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Jefferson County, Pennsylvania

Coordinates: 41°08′N 79°00′W / 41.13°N 79.00°W / 41.13; -79.00
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For other places in Pennsylvania named Jefferson, see Jefferson, Pennsylvania.

Jefferson County
County
Jefferson County Courthouse
Jefferson County Courthouse
Flag of Jefferson County
Flag
Official seal of Jefferson County
Seal
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Jefferson County
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Map of the United States highlighting Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°08′N 79°00′W / 41.13°N 79°W / 41.13; -79
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedOctober 1, 1830
Named forThomas Jefferson
SeatBrookville
Largest boroughPunxsutawney
Area
 • Total657 sq mi (1,700 km2)
 • Land652 sq mi (1,690 km2)
 • Water4.4 sq mi (11 km2)  0.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total44,492 Decrease
 • Density68/sq mi (26/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district15th
Websitewww.jeffersoncountypa.com

Jefferson County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,492.[1] Its county seat is Brookville.[2] The county was established on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County and later organized in 1830.[3] It is named for President Thomas Jefferson.[4] It is home to Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog that predicts when spring will come every February 2 on Groundhog Day. The county is part of the North Central Pennsylvania region of the state.[a]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 657 square miles (1,700 km2), of which 652 square miles (1,690 km2) is land and 4.4 square miles (11 km2) (0.7%) is water.[5] It has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in Brookville range from 24.8 °F in January to 68.8 °F in July, while in Punxsutawney they range from 25.7 °F in January to 69.6 °F in July.[6] Jefferson County is one of the 423 counties served by the Appalachian Regional Commission,[7] and it is identified as part of the "Midlands" by Colin Woodard in his book American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America.[8]

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Streams

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There are many named streams flowing through Jefferson County, far too many to list here. An exhaustive list is presented in a separate article. All those streams eventually flow to the Allegheny River except for Bear Run, 1.36 square miles (3.5 km2), in the southeast which flows into the Susquehanna River. The principal streams and the area of their watersheds that lie within the county are:

  • Clarion River: 130.50 square miles (338.0 km2)
    • Little Toby Creek: 34.46 square miles (89.3 km2)
    • Clear Creek: 20.12 square miles (52.1 km2)
    • Cathers Run: 15.69 square miles (40.6 km2)
    • Mill Creek: 30.70 square miles (79.5 km2)
  • Redbank Creek: 375.52 square miles (972.6 km2)
    • North Fork Creek: 91.63 square miles (237.3 km2)
      • Clear Run: 9.79 square miles (25.4 km2)
      • Pekin Run: 10.12 square miles (26.2 km2)
    • Sandy Lick Creek: 143.98 square miles (372.9 km2)
      • Wolf Run: 18.19 square miles (47.1 km2)
      • Soldier Run: 11.09 square miles (28.7 km2)
      • Trout Run: 10.74 square miles (27.8 km2)
      • Mill Creek: 53.69 square miles (139.1 km2)
      • Fivemile Run: 17.55 square miles (45.5 km2)
      • Falls Creek: 11.39 square miles (29.5 km2)
    • Little Sandy Creek: 70.65 square miles (183.0 km2)
  • Mahoning Creek: 149.63 square miles (387.5 km2)
    • East Branch Mahoning Creek: 15.27 square miles (39.5 km2)
    • Stump Creek: 14.86 square miles (38.5 km2)
    • Big Run: 19.41 square miles (50.3 km2)
    • Canoe Creek: 11.57 square miles (30.0 km2)
    • Elk Run: 13.20 square miles (34.2 km2)
    • Pine Run: 18.88 square miles (48.9 km2)

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1810161—
1820561248.4%
18302,025261.0%
18407,253258.2%
185013,51886.4%
186018,27035.2%
187021,65618.5%
188027,93529.0%
189044,00557.5%
190059,11334.3%
191063,0906.7%
192062,104−1.6%
193052,114−16.1%
194054,0903.8%
195049,147−9.1%
196046,792−4.8%
197043,695−6.6%
198048,30310.5%
199046,083−4.6%
200045,932−0.3%
201045,200−1.6%
202044,492−1.6%
[9]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 45,932 people, 18,375 households, and 12,862 families residing in the county. The population density was 70 people per square mile (27 people/km2). There were 22,104 housing units at an average density of 34 units per square mile (13/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.97% White, 0.13% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 31.1% were of German, 13.4% Italian, 10.8% American, 9.2% Irish and 7.8% English ancestry.

