Elk County, Pennsylvania

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Elk County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
Founded	April 18, 1843
Seat	Ridgway
Area
• Total	832 sq mi (2,150 km2)
• Land	827 sq mi (2,140 km2)
• Water	5.1 sq mi (13 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	30,990
• Density	37/sq mi (14/km2)
Website	www.co.elk.pa.us

Elk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,990. The county seat is Ridgway. The county was created on April 18, 1843, from parts of Jefferson, Clearfield, and McKean counties. It is named for the eastern elk that historically inhabited the region.

Geography

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 5.1 square miles (13 km²) (0.6%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• McKean County (north)
• Cameron County (east)
• Clearfield County (south)
• Jefferson County (southwest)
• Forest County (west)
• Warren County (northwest)

Major highways

• U.S. Route 219
• Pennsylvania Route 120
• Pennsylvania Route 255
• Pennsylvania Route 948

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 30,990 people, 13,320 households, and 8,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 37 people per square mile (14/km²). There were 15,000 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km²).

Communities

City

• St. Marys

Boroughs

• Johnsonburg
• Ridgway
• Kersey

Townships

• Benezette Township
• Fox Township
• Highland Township
• Horton Township
• Jay Township
• Jones Township
• Millstone Township
• Ridgway Township
• Spring Creek Township

Census-designated places

• Weedville
• Wilcox

Education

Elk County is served by several school districts, including the St. Marys Area School District, the Ridgway Area School District, and the Johnsonburg Area School District.

Economy

The economy of Elk County is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is known for its production of powdered metals and has a strong presence in the powdered metal industry.

Recreation

Elk County is home to the Elk State Forest and the Allegheny National Forest, offering numerous outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. The county is also known for its elk viewing areas, particularly in Benezette Township.

See also

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

External links

• Official website