Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

Armstrong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,941.[2] The county seat is Kittanning.[3] The county was organized on March 12, 1800, from parts of Allegheny, Westmoreland and Lycoming Counties. It was named in honor of John Armstrong, who represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress and served as a major general during the Revolutionary War.

Armstrong County
U.S. county
Armstrong County Courthouse
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°49′N 79°28′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedMarch 12, 1800
Named forJohn Armstrong
SeatKittanning
Largest boroughKittanning
Area
 • Total664 sq mi (1,720 km2)
 • Land653 sq mi (1,690 km2)
 • Water11 sq mi (30 km2)  1.6%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
65,263
 • Density103/sq mi (40/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district15th
Websitewww.co.armstrong.pa.us
DesignatedOctober 15, 1982[1]
The Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area is a dam, reservoir, and park near Ford City in Armstrong County.

Armstrong County is included in the Pittsburgh, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Armstrong County is home to the City of Parker, an incorporated third-class city, which was an oil boom town with a population rumored to be approximately 20,000 in 1873, but now is the "Smallest City in America" with a population of just under 800. Parker is located in the extreme northwest portion of the county.

Iron was made in the Brady's Bend area of the county twenty years before there was a foundry in Pittsburgh doing so. Ford City is home to the plate-glass industry, as John Ford created the company which later became Pittsburgh Plate Glass.

Kittanning once boasted more millionnaires than anywhere else in Pennsylvania during the 1880s.

Leechburg was the first place in the United States to use natural gas for metallurgical purposes, in 1869. Natural gas was found while drilling for oil, and eventually introduced into the boilers and furnaces of Siberian Iron Works here.

Freeport, Leechburg and Apollo were communities built along the Pennsylvania Canal, which passed through on the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas rivers, at the southern border of the county.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 664 square miles (1,720 km2), of which 653 square miles (1,690 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (1.6%) is water.[4]

Streams

The Allegheny and Kiskiminetas rivers; Buffalo, Crooked, Cowanshannock, Redbank, and Mahoning creeks; and Carnahan Run, among others, have watersheds within the county. The Murphy, Nicholson, Ross, and Cogley islands are in the Allegheny in Armstrong County.

Scrubgrass Creek

Scrubgrass Creek arises in Wayne Township and flows through Boggs Township, passing Goheenville, to Pine Township where it empties into the Mahoning Creek at Mahoning Station.

Sugar Creek

Sugar Creek flows through Bradys Bend Township where it empties into the Allegheny River. Its tributaries include Cove Run, Hart Run, Holder Run, Long Run, Pine Run, and Whiskey Run.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Climate

Armstrong has a humid continental climate (Dfa/Dfb). Average monthly temperatures in Kittanning range from 27.3 °F in January to 72.6 °F in July.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18002,399—
18106,143156.1%
182010,32468.1%
183017,70171.5%
184028,36560.2%
185029,5604.2%
186035,79721.1%
187043,38221.2%
188047,6419.8%
189046,747−1.9%
190052,55112.4%
191067,88029.2%
192075,56811.3%
193079,2984.9%
194081,0872.3%
195080,842−0.3%
196079,524−1.6%
197075,590−4.9%
198077,7682.9%
199073,478−5.5%
200072,392−1.5%
201068,941−4.8%
Est. 201865,263[5]−5.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8]
1990-2000[9] 2010-2017[2]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 72,392 people, 29,005 households, and 20,535 families residing in the county. The population density was 111 people per square mile (43/km²). There were 32,387 housing units at an average density of 50 per square mile (19/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.32% White, 0.82% Black or African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 34.6% were of German, 10.8% Italian, 9.3% Irish, 8.7% American, 7.4% English and 5.7% Polish ancestry.

There were 29,005 households out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.

The distribution of the age of the population in the county was 22.90% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 18.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.

Birth rate

Armstrong County's live birth rate was 890 births in 1990. Armstrong County's live birth rate in 2000 was 740 births, while in 2011 it had declined further to 680 babies.[11] 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. In 1960, 1.06 million rural residents, or 35 percent of the rural population, were children.