There were 18,375 households, out of which 30.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 9.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 26.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.60% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.60 males.

2020 census

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Jefferson County Racial Composition[11]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 42,317 95.1%
Black or African American (NH) 125 0.3%
Native American (NH) 45 0.1%
Asian (NH) 100 0.2%
Pacific Islander (NH) 8 0.02%
Other/Mixed (NH) 1,500 3.4%
Hispanic or Latino 397 1%

Law and government

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Jefferson County is a very safe county for the Republican Party, which has won the vote of all but two presidential elections.

United States presidential election results for Jefferson County, Pennsylvania[12]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 17,964 78.54% 4,529 19.80% 379 1.66%
2016 15,192 77.53% 3,650 18.63% 753 3.84%
2012 13,048 71.78% 4,787 26.33% 343 1.89%
2008 12,057 63.75% 6,447 34.09% 408 2.16%
2004 13,371 68.36% 6,073 31.05% 116 0.59%
2000 11,473 65.24% 5,566 31.65% 547 3.11%
1996 8,156 49.56% 5,846 35.52% 2,455 14.92%
1992 7,271 41.05% 5,998 33.87% 4,442 25.08%
1988 9,743 60.48% 6,235 38.71% 131 0.81%
1984 11,334 65.31% 5,950 34.28% 71 0.41%
1980 9,628 57.38% 6,296 37.53% 854 5.09%
1976 9,437 55.09% 7,456 43.53% 237 1.38%
1972 11,631 68.92% 5,024 29.77% 221 1.31%
1968 10,214 55.67% 6,839 37.28% 1,294 7.05%
1964 8,373 43.47% 10,851 56.34% 37 0.19%
1960 13,845 63.82% 7,811 36.01% 38 0.18%
1956 13,051 66.26% 6,627 33.64% 19 0.10%
1952 11,833 64.61% 6,365 34.75% 116 0.63%
1948 9,395 61.43% 5,632 36.82% 268 1.75%
1944 10,970 62.52% 6,425 36.62% 152 0.87%
1940 12,081 58.40% 8,559 41.37% 47 0.23%
1936 11,943 51.24% 11,080 47.54% 283 1.21%
1932 8,246 52.48% 6,570 41.81% 897 5.71%
1928 13,233 74.63% 4,325 24.39% 173 0.98%
1924 10,673 64.88% 2,664 16.19% 3,113 18.92%
1920 7,970 66.69% 3,060 25.61% 920 7.70%
1916 4,332 51.74% 3,253 38.85% 788 9.41%
1912 1,608 18.65% 2,510 29.11% 4,504 52.24%
1908 5,652 60.17% 2,986 31.79% 755 8.04%
1904 5,860 69.09% 2,095 24.70% 527 6.21%
1900 5,950 62.38% 3,063 32.11% 525 5.50%
1896 5,500 57.18% 3,671 38.16% 448 4.66%
1892 4,100 50.41% 3,251 39.97% 782 9.62%
1888 4,090 53.48% 3,257 42.59% 301 3.94%

Voter Registration

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As of July 22, 2024, there are 27,731 registered voters in Jefferson County.[13]

Chart of Voter Registration

  Republican (67.86%)
  Democratic (20.94%)
  Independent (7.56%)
  Third Party (3.64%)

County commissioners

[edit]
  • Herbert L. Bullers Jr.(R)
  • Scott E. North(R)
  • Jeffrey E. Pisarcik(D)

