Columbia County, Pennsylvania

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Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Columbia County, Pennsylvania is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 64,727. The county seat is Bloomsburg, which is notable for being the only incorporated town in Pennsylvania.

History

Columbia County was created on March 22, 1813, from parts of Northumberland and Luzerne counties. It was named after Christopher Columbus. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and its development during the Industrial Revolution.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 490 square miles (1,269 km²), of which 483 square miles (1,251 km²) is land and 7.1 square miles (18 km²) (1.4%) is water. The county is part of the Susquehanna Valley region.

Adjacent counties

• Sullivan County (north)
• Luzerne County (northeast)
• Schuylkill County (southeast)
• Northumberland County (southwest)
• Montour County (west)
• Lycoming County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 64,727 people, 25,000 households, and 15,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 134 people per square mile (52/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Columbia County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and education. The county is home to Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, which is a major employer and economic driver in the region.

Education

Columbia County is served by several public school districts, including:

• Bloomsburg Area School District
• Central Columbia School District
• Benton Area School District
• Millville Area School District
• Southern Columbia Area School District

The county also has several private schools and is home to Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, a public university that is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Transportation

Major highways that pass through Columbia County include:

• Interstate 80
• U.S. Route 11
• Pennsylvania Route 42
• Pennsylvania Route 44

Communities

Towns

• Bloomsburg

Boroughs

• Benton
• Berwick
• Briar Creek
• Catawissa
• Centralia
• Millville
• Orangeville
• Stillwater

Townships

• Beaver Township
• Benton Township
• Briar Creek Township
• Catawissa Township
• Cleveland Township
• Conyngham Township
• Fishing Creek Township
• Franklin Township
• Greenwood Township
• Hemlock Township
• Jackson Township
• Locust Township
• Madison Township
• Main Township
• Mifflin Township
• Montour Township
• Mount Pleasant Township
• North Centre Township
• Orange Township
• Pine Township
• Roaring Creek Township
• Scott Township
• Sugarloaf Township

See also

• List of counties in Pennsylvania
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Columbia County, Pennsylvania
• Susquehanna Valley