Centre County, Pennsylvania

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County in Pennsylvania, United States

Centre County

General Information
Name	Centre County, Pennsylvania
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	U.S. county
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	40.92°N 77.80°W
Map
Population
Total	158172
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Centre County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 158,172. Its county seat is Bellefonte. The largest city in Centre County is State College, which is home to the Penn State University.

History

Centre County was created on February 13, 1800, from parts of Mifflin and Northumberland counties. It was named for its central location in the state. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and its development as a center for iron production in the 19th century.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,112 square miles (2,880 km²), of which 1,108 square miles (2,870 km²) is land and 4.2 square miles (11 km²) (0.4%) is water. The county is part of the Appalachian Mountains and features a mix of ridge-and-valley terrain.

Adjacent counties

• Clinton County (north)
• Union County (east)
• Mifflin County (southeast)
• Huntingdon County (south)
• Blair County (southwest)
• Clearfield County (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 158,172 people, 57,573 households, and 32,833 families residing in the county. The population density was 142.7 people per square mile (55.1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 89.5% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.2% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

Education

Centre County is home to several institutions of higher education, most notably Penn State University, which is located in State College. The university is a major driver of the local economy and culture.

Economy

The economy of Centre County is diverse, with significant contributions from education, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. The presence of Penn State University has fostered a strong research and development sector.

Government and politics

Centre County is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners. The county is part of the 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Communities

Boroughs

• Bellefonte
• State College
• Philipsburg
• Milesburg
• Millheim

Townships

• Benner Township
• Boggs Township
• Burnside Township
• College Township
• Curtin Township
• Ferguson Township
• Gregg Township
• Haines Township
• Halfmoon Township
• Harris Township
• Howard Township
• Huston Township
• Liberty Township
• Marion Township
• Miles Township
• Patton Township
• Penn Township
• Potter Township
• Rush Township
• Snow Shoe Township
• Spring Township
• Taylor Township
• Union Township
• Walker Township
• Worth Township

Census-designated places

• Boalsburg
• Houserville
• Lemont
• Park Forest Village
• Pleasant Gap
• Toftrees

See also

• List of counties in Pennsylvania
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Centre County, Pennsylvania