Indiana County, Pennsylvania

Indiana County is a county located in the West central part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 88,880.[1] Its county seat is Indiana.[2] Indiana County comprises the Indiana, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-WV-OH Combined Statistical Area.

For counties in the state of Indiana, see List of counties in Indiana.

Indiana County
U.S. county
Indiana County Courthouse
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°39′N 79°05′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedNovember 3, 1806
SeatIndiana
Largest boroughIndiana
Area
 • Total834 sq mi (2,160 km2)
 • Land827 sq mi (2,140 km2)
 • Water7.3 sq mi (19 km2)  0.9%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
84,503
 • Density105/sq mi (41/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district15th
Websitewww.countyofindiana.org

Prior to the American Revolutionary War, some settlers proposed this as part of a larger, separate colony to be known as Vandalia, but opposing interests and the war intervened. Afterward, claims to the territory by both the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania had to be reconciled. After this land was assigned to Pennsylvania by the federal government according to the placement of the Mason–Dixon line, Indiana County was created on March 30, 1803, from parts of Westmoreland and Clearfield counties and was formally organized in 1806.[3]

History

Indiana County (Indiana meaning "land of the Indians") derives its name from the so-called "Indiana Grant of 1768" that the Iroquois Six Nations were forced to make to "suffering traders" under the Fort Stanwix Treaty of 1768. The Iroquois had controlled much of the Ohio River valley as their hunting grounds since the 17th century, and Anglo-American colonists were moving into the area and wanted to develop it. Traders arranged to force the Iroquois to grant land under the treaty in relations to losses due to Pontiac's Rebellion.[4]

Some of the grantees joined forces with the Ohio Company, forming a larger development company based on enlarging their grant of land. They proposed that the entire large area would become a new British colony, possibly to be called Pittsylvania or Vandalia. It was to be bordered on the north and west by the Ohio River, and made up of what are now parts of eastern Kentucky, northern West Virginia (then part of the Virginia Colony), and western Pennsylvania. Anglo-European colonists from Virginia and Pennsylvania had already started to move into the area, which was identified by these various names as Indiana and the other above names on some maps of the late 1700s.[5][4]

Opposition from other interest groups[6] and the American Revolutionary War intervened before Britain approved such a colony. Afterward, some United States speculators proposed setting up a state in this area to be called Vandalia, or Westsylvania, as appears on some maps of the period.

But both the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania claimed the land based on their colonial charters. In establishing the Mason–Dixon line, the federal government assigned the Indiana Grant to Pennsylvania.[5] As population increased after the war, this county was made up in 1803 of territory from Westmoreland and Clearfield counties; it was formally organized in 1806.[3]

Kentucky and West Virginia continued to be associated with Virginia for some time, being separately admitted as states in the early 19th century and during the American Civil War, respectively. The area in Pennsylvania was unrelated to and was physically separated from the later named Indiana Territory established north of the Ohio River in 1800 by the new United States; that territory was eventually admitted to the Union as the State of Indiana.

In the 21st century, Indiana County comprises the Indiana, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area. This is included in the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-WV-OH Combined Statistical Area.[7] It is in the defined region of the Pittsburgh media market. Indiana County is served by three different area codes: 724, 814, and 582.

The county proclaims itself the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World", shipping over one million trees annually.[8] Agriculture is a major part of its economy.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 834 square miles (2,160 km2), of which 827 square miles (2,140 km2) is land and 7.3 square miles (19 km2) (0.9%) is water.[9] Located in the county is the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area.[10] The county has a humid continental climate which is warm-summer (Dfb) except along the Conemaugh from below Strangford and the Kiskiminetas River where it is hot-summer (Dfa). Average monthly temperatures in the borough of Indiana range from 27.2 °F in January to 70.9 °F in July.

