Swedeland, Pennsylvania

Swedeland, Pennsylvania is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and is situated approximately 15 miles northwest of the city of Philadelphia.

History

Swedeland was originally settled by Swedish immigrants in the 17th century, and its name reflects this heritage. The community grew around the Swedes' Church, Swedesburg and Swedeland, which was established in 1760. The church is still active today and serves as a reminder of the area's early history.

Geography

Swedeland is located at 40°5′24″N 75°21′36″W (40.0900, -75.3600). The CDP has a total area of 0.6 square miles, all of it land. It is bordered by the Schuylkill River to the south and the community of Swedesburg to the east.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 1,484 people residing in Swedeland. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.2% White, 3.8% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

Education

Swedeland is served by the Upper Merion Area School District. Students in grades K-4 attend the Caley Elementary School, while those in grades 5-8 attend the Upper Merion Area Middle School. High school students attend the Upper Merion Area High School.

Transportation

The main roads in Swedeland are the Pennsylvania Route 23 and the U.S. Route 202. The community is also served by the SEPTA bus routes 99 and 123.

Notable people

• John P. Deeben, a noted genealogist and historian, was born in Swedeland.
• James J. Sullivan Jr., a former member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is from Swedeland.

See also

• List of census-designated places in Pennsylvania
• Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania