McKean County, Pennsylvania

County in Pennsylvania, United States

Not to be confused with McKean, Pennsylvania.

County in Pennsylvania

McKean County

County

McKean County Courthouse

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 41°48′40″N 78°26′41″W﻿ / ﻿41.811111111111°N 78.444722222222°W﻿ / 41.811111111111; -78.444722222222
Country|  United States
State|  Pennsylvania
Founded| September 1, 1826
Named after| Thomas McKean
Seat| Smethport
Largest city| Bradford
Area

• Total

| 984 sq mi (2,550 km2)
• Land| 979 sq mi (2,540 km2)
• Water| 5.0 sq mi (13 km2)  0.5%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 40,432
• Density| 41/sq mi (16/km2)
Time zone| UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district| 15th
Website| www.mckeancountypa.org

McKean County is a rural county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,432.[1] Its county seat is Smethport.[2] The county was created in 1804 and organized in 1826.[3] It was named in honor of former Pennsylvania Governor and Declaration of Independence signer Thomas McKean.[4] The county is part of the North Central Pennsylvania region of the state.[a]

McKean County comprises the Bradford, Pennsylvania micropolitan statistical area. It includes the Allegheny National Forest and borders New York. The Allegheny River flows through much of the eastern portion of the county, and the Allegheny Reservoir is accessible on the county’s western border. McKean County boasts of being "The Black Cherry Capital of the World."

McKean County was settled because of its natural resources of oil and timber, both of which continue to provide significant input to the local economy. Today, a university, rural medical center, federal prison and numerous manufacturing companies balance the area's economy.

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 984 square miles (2,550 km2), of which 979 square miles (2,540 km2) is land and 5.0 square miles (13 km2) (0.5%) is water.[5] It has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in downtown Bradford range from 23.0 °F in January to 67.6 °F in July, while in Mount Jewett they range from 21.2 °F in January to 65.1 °F in July.[6]

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Cattaraugus County, New York (north)
* Allegany County, New York (northeast)
* Potter County (east)
* Cameron County (southeast)
* Elk County (south)
* Forest County (southwest)
* Warren County (west)

### Major highways

[edit]

* US 6
* US 219
* PA 44
* PA 46
* PA 59
* PA 146
* PA 155
* PA 321
* PA 346
* PA 446
* PA 546
* PA 646
* PA 770

### National protected area

[edit]

* Allegheny National Forest (part)
* Allegheny National Recreation Area (part)

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1810| 142| | —
1820| 728| | 412.7%
1830| 1,439| | 97.7%
1840| 2,975| | 106.7%
1850| 5,254| | 76.6%
1860| 8,859| | 68.6%
1870| 8,825| | −0.4%
1880| 42,565| | 382.3%
1890| 46,863| | 10.1%
1900| 51,343| | 9.6%
1910| 47,868| | −6.8%
1920| 48,934| | 2.2%
1930| 55,167| | 12.7%
1940| 56,673| | 2.7%
1950| 56,607| | −0.1%
1960| 54,517| | −3.7%
1970| 51,915| | −4.8%
1980| 50,653| | −2.4%
1990| 47,131| | −7.0%
2000| 45,963| | −2.5%
2010| 43,450| | −5.5%
2020| 40,432| | −6.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2017[11][12]

As of the 2000 census,[13] there were 45,936 people, 18,024 households, and 12,094 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile (18 people/km2). There were 21,644 housing units at an average density of 22 units per square mile (8.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.46% White, 1.87% Black, 0.32% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. 1.06% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 35.0% German, 22.2% Irish, 14.6% Italian, 12.3% English, 10.0% Swedish, 8.6% American, 5.8% Polish, and 3.7% French ancestry.

There were 18,024 households, out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the age distribution of the population shows 23.70% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 28.50% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 16.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 100.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.70 males.

### 2020 census

[edit]

McKean County Racial Composition[14] Race  | Num.  | Perc.

|
|

White (NH)  | 36,991  | 91.5%
Black or African American (NH)  | 849  | 2.1%
Native American (NH)  | 102  | 0.3%
Asian (NH)  | 193  | 0.47%
Pacific Islander (NH)  | 2  | 0.01%
Other/Mixed (NH)  | 1,653  | 4.1%
Hispanic or Latino | 642  | 1.6%

## Micropolitan Statistical Area

[edit]

See also: List of micropolitan statistical areas

The United States Office of Management and Budget[15] has designated McKean County as the Bradford, PA micropolitan statistical area (USA).[16] As of the 2010 U.S. Census[17] the micropolitan area ranked 13th most populous in Pennsylvania and the 277th most populous in the United States with a population of 43,450.