Adjacent counties

Major highways
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18106,214—
18208,88242.9%
183014,25260.5%
184020,78245.8%
185027,17030.7%
186033,68724.0%
187036,1387.3%
188040,52712.1%
189042,1754.1%
190042,5560.9%
191066,21055.6%
192080,91022.2%
193075,395−6.8%
194079,8545.9%
195077,106−3.4%
196075,366−2.3%
197079,4515.4%
198092,28116.1%
199089,994−2.5%
200089,605−0.4%
201088,880−0.8%
2018 (est.)84,503[11]−4.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]
1790-1960[13] 1900-1990[14]
1990-2000[15] 2010-2017[1]

Demographics

As of the census[16] of 2000, there were 89,605 people, 34,123 households, and 22,521 families residing in the county. The population density was 108 people per square mile (42/km2). There were 37,250 housing units at an average density of 45 per square mile (17/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.87% White, 1.57% Black or African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 25.9% were of German, 11.6% Italian, 10.7% Irish, 8.6% American, 7.1% English and 6.8% Polish ancestry.

There were 34,123 households, out of which 27.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were married couples living together, 8.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.00% were non-families. 26.50% 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 2.47 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.10% under the age of 18, 16.60% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.60 males.

Micropolitan Statistical Area
Map of the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-OH-WV Combined Statistical Area (CSA)
See also: List of Micropolitan Statistical Areas and List of Combined Statistical Areas

The United States Office of Management and Budget[17] has designated Indiana County as the Indiana, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA). As of the 2010 U.S. Census[18] the micropolitan area ranked 4th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 50th most populous in the United States with a population of 88,880. Indiana County is also a part of the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-OH-WV Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the population of Indiana, as well as the Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland county areas in Pennsylvania. In West Virginia the counties included are Brooke and Hancock. And in Ohio, Jefferson County. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 4th in the State of Pennsylvania and 20th most populous in the United States with a population of 2,660,727.

Government and politics

Indiana County has been strongly Republican in presidential elections for most of its history, only backing Democratic party candidates four times in presidential elections from 1880 to the present day.

Presidential election results
Presidential election results[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 68.0% 28,089 30.6% 12,634 1.4% 566
2016 65.3% 24,888 30.2% 11,528 4.5% 1,706
2012 58.3% 21,257 39.7% 14,473 2.0% 714
2008 52.9% 19,727 45.8% 17,065 1.4% 510
2004 55.9% 20,254 43.7% 15,831 0.5% 163
2000 53.5% 16,799 43.5% 13,667 3.0% 935
1996 42.1% 12,874 45.4% 13,868 12.6% 3,841
1992 32.9% 10,966 45.6% 15,194 21.5% 7,154
1988 47.2% 14,983 52.0% 16,514 0.8% 242
1984 54.2% 18,845 45.4% 15,791 0.4% 123
1980 49.6% 15,607 44.0% 13,828 6.4% 2,016
1976 51.0% 15,786 47.3% 14,650 1.7% 513
1972 61.9% 18,122 37.0% 10,833 1.1% 319
1968 51.0% 14,899 41.7% 12,175 7.3% 2,122
1964 39.9% 11,706 59.9% 17,568 0.2% 46
1960 58.6% 18,756 41.2% 13,174 0.3% 83
1956 62.3% 18,593 37.7% 11,268
1952 58.6% 16,673 40.9% 11,620 0.5% 147
1948 59.7% 12,640 40.3% 8,543
1944 61.4% 14,388 37.8% 8,863 0.8% 175
1940 56.2% 15,547 43.5% 12,035 0.3% 68
1936 51.4% 16,530 47.7% 15,353 0.9% 294
1932 57.2% 12,727 38.7% 8,606 4.1% 902
1928 76.8% 16,706 22.1% 4,810 1.2% 252
1924 69.8% 12,748 11.3% 2,067 18.9% 3,462
1920 71.8% 8,616 16.1% 1,936 12.0% 1,441
1916 57.7% 4,887 28.3% 2,398 14.1% 1,192
1912 20.2% 1,720 18.7% 1,593 61.1% 5,197
1908 67.4% 6,416 20.7% 1,965 11.9% 1,133
1904 77.3% 6,878 17.5% 1,558 5.3% 468
1900 72.3% 5,687 22.5% 1,767 5.3% 417
1896 66.1% 5,818 31.3% 2,752 2.6% 231
1892 61.2% 4,559 28.6% 2,134 10.2% 759
1888 62.8% 5,084 27.6% 2,231 9.6% 777