Teen Pregnancy rate

Armstrong County had 448 babies born to teens (age 15-19) in 2011. In 2015, the number of teen births in Armstrong County was 418.[12]

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 Armstrong County was 13.8% in 2014.[13] The statewide poverty rate was 13.6% in 2014. The 2012 childhood poverty rate by school district was: Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District - 37.2%, Apollo-Ridge School District - 46.6% living at 185% or below than the Federal Poverty Level, Armstrong School District - 48.9%, Freeport Area School District - 27.7%, and Leechburg Area School District - 39.6.[14]

Government and politics
Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 73.7% 23,484 22.5% 7,178 3.8% 1,202
2012 67.8% 20,142 30.4% 9,045 1.8% 534
2008 61.3% 18,542 36.8% 11,138 1.9% 583
2004 60.9% 18,925 38.7% 12,025 0.5% 147
2000 56.6% 15,508 40.6% 11,127 2.9% 788
1996 42.9% 11,052 43.2% 11,130 14.0% 3,597
1992 32.2% 9,122 45.9% 12,995 21.9% 6,216
1988 44.8% 11,509 54.1% 13,892 1.1% 282
1984 48.4% 13,709 51.3% 14,525 0.4% 110
1980 47.8% 12,955 46.9% 12,718 5.3% 1,431
1976 46.1% 13,378 52.3% 15,179 1.7% 493
1972 61.6% 17,557 36.8% 10,490 1.6% 451
1968 46.6% 14,132 45.9% 13,921 7.6% 2,300
1964 33.4% 10,618 66.4% 21,098 0.2% 74
1960 57.2% 19,883 42.6% 14,799 0.2% 63
1956 61.2% 20,055 38.7% 12,671 0.1% 34
1952 55.9% 16,955 43.6% 13,221 0.5% 153
1948 53.5% 11,712 45.2% 9,900 1.4% 300
1944 56.9% 13,656 42.5% 10,202 0.5% 126
1940 54.3% 14,524 45.4% 12,144 0.3% 82
1936 46.7% 14,198 52.4% 15,955 0.9% 281
1932 52.1% 10,884 44.2% 9,230 3.7% 776
1928 77.9% 17,625 21.3% 4,824 0.8% 187
1924 64.2% 11,192 16.8% 2,931 19.0% 3,316
1920 69.2% 8,995 25.1% 3,262 5.7% 735
1916 58.5% 6,024 34.9% 3,590 6.6% 682
1912 18.9% 1,904 30.1% 3,027 51.0% 5,139
1908 59.7% 6,110 31.4% 3,212 9.0% 917
1904 67.9% 5,798 26.6% 2,270 5.5% 466
1900 63.6% 6,443 33.9% 3,438 2.5% 252
1896 61.1% 6,325 37.0% 3,825 1.9% 199
1892 55.6% 4,709 41.5% 3,512 2.9% 249
1888 55.9% 5,030 41.8% 3,763 2.3% 207

Voter registration

As of November 7, 2017 there were 41,070 registered voters in the county. Republicans hold a tiny majority of the voters. There were 21,772 registered Republicans, 14,742 registered Democrats, 4,259 voters registered to other parties, 259 to the Libertarian Party and 38 voters registered to the Green Party.[16]

Chart of Voter Registration

  Republican (53.01%)
  Democratic (35.89%)
  NPA/Other Parties (10.37%)
  Libertarian (0.63%)
  Green (0.09%)
Voter registration and party enrollment
Party Number of voters Percentage
Republican 21,772 53.01
Democratic 14,742 35.89
Others 4,259 10.37
Libertarian 259 0.63
Green

38

 0.09
Total 41,070 100%

County government

County Commissioners:

  • Donald Myers (Republican), Chairman
  • Jason Renshaw (Republican), Vice-Chairman
  • Pat Fabian (Democrat), Secretary

District Attorney:

  • Katie Charlton (Republican)

Sheriff:

  • Bill Rupert (Democrat)

Coroner:

  • Brian Myers (Republican)

Controller:

  • Myra "Tammy" Miller (Republican)

Treasurer:

  • Amanda Hiles (Republican)

Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds:

  • Marianne Hileman (Republican)

Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts:

  • Brenda C. George (Republican)

Judges:

