Elk County, Pennsylvania

County in Pennsylvania, United States

County in Pennsylvania

Elk County

County

Elk County Courthouse in Ridgway, Pennsylvania

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Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 41°25′N 78°39′W﻿ / ﻿41.42°N 78.65°W﻿ / 41.42; -78.65
Country|  United States
State|  Pennsylvania
Founded| April 18, 1843
Named after| Eastern elk
Seat| Ridgway
Largest city| St. Marys
Area

• Total

| 832 sq mi (2,150 km2)
• Land| 827 sq mi (2,140 km2)
• Water| 4.9 sq mi (13 km2)  0.6%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 30,990[1]
• Density| 37.5/sq mi (14.5/km2)
Time zone| UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district| 15th
Website| www.co.elk.pa.us

Elk County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 30,990.[2] Its county seat is Ridgway.[3] The county was created on April 18, 1843, from parts of Jefferson, Clearfield, and McKean Counties. Elk County is named for the now-extinct eastern elk (Cervus canadensis) that historically inhabited the region. The county is part of the North Central region of the commonwealth.[a]

The county is notable for having one of the highest concentrations of Roman Catholics in the United States, with 69% of the county's residents identifying as Catholic.

## Geography

[edit]

Elk County consists of low rolling hills, carved by frequent drainages and heavily wooded.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 832 square miles (2,150 km2), of which 827 square miles (2,140 km2) is land and 4.9 square miles (13 km2) (0.6%) is water.[4] Elk has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in Ridgway range from 23.2 °F in January to 67.4 °F in July, while in Saint Marys they range from 22.6 °F in January to 66.8 °F in July.[5]

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* McKean County \- north
* Cameron County \- east
* Clearfield County \- south
* Jefferson County \- southwest
* Forest County \- west
* Warren County \- northwest

### National protected area

[edit]

* Allegheny National Forest (part)

### State protected areas

[edit]

* Bendigo State Park
* Elk State Park

### Major highways

[edit]

* US 219

US 219 Truck
* PA 66
* PA 120
* PA 153
* PA 255
* PA 321
* PA 555
* PA 948
* PA 949

## Demographics

[edit]

As of the 2020 United States census,[6] there were 30,990 people and 14,215 households. The population density was 38 people per square mile (15 people/km2). There were 16,855 housing units at an average density of 20 units per square mile (7.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.9% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.0% from two or more races. 0.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 42.9% were of German, 17.7% Italian, 13.1% Irish, 6.4% English, 5.8% Polish, and 5.2% Swedish.

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1850| 3,531| | —
1860| 5,915| | 67.5%
1870| 8,488| | 43.5%
1880| 12,800| | 50.8%
1890| 22,239| | 73.7%
1900| 32,903| | 48.0%
1910| 35,871| | 9.0%
1920| 34,981| | −2.5%
1930| 33,431| | −4.4%
1940| 34,443| | 3.0%
1950| 34,503| | 0.2%
1960| 37,328| | 8.2%
1970| 37,770| | 1.2%
1980| 38,338| | 1.5%
1990| 34,878| | −9.0%
2000| 35,111| | 0.7%
2010| 31,946| | −9.0%
2020| 30,990| | −3.0%
[7]

Population pyramid

There were 14,124 households, out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.00% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.00% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.60% 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 2.99.

The county population contained 24.00% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.

Elk County has one of the highest concentrations of Roman Catholics in the United States. As of 2010, nearly 70% of the county's residents identified as Catholic.

### 2020 census

[edit]

Population pyramid

Elk County Racial Composition[8] Race  | Num.  | Perc.

|
|

White (NH)  | 30,339  | 97.9%
Black or African American (NH)  | 155  | 0.5%
Native American (NH)  | 62  | 0.2%
Asian (NH)  | 124  | 0.4%
Other/Mixed (NH)  | 310  | 1.0%
Hispanic or Latino | 279  | 0.9%

## Economy

[edit]

As of the 2021 ACS 5-Year Estimates, Elk County's largest industry and source of employment is manufacturing, with the second largest being educational services, healthcare, and social services.