## Law and government

[edit]

United States presidential election results for McKean County, Pennsylvania[18] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 14,401  | 72.92% | 5,115  | 25.90%  | 234  | 1.18%
2020 | 14,083  | 72.18% | 5,098  | 26.13%  | 329  | 1.69%
2016 | 11,635  | 70.67% | 4,025  | 24.45%  | 804  | 4.88%
2012 | 9,545  | 62.99% | 5,297  | 34.95%  | 312  | 2.06%
2008 | 9,224  | 57.61% | 6,465  | 40.38%  | 321  | 2.00%
2004 | 10,941  | 62.79% | 6,294  | 36.12%  | 191  | 1.10%
2000 | 9,661  | 61.12% | 5,510  | 34.86%  | 635  | 4.02%
1996 | 6,838  | 45.99% | 5,509  | 37.05%  | 2,522  | 16.96%
1992 | 6,965  | 42.47% | 5,331  | 32.51%  | 4,104  | 25.02%
1988 | 9,323  | 63.22% | 5,300  | 35.94%  | 124  | 0.84%
1984 | 10,963  | 69.22% | 4,818  | 30.42%  | 58  | 0.37%
1980 | 9,229  | 60.85% | 5,064  | 33.39%  | 873  | 5.76%
1976 | 10,305  | 60.88% | 6,424  | 37.95%  | 197  | 1.16%
1972 | 11,958  | 71.72% | 4,513  | 27.07%  | 202  | 1.21%
1968 | 10,506  | 59.67% | 6,326  | 35.93%  | 775  | 4.40%
1964 | 7,948  | 41.82%  | 10,950  | 57.61% | 109  | 0.57%
1960 | 13,699  | 63.62% | 7,767  | 36.07%  | 66  | 0.31%
1956 | 14,725  | 73.81% | 5,152  | 25.82%  | 73  | 0.37%
1952 | 15,256  | 73.43% | 5,373  | 25.86%  | 147  | 0.71%
1948 | 10,218  | 66.91% | 4,785  | 31.33%  | 269  | 1.76%
1944 | 11,988  | 64.45% | 6,492  | 34.90%  | 121  | 0.65%
1940 | 14,822  | 67.58% | 6,991  | 31.88%  | 119  | 0.54%
1936 | 11,837  | 53.37% | 9,733  | 43.88%  | 611  | 2.75%
1932 | 9,970  | 65.01% | 4,661  | 30.39%  | 704  | 4.59%
1928 | 14,012  | 73.49% | 4,964  | 26.04%  | 90  | 0.47%
1924 | 9,072  | 68.99% | 2,376  | 18.07%  | 1,701  | 12.94%
1920 | 7,830  | 68.65% | 2,505  | 21.96%  | 1,071  | 9.39%
1916 | 4,300  | 51.81% | 3,161  | 38.09%  | 838  | 10.10%
1912 | 1,345  | 16.81%  | 2,362  | 29.52%  | 4,294  | 53.67%
1908 | 5,073  | 58.01% | 2,867  | 32.78%  | 805  | 9.21%
1904 | 5,719  | 67.48% | 1,636  | 19.30%  | 1,120  | 13.22%
1900 | 6,319  | 61.39% | 3,427  | 33.29%  | 547  | 5.31%
1896 | 5,077  | 59.59% | 3,074  | 36.08%  | 369  | 4.33%
1892 | 3,594  | 50.01% | 2,843  | 39.56%  | 750  | 10.44%
1888 | 4,066  | 52.74% | 2,922  | 37.90%  | 721  | 9.35%
United States Senate election results for McKean County, Pennsylvania1[19] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 13,799  | 70.51% | 5,231  | 26.73%  | 541  | 2.76%

### Voter Registration

[edit]

As of February 21, 2022, there are 24,893 registered voters in McKean County.[20]

Chart of Voter Registration

1. Republican (61.7%)
2. Democratic (24.2%)
3. Independent (9.22%)
4. Third Party (4.83%)

* Democratic: 6,037 (24.25%)
* Republican: 15,357 (61.69%)
* Independent: 2,296 (9.22%)
* Third Party: 1,203 (4.83%)

### State Senate

[edit]

* Cris Dush, Republican, Pennsylvania's 25th Senatorial District[21]

### State House of Representatives

[edit]

* Martin T. Causer, Republican, Pennsylvania's 67th Representative District[21]

### United States House of Representatives

[edit]

* Glenn Thompson, Republican, Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district

### United States Senate

[edit]

* John Fetterman, Democrat
* Dave McCormick, Republican

## Education

[edit]

Map of McKean County, Pennsylvania School Districts

### Public school districts

[edit]

* Bradford Area School District
* Kane Area School District (also covers part of Elk County)
* Oswayo Valley School District (majority of which is in Potter County, covers small portion in McKean County)
* Otto-Eldred School District
* Port Allegany School District (also covers part of Potter County)
* Smethport Area School District

### Private schools

[edit]

As reported by EdNA, Pennsylvania Department of Education, June 2010.

* Bradford Area Christian Academy, Bradford
* Custer City Private School
* Learning Center Inc, Bradford
* United Christian Academy, Smethport

### Libraries

[edit]

* Bradford Area Public Library
* Friends Memorial Public Library - Kane
* Hamlin Memorial Library - Smethport
* Mount Jewett Memorial Library
* Samuel W Smith Memorial Public Library - Port Allegany

### Other education entities

[edit]

* Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems - Custer City
* McKean County Historical Society's Museum at the Old Jail - Smethport
* Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center - Port Allegany
* Seneca Highlands IU 9 - Smethport
* University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

## Recreation

[edit]

There is one Pennsylvania state park in McKean County. Kinzua Bridge State Park is between U.S. Route 6 and Pennsylvania Route 59, just east of the Allegheny National Forest near Mount Jewett. When it was built, it was the highest and longest railroad bridge in the world. It was chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Bureau of Parks as one of "Twenty Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks" and is a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. A tornado destroyed much of the bridge in 2003, and a skywalk and viewing platform have since been installed on its remnants.