  • Kenneth G. Valasek, Senior Judge (Democrat)
  • James Panchik, President Judge (Democrat)
  • Joseph A. Nickleach, Sr. Senior Judge (Democrat)
  • Chase McClister, Judge (Democrat)

State Senate
  • Joseph A. Pittman, Republican, Pennsylvania's 41st Senatorial District

State House Of Representatives
  • Joseph A. Petrarca, Democrat, Pennsylvania's 55th Representative District
  • Jeff Pyle, Republican, Pennsylvania's 60th Representative District
  • Donna Oberlander, Republican, Pennsylvania's 63rd Representative District

United States House of Representatives

Education
Map of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Colleges and universities

Public school districts

The 498 school districts of Pennsylvania, that have high schools, were ranked for student academic achievement as demonstrated by four years of writing, science math and reading PSSA results by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2010.

Technology school
  • Lenape Technical School - Ford City

Private schools

As reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Education - EdNA. April 2012.

  • Adelphoi Village Miller Home - Apollo
  • Divine Redeemer School - Ford City
  • Dry Knob Amish School - Smicksburg
  • Evangelical Lutheran School - Worthington
  • Grace Christian School - Kittanning
  • Meadow View School - Dayton
  • Model Education Program - Kittanning
  • New Bethlehem Wesleyan Methodist School - New Bethlehem
  • Orchard Hills Christian Academy - Apollo
  • Owl Hollow Amish School - Smicksburg
  • Shady Lane Amish School - Smicksburg
  • Shady Run Amish School - Smicksburg
  • Stony Acres Amish School - Smicksburg
  • Stony Flat Amish School - Smicksburg
  • United Cerebral Palsy Of Western Pennsylvania - Spring Church
  • Whippoorwill School - Smicksburg
  • Worthington Baptist Christian School - Worthington

Libraries

There are six public libraries in Armstrong County:[17][18]

  • Apollo Memorial Library - Apollo, PA
  • Ford City Public Library - Ford City, PA
  • Freeport Area Library - Freeport, PA
  • Kittanning Public Library - Kittanning, PA
  • Leechburg Public Library - Leechburg, PA
  • Worthington West Franklin Community Library - Worthington, PA

Communities
Map of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Cities 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 cities, boroughs and townships are located in Armstrong County:

City

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 community

Former community

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Armstrong County.[19]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Population (2010 Census) Municipal type Incorporated
1 † Kittanning 4,044 Borough 1803
2 Ford City 2,991 Borough 1889
3 Leechburg 2,156 Borough 1850
4 Orchard Hills 1,952 CDP
5 Freeport 1,813 Borough 1833
6 Apollo 1,647 Borough 1848
7 North Apollo 1,297 Borough
8 West Hills 1,263 CDP
9 West Kittanning 1,175 Borough 1900
10 Lenape Heights 1,167 CDP
11 Rural Valley 876 Borough
12 Parker 840 City 1873
13 Pleasant View 780 CDP
14 Worthington 639 Borough 1855
15 Dayton 553 Borough 1873
16 South Bethlehem 481 Borough
17 North Vandergrift 447 CDP
18 Manorville 410 Borough
19 Ford Cliff 371 Borough 1922
20 Elderton 356 Borough 1859
21 Templeton 325 CDP
22 Applewold 310 Borough 1899
23 Kiskimere 136 CDP
24 Atwood 107 Borough 1884

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 6, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  5. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  6. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  7. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  8. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  9. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  10. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. Pennsylvania Department of Health, Birth Age County Reports 1990 and 2011, 2011
  12. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2016). "Pennsylvania Teen Births 2015".
  13. US Census Bureau (2015). "Poverty Rates by County Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates".
  14. Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (2012). "Student Poverty Concentration 2012". Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  15. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  16. http://www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/CandidatesCommittees/RunningforOffice/Documents/2017%20Election%20VR%20Stats.pdf
  17. Armstrong Libraries. Armstrong Libraries. Retrieved on July 23, 2013.
  18. Freeport Area Library Association - Home. Freeportlibrary.org (July 12, 2013). Retrieved on July 23, 2013.
  19. "Decennial Census by Decades". Retrieved April 20, 2015.

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