## Government and politics

[edit]

United States presidential election results for Elk County, Pennsylvania[9] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No.  | % | No.  | % | No.  | %
2024 | 12,543  | 72.87% | 4,483  | 26.04%  | 187  | 1.09%
2020 | 12,140  | 71.64% | 4,522  | 26.68%  | 284  | 1.68%
2016 | 10,025  | 68.91% | 3,853  | 26.49%  | 669  | 4.60%
2012 | 7,579  | 57.08% | 5,463  | 41.14%  | 237  | 1.78%
2008 | 6,676  | 46.48%  | 7,290  | 50.76% | 396  | 2.76%
2004 | 7,872  | 54.10% | 6,602  | 45.37%  | 76  | 0.52%
2000 | 7,347  | 54.10% | 5,754  | 42.37%  | 479  | 3.53%
1996 | 4,889  | 37.57%  | 5,749  | 44.18% | 2,375  | 18.25%
1992 | 4,908  | 35.48%  | 5,016  | 36.26% | 3,908  | 28.25%
1988 | 6,737  | 52.86% | 5,879  | 46.13%  | 128  | 1.00%
1984 | 8,470  | 60.47% | 5,486  | 39.17%  | 51  | 0.36%
1980 | 7,175  | 52.49% | 5,898  | 43.15%  | 596  | 4.36%
1976 | 6,159  | 46.98%  | 6,713  | 51.21% | 237  | 1.81%
1972 | 7,900  | 61.20% | 4,710  | 36.49%  | 298  | 2.31%
1968 | 6,193  | 44.09%  | 6,886  | 49.02% | 967  | 6.88%
1964 | 4,354  | 29.36%  | 10,455  | 70.51% | 19  | 0.13%
1960 | 7,155  | 45.96%  | 8,398  | 53.95% | 14  | 0.09%
1956 | 8,947  | 61.84% | 5,498  | 38.00%  | 23  | 0.16%
1952 | 7,702  | 54.26% | 6,448  | 45.42%  | 45  | 0.32%
1948 | 5,148  | 48.98%  | 5,363  | 51.02% | 0  | 0.00%
1944 | 5,645  | 47.80%  | 6,097  | 51.63% | 67  | 0.57%
1940 | 6,949  | 49.99% | 6,920  | 49.78%  | 31  | 0.22%
1936 | 5,489  | 35.12%  | 9,035  | 57.80% | 1,107  | 7.08%
1932 | 5,797  | 46.39%  | 6,461  | 51.70% | 239  | 1.91%
1928 | 5,234  | 40.23%  | 7,705  | 59.23% | 70  | 0.54%
1924 | 6,626  | 70.85% | 1,370  | 14.65%  | 1,356  | 14.50%
1920 | 5,267  | 66.14% | 2,093  | 26.28%  | 604  | 7.58%
1916 | 2,829  | 52.34% | 2,186  | 40.44%  | 390  | 7.22%
1912 | 603  | 10.50%  | 2,057  | 35.82%  | 3,082  | 53.67%
1908 | 2,991  | 51.52% | 2,531  | 43.60%  | 283  | 4.88%
1904 | 3,820  | 55.25% | 2,857  | 41.32%  | 237  | 3.43%
1900 | 3,254  | 50.06% | 3,105  | 47.77%  | 141  | 2.17%
1896 | 2,807  | 49.57% | 2,717  | 47.98%  | 139  | 2.45%
1892 | 1,438  | 38.94%  | 2,126  | 57.57% | 129  | 3.49%
1888 | 1,321  | 41.09%  | 1,824  | 56.73% | 70  | 2.18%
United States Senate election results for Elk County, Pennsylvania1[10] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No.  | % | No.  | % | No.  | %
2024 | 11,939  | 69.75% | 4,679  | 27.34%  | 499  | 2.92%

### Voter demographics

[edit]

Chart of Voter Registration

1. Republican (58.31%)
2. Democratic (29.78%)
3. Independent (7.95%)
4. Other Parties (3.94%)

As of November 4, 2024, there are 20,837 registered voters in Elk County.[11]

* Republican: 12,152 (58.31%)
* Democratic: 6,206 (29.78%)
* Independent: 1,657 (7.95%)
* Third Party: 822 (3.94%)

Elk County used to be competitive in statewide and national elections. The county frequently voted with the eventual winner of national elections, from 1920 to 2008, except for 1928, 1940, and 1968. In the 21st century, its Catholic identity has been replaced by its rural identity in defining how it votes; its longtime Democratic voter registration advantage was taken over by Republicans in 2018.[12] The county voted for Mitt Romney by 16 points in 2012, then swung over 25 points to the right and voted for Donald Trump by 42 points in 2016, before swinging further right in 2020 and voting for Trump by 45 points.