State Senate

[edit]
  • Cris Dush, District 25
  • Joey Pittman, District 41


State House of Representatives

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United States House of Representatives

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United States Senate

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Education

[edit]
Map of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Colleges and universities

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Public school districts

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[edit]
  • Jefferson County-DuBois AVTS
  • Riverview Intermediate Unit #6

Private schools

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  • Allens Mills School - Reynoldsville
  • Bear Lane School - Punxsutawney
  • Blose Hill Amish School - Reynoldsville
  • Bucks Run - Reynoldsville
  • Canoe Ridge Amish School - Rossiter
  • Christ Dominion Academy
  • Colonial Drake - Punxsutawney
  • Eagles Nest Amish School - Brockway
  • Highland Park - Punxsutawney
  • Hillside School - Punxsutawney
  • Lone Maple School - Punxsutawney
  • Maple Grove School - Reynoldsville
  • Mountain View School - Punxsutawney
  • Munderf Amish School - Brockway
  • Oak Grove Parochial School - Smicksburg
  • Pine Valley Parochial School - Punxsutawney
  • Playhouse Children's Center - Punxsutawney
  • Praise Christian Academy - Reynoldsville
  • Punxsutawney Christian Sch - Ele Level - Punxsutawney
  • Spring Hollow Amish School - Reynoldsville
  • Spring Run School - Smickburg
  • Sts Cosmas & Damian School - Punxsutawney
  • Trout Run School - Punxsutawney
  • Valley View School - Punxsutawney
  • West Creek Road Amish School - Punxsutawney
  • Willow Drive School - Punxsutawney
  • Windy Hollow Amish School - Mayport

Libraries

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  • Jefferson County Library System - Brockway[15]
  • Mengle Memorial Library - Brockway[16]
  • Punxsutawney Memorial Library - Punxsutawney
  • Rebecca M Arthurs Memorial Library - Brookville
  • Reynoldsville Public Library - Reynoldsville
  • Summerville Public Library - Summerville
  • Sykesville Public Library - Sykesville

Licensed entities

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  • Full Circle Inc Boys Home - Reynolds
  • Jefferson County Adult Detention Center
  • Western Pennsylvania School of Taxidermy - Oliveburg

Recreation

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Two Pennsylvania state parks are in the county.

The Jefferson County Fair is held annually in July.

Communities

[edit]
Map of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Boroughs (red) and Townships (white).

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

Boroughs

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Townships

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Census-designated place

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Unincorporated communities

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Population ranking

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

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population
(2020 Census)
1 Punxsutawney Borough 5,769
2 † Brookville Borough 3,995
3 Reynoldsville Borough 2,549
4 Brockway Borough 2,276
5 Sykesville Borough 1,115
6 Falls Creek (partially in Clearfield County) Borough 994
7 Big Run Borough 647
8 Summerville Borough 504
9 Crenshaw CDP 468
10 Corsica Borough 319
11 Timblin Borough 147
12 Worthville Borough 80

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Includes Clearfield, Jefferson, Tioga, McKean, Warren, Clarion, Elk, Potter, Forest and Cameron Counties
  1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Jefferson County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "Pennsylvania: Individual County Chronologies". Pennsylvania Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2008. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 168.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  6. ^ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University".
  7. ^ "About the Appalachian Region". Appalachian Regional Commission. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  8. ^ Woodard, Colin (July 30, 2018). "The Maps That Show That City vs. Country Is Not Our Political Fault Line". New York Times. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  9. ^ "Census 2020".
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Jefferson County, Pennsylvania".
  12. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  13. ^ Pennsylvania Department of State (July 22, 2024). "Voter registration statistics by county". dos.pa.gov. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Archived from the original on May 6, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  15. ^ "Hours and Locations". JeffCo Libraries. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  16. ^ "Home". Mengle Memorial Library. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  17. ^ "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  18. ^ "Idaho Governor John T. Morrison". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2012.

41°08′N 79°00′W / 41.13°N 79.00°W / 41.13; -79.00

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