Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Columbia County is a county located in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 67,295.[2] Its county seat is Bloomsburg.[3] The county was created on March 22, 1813, from part of Northumberland County. It was named Columbia, alluding to the United States and Christopher Columbus.

Not to be confused with Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Columbia County
County
Columbia County
The Columbia County courthouse in Bloomsburg
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°03′N 76°24′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedMarch 22, 1813
Named forChristopher Columbus
SeatBloomsburg
Largest townBloomsburg
Area
 • Total490 sq mi (1,300 km2)
 • Land483 sq mi (1,250 km2)
 • Water7.1 sq mi (18 km2)  1.4%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
65,456
 • Density138/sq mi (53/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district9th
Websitewww.columbiapa.org
DesignatedJuly 11, 1983[1]

Columbia County is part of the Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
View of northern Columbia County, Pennsylvania from Kramer Hill Road in Fishing Creek Township. On the horizon (about 8-10 miles away) is North Mountain. The borough of Benton is in the center of the picture.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 490 square miles (1,300 km2), of which 483 square miles (1,250 km2) is land and 7.1 square miles (18 km2) (1.4%) is water.[4] The southern tip of Columbia County is part of the Coal Region. The area of the county from the Susquehanna River south to several miles south of Numidia consists mostly of farmland and state game lands. Several communities developed along the Susquehanna River, such as Bloomsburg and Catawissa. From the Susquehanna River north as far as Waller, the county is mostly farmland with several patches of forest. North of Waller, the county is mostly state game lands and mountains.[5]

The major streams in Columbia County are the Susquehanna River, Fishing Creek, Briar Creek, Catawissa Creek, and Roaring Creek.[5]

The county has a humid continental climate (Dfa/Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in Bloomsburg average from 26.9 °F in January to 72.4 °F in July.

Mountains

Note: Only mountains higher than 1,500 feet (460 m) are listed

Name Height Image
Red Rock Mountain2,365 feet (721 m)
Central Mountain2,247 feet (685 m)
Chimneystack Rock2,244 feet (684 m)
Buck Mountain1,942 feet (592 m)
Catawissa Mountain1,873 feet (571 m)
Big Mountain1,811 feet (552 m)
Knob Mountain1,752 feet (534 m)
Nescopeck Mountain1,604 feet (489 m)
Lee Mountain1,594 feet (486 m)
McCauley Mountain1,571 feet (479 m)

Source:[6][7]

Major highways

Adjacent counties

State park

Part of Ricketts Glen State Park is in the northern portion of Columbia County.[8]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
182017,621—
183020,05913.8%
184024,26721.0%
185017,710−27.0%
186025,06541.5%
187028,76614.8%
188032,40912.7%
189036,83213.6%
190039,8968.3%
191048,46721.5%
192048,349−0.2%
193048,8030.9%
194051,4135.3%
195053,4604.0%
196053,4890.1%
197055,1143.0%
198061,96712.4%
199063,2022.0%
200064,1481.5%
201067,2954.9%
2018 (est.)65,456[9]−2.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2010-2017[2]

As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 64,151 people, 24,915 households, and 16,568 families residing in the county. The population density was 132 people per square mile (51/km2). There were 27,733 housing units at an average density of 57 per square mile (22/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.59% White, 0.80% Black or African-American, 0.15% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 33.2% were of German, 10.0% American, 9.4% Irish, 8.1% Italian, 6.7% Polish and 6.2% English ancestry.

There were 24,915 households, out of which 27.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.80% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.50% were non-families. 26.60% 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 2.42 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.80% under the age of 18, 14.30% from 18 to 24, 25.90% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.80 males.

Metropolitan Statistical Area

The United States Office of Management and Budget[15] has designated Columbia County as the Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of the 2010 census[16] the metropolitan area ranked 20th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 368th most populous in the United States with a population of 82,562. Columbia County is also a part of the larger Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the populations of Columbia County as well as Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union 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.

Politics and government
Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 64.3% 20,098 33.7% 10,532 2.1% 650
2016 63.2% 18,004 31.3% 8,934 5.5% 1,568
2012 55.3% 14,236 42.5% 10,937 2.2% 571
2008 51.2% 14,477 46.8% 13,230 2.0% 571
2004 59.7% 16,052 39.7% 10,679 0.5% 138
2000 55.2% 12,095 41.0% 8,975 3.8% 841
1996 40.4% 8,234 41.1% 8,379 18.5% 3,759
1992 41.0% 9,742 34.8% 8,261 24.2% 5,736
1988 60.5% 12,114 38.8% 7,767 0.7% 140
1984 63.4% 14,402 36.3% 8,254 0.3% 62
1980 53.3% 12,426 40.5% 9,449 6.2% 1,438
1976 48.1% 11,508 50.4% 12,051 1.5% 366
1972 63.6% 14,187 32.4% 7,222 4.0% 900
1968 54.9% 12,202 36.8% 8,187 8.3% 1,840
1964 39.2% 8,982 60.6% 13,885 0.2% 36
1960 62.1% 15,310 37.8% 9,322 0.1% 19
1956 59.7% 13,382 40.3% 9,024 0.1% 15
1952 57.7% 13,008 42.0% 9,467 0.4% 79
1948 50.1% 9,417 49.9% 9,367
1944 49.0% 9,336 50.6% 9,647 0.4% 70
1940 43.1% 9,518 56.7% 12,523 0.3% 66
1936 40.1% 9,674 58.7% 14,141 1.2% 293
1932 44.4% 8,791 53.8% 10,640 1.8% 356
1928 72.6% 14,362 26.8% 5,304 0.6% 115
1924 47.4% 7,336 47.8% 7,390 4.8% 743
1920 45.7% 6,238 51.0% 6,965 3.4% 462
1916 32.8% 3,013 63.0% 5,785 4.2% 389
1912 10.0% 889 55.1% 4,905 35.0% 3,116
1908 39.2% 3,718 56.6% 5,373 4.2% 402
1904 44.1% 3,635 50.9% 4,196 5.0% 415
1900 35.2% 2,954 59.4% 4,982 5.4% 454
1896 37.8% 3,280 56.5% 4,904 5.8% 500
1892 30.6% 2,336 64.5% 4,929 5.0% 380
1888 33.4% 2,484 62.8% 4,676 3.8% 281

