James Buchanan in 1856. The only exception was William Howard Taft's loss to Theodore Roosevelt of the Bull Moose (Progressive) Party – which had splintered from the Republican Party – in 1912.[26] The county has also voted for Republican Senators,[27] State Treasurers,[28] and State Auditors[29] for decades. Robert P. Casey is the only Democratic gubernatorial candidate to win the county in the last fifty years.[30]

Education
Map of Union County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Early child education

According to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's June 2007 report, Union County is rated low to moderate risk level for children who are "at risk" and therefore might benefit from more taxpayer funded services. Union County was rated 1.86 ARL, in the lowest 25% of counties for average risk level.[31] Lewisburg Area School District operates a preschool limited to high needs children. The district receives a state grant to fund the program.

Head Start preschool programs

Head Start is a federally and state funded preschool program for low income children. The program serves 3- and 4-year-olds. In order to participate a family's income must be below federal poverty guidelines.

  • Early Head Start Family Center[32]

Charter school

Efforts to establish a science focused, public charter school in the borough of New Berlin were rejected by Mifflinburg Area School Board, Lewisburg Area School District, Selinsgrove Area School Board and Midd-West School Board.[33][34]

Public school districts

Vocational school

Higher education

Private schools
  • Beaver Run School - Lewisburg
  • Bridgeville Parochial School - Mifflinburg
  • Buffalo Creek Parochial School - Mifflinburg
  • Calvary Holiness Academy - Millmont
  • Camp Mount Luther - Mifflinburg
  • County Line Amish School - Winfield
  • East End Parochial School - Lewisburg
  • Green Grove School - Mifflinburg
  • Hartleton Mennonite School - Millmont
  • Hillside Christian Academy - Mifflinburg
  • Kumon Math and Learning of Lewisburg
  • Limestone Valley Parochial School - Mifflinburg
  • Morningstar Mennonite School - Mifflinburg
  • Mountain Laurel School
  • Mountain View Parochial School
  • Norbrld Area Head Start Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16
  • Ridge View Parochial School
  • Shady Grove Christian School
  • Snyder Union Mifflin Child Development - Mifflinburg
  • Sunnyside School - Millmont
  • Union Co ARC Child Development Center - Lewisburg
  • Union Co CC and Learning Center - Lewisburg
  • White Springs School - Mifflinburg

Child abuse case reports

In 2014, 238 child abuse reports were made to the Union Children and Youth Agency. In 2015, reported cases increased to 309, a 30% increase in reports over 2014.[35] The increase in cases was attributed to a new state law specifying more professions as mandated reporters, including teachers, college professors, coaches, advisors of youth organizations and public school employees.[36]

Communities
Map of Union County, Pennsylvania with municipal labels showing boroughs (red), townships (white), and census-designated places (blue)

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

Boroughs

Townships

Census-designated places

Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here as well.

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Union County.[17]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2010 Census)
1 † Lewisburg Borough 5,792
2 Mifflinburg Borough 3,540
3 Linntown CDP 1,489
4 New Columbia CDP 1,013
T-5 West Milton CDP 900
T-5 Winfield CDP 900
6 New Berlin Borough 873
7 Allenwood CDP 321
8 Hartleton Borough 283
9 Vicksburg CDP 261
10 Laurelton CDP 221

Recycling

A basic program for recycling is available throughout the county including once-monthly curbside pick up and drop off facilities that are open for a couple hours a week. Aluminum, glass, newspaper, #1 and #2 plastics, and magazines are all accepted at most sites. Strict separation and cleaning of materials are required. Household hazardous waste, including fluorescent bulbs, is not recyclable in the county.

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See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 10, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  4. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  5. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  6. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  7. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  8. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  9. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  10. Pennsylvania Department of Health, Birth Age County Reports 1990 and 2011, 2011
  11. US Census Bureau (2015). "Poverty Rates by County". Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates.
  12. Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (2012). "Student Poverty Concentration 2012". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-11.
  13. Emma Ginader "Union Shows Highest spike in food need," The Daily Item, February 17, 2016
  14. US Census Bureau, 2014 Community Survey, 2015
  15. Rick Dandes, "Fewer Kids Having Kids," The Daily Item, March 13, 2016
  16. "Office of Management and Budget". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  17. Promotions, Center for New Media and. "US Census Bureau 2010 Census". www.census.gov. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  18. Governor’s Center for Local Government Services (2003). "Citizen's Guide to Pennsylvania Local Government".
  19. Governor's Center for Local Government Services, Citizen's Guide to Pennsylvania Local Government, June 2003
  20. Matt Catrillo (December 31, 2015). "Union County passes budget with no tax increase". WKOK1070AM.
  21. Jennifer Wakeman (December 20, 2016). "Property taxes going up in Union County". WKOK.com 1070 AM.
  22. "Home". Mike for Congress. Retrieved 2016-07-07.
  23. Ali Stevens (November 9, 2016). "Tom Marino defeats Mike Molesevich". WKOK.com 1070AM.
  24. Mark Lawrence, On The Mark interview with Molesevich, December 15, 2016
  25. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  26. "Presidential Elections". staffweb.wilkes.edu. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  27. "David Leip's Atlas". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  28. "David Leip's Atlas". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  29. "David Leip's Atlas". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  30. "David Leip's Atlas". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  31. "Early Child Education Program Reach Analysis". Out Reach Science. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  32. Snyder, Union, Mifflin Child Development Report. Feb 2010
  33. Evamaries Socha (February 29, 2012). "Board rejects charter proposal". The Daily Item.
  34. Matt Farrand (November 9, 2012). "Charter application rejected". Standard Journal.
  35. John Zaklansky, Increase in referrals, abuse cases. The Daily Item, April 10, 2016
  36. John Zaklansky, Child Abuse Awareness takes on new meaning. The Daily Item, April 10, 2016

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