Perry County, Pennsylvania

Perry County, Pennsylvania

General Information
Name	Perry County, Pennsylvania
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	40.4°-77.2 type:adm2nd_region:US-PA°{{{4}}}
Map
Population
Total	45,969
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Perry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 45,969. The county seat is Bloomfield. Perry County is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Perry County was created on March 22, 1820, from part of Cumberland County. It was named after Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. The county has a rich history, with many historic sites and buildings, including the Perry County Courthouse and the New Bloomfield Historic District.

Geography

Perry County is located in the central part of Pennsylvania. It is bordered by Juniata County to the north, Dauphin County to the east, Cumberland County to the south, and Franklin County to the west. The county has a total area of 556 square miles, of which 551 square miles is land and 5 square miles is water.

Natural Features

Perry County is known for its scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and waterways. The county is home to several state parks and natural areas, such as Little Buffalo State Park and Tuscarora State Forest.

A lake in Kennedy's Valley, Perry County

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Perry County had a population of 45,969. The population density was approximately 83 people per square mile. The county is predominantly rural, with agriculture and small businesses forming the backbone of the local economy.

Economy

The economy of Perry County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services being the primary sectors. The county's agricultural products include dairy, poultry, and crops such as corn and soybeans.

Education

Perry County is served by several school districts, including the West Perry School District, Susquenita School District, and Greenwood School District. The county also has access to higher education institutions in nearby Harrisburg.

Transportation

Perry County is accessible via several major highways, including U.S. Route 11 and U.S. Route 15. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.

Also see

• Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
• Juniata County, Pennsylvania
• Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
• Franklin County, Pennsylvania
• Harrisburg–Carlisle, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area

External links

• Perry County official website