### County commissioners

[edit]

* M. Fritz Lecker, Republican
* Matthew G. Quesenberry, Democrat
* Gregory J. Gebauer, Republican

### Other county offices

[edit]

* Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary, Susanne Schneider, Republican
* Coroner, Michelle Muccio, Republican
* District Attorney, Beau Grove, Republican
* Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds, Lee Neureiter, Republican
* Sheriff, Todd Caltagarone, Republican
* Treasurer, Matthew Frey, Republican
* Board of Auditors, Sandra A. Caltagarone, Republican; Jean Zore, Republican; Siobhan Voss, Democrat

### State representative

[edit]

* Mike Armanini, Republican, 75th district[13]

### State senator

[edit]

* Cris Dush, Republican, 25th district[13]

### United States representative

[edit]

* Glenn "G.T." Thompson, Republican, 15th district

### United States senators

[edit]

* John Fetterman, Democrat
* Dave McCormick, Republican

## Education

[edit]

Map of Elk County, Pennsylvania School Districts

### Community education center

[edit]

The Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties (or CEC) provides credit, non-credit, and enrichment programs.

### Public school districts

[edit]

School districts include:[14]

* Brockway Area School District
* Forest Area School District
* Johnsonburg Area School District
* Kane Area School District
* Ridgway Area School District
* Saint Marys Area School District

### Private schools

[edit]

* Elk County Catholic High School
* St Boniface School - Kersey
* St Leo School - Ridgway
* St Marys Catholic Elementary School = Saint Marys
* St Marys Catholic Middle School = Saint Marys
* North Central Workforce Investment Board - Ridgway
* Anne Forbes Nursery School - Ridgway

### Libraries

[edit]

* Elk County Library System - Saint Marys
* Johnsonburg Public Library - Johnsonburg
* Ridgway Free Public Library - Ridgway
* Saint Marys Public Library - Saint Marys
* Tri State Coll Library Co-Op - Rosemont
* Wilcox Public Library - Wilcox

## Communities

[edit]

Elk County boroughs and municipalities

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 Elk County:

### City

[edit]

* St. Marys

### Boroughs

[edit]

* Johnsonburg
* Ridgway (county seat)

### Census-designated places

[edit]

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.

* Byrnedale
* Force
* James City
* Kersey
* Weedville
* Wilcox

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Arroyo
* Dagus Mines
* Loleta
* Portland Mills[15]

### Townships

[edit]

* Benezette
* Fox
* Highland
* Horton
* Jay
* Jones
* Millstone
* Ridgway
* Spring Creek

### Former Townships

[edit]

* Benzinger \- consolidated with St. Marys borough in 1992.

### Population ranking

[edit]

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

† county seat

Rank  | City/Town/etc.  | Municipal type  | Population (2010 Census)

|
|
|

1  | St. Marys | City  | 13,070
2  | † Ridgway | Borough  | 4,078
3  | Johnsonburg | Borough  | 2,483
4  | Kersey | CDP  | 937
5  | Weedville | CDP  | 542
6  | Byrnedale | CDP  | 427
7  | Wilcox | CDP  | 383
8  | James City | CDP  | 287
9  | Force | CDP  | 253

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Elk County, Pennsylvania

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Includes Clearfield, Jefferson, Tioga, McKean, Warren, Clarion, Elk, Potter, Forest and Cameron Counties

1. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 14, 2022.
2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Elk County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
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". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
5. ^ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University".
6. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
7. ^ "Census 2020".
8. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Elk County, Pennsylvania".
9. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
10. ^ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
11. ^ Pennsylvania Department of State (April 29, 2024). "Voter registration statistics by county". dos.pa.gov. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
12. ^ "Voting and Election Statistics | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania". Retrieved August 1, 2024.
13. ^ a b Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
14. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Elk County, PA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 23, 2024. \- Text list
15. ^ Portland Mills PA (Google Maps - accessed 11 November 2019)
16. ^ "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2013.

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Elk County, Pennsylvania, United States

County seat: Ridgway

City|

* St. Marys

Boroughs|

* Johnsonburg
* Ridgway

Townships|

* Benezette
* Fox
* Highland
* Horton
* Jay
* Jones
* Millstone
* Ridgway
* Spring Creek

CDPs|

* Byrnedale
* Force
* James City
* Kersey
* Weedville
* Wilcox

Unincorporated
communities|

* Benezette
* Brandy Camp
* Brockport
* Coal Hollow
* Dagus Mines
* Dahoga
* Dents Run
* Loleta
* McKinley
* Pigs Ear
* Russell City
* Toby

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41°25′N 78°39′W﻿ / ﻿41.42°N 78.65°W﻿ / 41.42; -78.65
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