As of the 2016 primary election held April 26, 2016, there were 48,710 registered voters across Indiana County's 69 precincts: 20,089 Democrats (41.24%); 22,134 Republicans (45.44%); and 6,487 Independents (13.32%).[20] This represents a slight demographic shift since November 2008, when a total of 58,077 registered voters were 45.89% (26,653) Democrat, 41.60% (24,159) Republican, and 12.51% (7,265) Independent.[21]

County commissioners
  • Michael Keith, Chairman, Republican
  • Robin Gorman, Republican
  • Sherene Hess, Democrat

Other county offices
  • Coroner, Jerry L Overman Jr, Republican
  • District Attorney, Robert Manzi, Republican
  • Prothonotary, Randy Degenkolb, Republican
  • Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills, Patricia Streams-Warman, Republican
  • Sheriff, Robert Fyock, Republican
  • Treasurer, Kimberly McCullough, Republican
  • Board of Auditors, Donna Cupp, Republican; Bonni S. Dunlap, Ph.D., Republican; James P. Smith Jr., Democrat

State representatives[22]

State senator[22]

United States representative

United States senators

Education
Map of Indiana County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Public school districts

Post-secondary education

Environment

In 2003, the county was recommended for non-attainment under EPA ozone standards based upon mobile source contribution to smog-forming emissions.[23]

The county is the site of the Homer City Generating Station, a coal-burning power plant. In 2002 the plant was ranked as second in emissions in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in Pennsylvania.[24] In 2003, the plant ranked high in the emissions of both sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, ranking 4th and 28th, respectively, in the nation.[25] Such toxic emissions are injurious to people and other living things.

Communities
Map of Indiana 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 at most two cases, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in Indiana 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.

Unincorporated communities

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Indiana County.[18]

* county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2010 Census)
1 * Indiana Borough 13,975
2 Blairsville Borough 3,412
3 Homer City Borough 1,707
4 Chevy Chase Heights CDP 1,502
5 Black Lick CDP 1,462
6 Clymer Borough 1,357
7 Lucerne Mines CDP 937
8 Saltsburg Borough 873
9 Heilwood CDP 711
10 Rossiter CDP 646
11 Jacksonville CDP 637
12 Robinson CDP 614
13 Dixonville CDP 467
14 Ernest Borough 462
15 Marion Center Borough 451
16 Cherry Tree Borough 364
17 Commodore CDP 331
18 Coral CDP 325
19 Creekside Borough 309
20 Plumville Borough 307
21 Graceton CDP 257
22 Glen Campbell Borough 245
23 Shelocta Borough 130
24 Armagh Borough 122
25 Smicksburg Borough 46

Notable natives and residents

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  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. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  4. Anderson, James Donald, "Vandalia: The First West Virginia?" West Virginia History, Volume 40, No. 4 (Summer 1979), pp. 375-92 online
  5. David W. Miller. The Taking of American Indian Lands in the Southeast: A History of Territorial Cessions and Forced Relocations, 1607-1840. McFarland, 2011. p. 41. ISBN 978-0-7864-6277-3
  6. Gipson, Lawrence Henry, The British Empire Before the American Revolution, 15 vols. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1946-1970, IX 457-88
  7. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 19, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2017.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. "'Tis the season for tree farmers". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. December 20, 2004. Archived from the original on October 22, 2006. Retrieved May 16, 2006.
  9. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  10. "Buttermilk Falls Natural Area". Indiana County Parks and Trails.
  11. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  12. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  13. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  14. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  15. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  16. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  17. "Office of Management and Budget". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  18. "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  19. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  20. 2016 Primary Election Results Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Official Website. 2016 Unofficial Election Results. Retrieved on September 5, 2016.
  21. Running for Office Archived November 26, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Dos.state.pa.us. Retrieved on July 23, 2013.
  22. Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  23. "Figure 3. Mobile Source Contribution to Smog-Forming Emissions in Counties Recommended for Nonattainment under New EPA Ozone Standards". Surface Transportation Policy Project. April 16, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2006. Retrieved May 16, 2006.
  24. "Pa. ranks among worst states for toxic emissions". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. November 18, 2002. Archived from the original on May 24, 2007. Retrieved May 16, 2006.
  25. Environmental Integrity Project & Public Citizen’s Congress Watch (May 2004). "America's Dirtiest Power Plants: Plugged into the Bush Administration" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 13, 2006. Retrieved May 16, 2006. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

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