## Communities

[edit]

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

### City

[edit]

* Bradford

### Boroughs

[edit]

* Eldred
* Kane
* Lewis Run
* Mount Jewett
* Port Allegany
* Smethport (county seat)

### Townships

[edit]

* Annin
* Bradford
* Ceres
* Corydon
* Eldred
* Foster
* Hamilton
* Hamlin
* Keating
* Lafayette
* Liberty
* Norwich
* Otto
* Sergeant
* Wetmore

### Census-designated places

[edit]

* Foster Brook
* Rew
* University of Pittsburgh Bradford

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Burning Well
* Coryville
* Cyclone
* Derrick City
* Farmers Valley
* Gifford
* Ludlow

### Population ranking

[edit]

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

† county seat

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

|
|
|

1  | Bradford | City  | 8,770
2  | Kane | Borough  | 3,730
3  | Port Allegany | Borough  | 2,157
4  | † Smethport | Borough  | 1,655
5  | Foster Brook | CDP  | 1,251
6  | Mount Jewett | Borough  | 919
7  | Eldred | Borough  | 875
8  | Lewis Run | Borough  | 617
9  | Rew | CDP  | 199

## See also

[edit]

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

## References

[edit]

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

1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: McKean 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 13, 2015.
4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 194.
5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
6. ^ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University". prism.oregonstate.edu.
7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
9. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
11. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
12. ^ "Census 2020 - McKean County, Pennsylvania". Census.gov. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
13. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
14. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – McKean County, Pennsylvania".
15. ^ "Office of Management and Budget - The White House". Retrieved November 27, 2018.
16. ^ "Businesses that Received Forms in 2012: Pennsylvania - U.S. Census Bureau". Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
17. ^ a b "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
18. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
19. ^ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
20. ^ "Voter registration statistics by county". Dos.state.pa.us. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
21. ^ a b Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved May 11, 2017.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to McKean County, Pennsylvania.

* A resource website for families in McKean County including the McKean County Resource Directory
* McKean County Government
* McKean County Capitol History
* Bradford Today Archived October 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
* Bradford Era News
* Gardeau Train Wreck of 2006 \- A website about the train wreck and chemical spill of June 30, 2006. Location: Gardeau, Norwich Township, Pennsylvania

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of McKean County, Pennsylvania, United States

County seat: Smethport

City|

* Bradford

Boroughs|

* Eldred
* Kane
* Lewis Run
* Mount Jewett
* Port Allegany
* Smethport

Townships|

* Annin
* Bradford
* Ceres
* Corydon
* Eldred
* Foster
* Hamilton
* Hamlin
* Keating
* Lafayette
* Liberty
* Norwich
* Otto
* Sergeant
* Wetmore

CDPs|

* Foster Brook
* Rew
* University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Unincorporated
communities|

* Big Shanty
* Burning Well
* Coryville
* Crosby
* Custer City
* Cyclone
* Derrick City
* Dunkle Corners
* East Kane
* East Smethport
* Farmers Valley
* Gifford
* Hazel Hurst
* Klondike
* Lantz Corners
* Ludlow
* Rixford
* Sergeant
* Turtlepoint

* Pennsylvania portal
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* v
* t
* e

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg (capital)

Topics|

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Society|

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Metro areas|

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Largest cities|

* Allentown
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Largest
municipalities|

* Abington Township
* Bensalem Township
* Bethel Park
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* Cheltenham Township
* Cranberry Township
* Darby
* Falls Township
* Hampden Township
* Haverford Township
* Hempfield Township
* Lower Macungie Township
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* Manheim Township
* McCandless
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* Monroeville
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* Penn Hills
* Radnor Township
* Ridley Township
* Ross Township
* Shaler Township
* Spring Township
* State College
* Tredyffrin Township
* Upper Darby Township
* Upper Merion Township
* Warminster Township
* West Chester
* Whitehall Township
* York Township

Regions|

* Allegheny Mountains
* Allegheny National Forest
* Allegheny Plateau
* Bald Eagle Valley
* Blue Ridge
* Coal Region
* Cumberland Valley
* Delaware Valley
* Dutch Country
* Endless Mountains
* Great Valley
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* Main Line
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* Oil Region
* Oley Valley
* Pennsylvania Highlands
* Pennsylvania Wilds
* Penns Valley
* Piedmont
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* Ridge and Valley
* South Central
* Susquehanna Valley
* Western
* Wyoming Valley

Counties|

* Adams
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* York

Pennsylvania portal

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
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Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

Other|

* NARA
* Yale LUX

41°49′N 78°27′W﻿ / ﻿41.817°N 78.450°W﻿ / 41.817; -78.450
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