As of November 2011, there were 41,026 registered voters in Columbia County.[18]

While the county registration tends to be evenly matched between Democrats and Republicans, the county trends Republican in statewide elections. While John McCain received 51.6% of its vote to 47.1% for Barack Obama, this was a far-closer margin than the 20 points that George W. Bush carried it by in 2004. Each of the three row-office statewide winners carried Columbia in 2008. In 2006, Democrat Bob Casey Jr. received 51% of its vote when he unseated incumbent Republican US Senator Rick Santorum and Ed Rendell received 50.6% of the vote against Lynn Swann.

For many years Columbia County was represented in the State House by a conservative Democrat in the 109th district until John Gordner changed parties to Republican in 2001. He was elected to the State Senate in 2003 and succeeded by Republican David R. Millard. Columbia is in the 27th Senate district and 11th Congressional district.

County commissioners
CommissionersParty
David KovachDemocratic
Rich RidgwayRepublican
Chris YoungRepublican

Other county officials
OfficeOfficialParty
Chief JudgeThomas A. JamesDemocratic
JudgeGary NortonRepublican
Chief ClerkGail KippDemocratic
CoronerLori MastellerRepublican
Recorder of Deeds and Register of WillsBeverly MichaelDemocratic
SheriffTim ChamberlainDemocratic
TreasurerShirley TurnerRepublican
Clerk of Courts and ProthonotaryTami B. KlineRepublican

State Senate
DistrictSenatorParty
27John GordnerRepublican

State House of Representatives
DistrictRepresentativeParty
107Kurt MasserRepublican
109David R. MillardRepublican
117Karen BobackRepublican

United States House of Representatives
DistrictRepresentativeParty
9Dan MeuserRepublican

United States Senate
SenatorParty
Pat ToomeyRepublican
Bob CaseyDemocrat

Education
Map of Columbia County, Pennsylvania School Districts

Colleges and universities

Public school districts

Technical school

Charter school

Private schools
  • Bald Hill School - Millville
  • Bloomsburg Christian School - Bloomsburg
  • Bloomsburg University Special Education Institute
  • Columbia Co Christian School - Bloomsburg
  • Greenwood Friends School - Millville
  • Heritage Christian Academy - Berwick
  • Holy Family Consolidate - Berwick
  • Keystone National High School - Bloomsburg
  • New Story - Berwick
  • Pennsylvania Institute For Conservation Education - Bloomsburg
  • Rainbow Hill School - Benton
  • St Columba School - Bloomsburg
  • Saint Matthews - Bloomsburg
  • Turkey Ridge School - Bloomsburg

Libraries
  • Bloomsburg Public Library
  • Columbia County Traveling Library
  • McBride Memorial Library
  • Orangeville Public Library

Communities
Map of Columbia County, Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Towns and Boroughs (red), Townships (white), and Census-designated places (blue).

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

Town

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.

Unincorporated communities

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Columbia County.[16]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2010 Census)
1 † Bloomsburg Town 14,855
2 Berwick Borough 10,477
3 Ashland (mostly in Schuylkill County) Borough 2,817
4 Espy CDP 1,642
5 Catawissa Borough 1,552
6 Mifflinville CDP 1,253
7 Lightstreet CDP 1,093
8 Almedia CDP 1,078
9 Millville Borough 948
10 Lime Ridge CDP 890
11 Benton Borough 824
12 Briar Creek Borough 660
13 Fernville CDP 556
14 Orangeville Borough 508
15 Buckhorn CDP 318
16 Aristes CDP 311
17 Foundryville CDP 256
18 Numidia CDP 244
19 Stillwater Borough 209
20 Wilburton Number One CDP 196
21 Jerseytown CDP 184
22 Rupert CDP 183
23 Locustdale (partially in Schuylkill County) CDP 177
24 Slabtown CDP 156
25 Rohrsburg CDP 145
26 Iola CDP 144
27 Jamison City CDP 134
28 Mainville CDP 132
29 Eyers Grove CDP 105
30 Wilburton Number Two CDP 96
31 Jonestown CDP 64
32 Waller CDP 48
33 Centralia Borough 10

See also

References
  1. "PHMC Historical Markers Search" (Searchable database). Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2010.
  4. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  5. maps.google.com
  6. Topographic Map Summit Features in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, archived from the original on July 6, 2013, retrieved June 26, 2014
  7. Topographic Map Ridge Features in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, archived from the original on July 7, 2013, retrieved December 14, 2014
  8. "Google Maps". Google Maps. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  9. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  10. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  11. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  12. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  13. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  14. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. "Office of Management and Budget - The White House". Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  16. "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  17. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  18. "Voter registration statistics archives". Pennsylvania Department of State. November 8, 2011. Retrieved March 12, 2012.

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