Clinton County, Pennsylvania
Clinton County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,450.[1] Its county seat is Lock Haven.[2] Clinton County comprises the Lock Haven, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Williamsport-Lock Haven, PA Combined Statistical Area. The county is part of the Central region of the commonwealth.[lower-alpha 1]
History
[edit | edit source]In the Treaty of Fort Stanwix of 1768, new lands in Pennsylvania were purchased from the Haudenosaunee for colonial settlement, including parts of what is now Clinton County. The land was formally associated with Northumberland County, but a group of organized settlers near modern Jersey Shore elected three commissioners each March who were responsible for seeing that everyone was dealt with fairly. This became known as the Fairplay System. Most of the rulings seem to have dealt with property issues, but they dealt with any legal or criminal cases in their area. They granted permission for new settlers to enter the area, could take away a settler's land claim if they were absent more than six weeks (except for military service), and could expel a person (by setting them adrift in a canoe on the river). The county was created on June 21, 1839, from parts of Centre and Lycoming Counties.
Etymology
[edit | edit source]The county name is in honor of the sixth Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton. Some alternate sources suggest the namesake is Henry Clinton.[3]
Geography
[edit | edit source]_(14596930247).jpg){kind=link}
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 897 square miles (2,320 km2), of which 888 square miles (2,300 km2) is land and 8.9 square miles (23 km2) (1.0%) is water.[4] The county has a humid continental climate which is warm-summer (Dfb) except in lower areas near the West Branch and the Bald Eagle Creek which are hot-summer (Dfa). Average monthly temperatures in Lock Haven range from 26.5 °F in January to 72.2 °F in July, while in Renovo they range from 25.6 °F in January to 71.0 °F in July.[5]
Adjacent counties
[edit | edit source]Landforms
[edit | edit source]- Bear Mountain - a USGS GNIS registered mountain peak (Bear Mountain: summit type feature at 41°00′34″N 077°26′02″W / 41.00944°N 77.43389°W) on the "Mill Hall" topographic map[6]
Major highways
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Demographics
[edit | edit source]2020 census
[edit | edit source]As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 37,450, and the median age was 41.5 years; 21.0% of residents were under the age of 18 and 20.5% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.3 males.[7][8]
The racial makeup of the county was 93.9% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.7% from some other race, and 3.4% from two or more races, while Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.8% of the population.[8]
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[9] | Pop 2010[10] | Pop 2020[11] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 37,125 | 37,618 | 34,933 | 97.91% | 95.87% | 93.27% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 189 | 612 | 416 | 0.49% | 1.55% | 1.11% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 42 | 29 | 51 | 0.11% | 0.07% | 0.13% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 150 | 199 | 211 | 0.39% | 0.50% | 0.56% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 7 | 15 | 7 | 0.01% | 0.03% | 0.01% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 14 | 18 | 70 | 0.03% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 182 | 310 | 1,100 | 0.48% | 0.79% | 2.93% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 205 | 437 | 662 | 0.54% | 1.11% | 1.76% |
| Total | 37,914 | 39,238 | 37,450 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
52.1% of residents lived in urban areas, while 47.9% lived in rural areas.[12]
There were 15,199 households in the county, of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 47.4% were married-couple households, 18.8% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 25.4% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[7]
There were 18,603 housing units, of which 18.3% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 70.6% were owner-occupied and 29.4% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 9.5%.[7]
2000 census
[edit | edit source]As of the census[13] of 2000, there were 37,914 people, 14,773 households, and 9,927 families residing in the county. The population density was 43 people per square mile (17 people/km2). There were 18,166 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (7.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.3% White, 0.52% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. 0.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 36.0% were of German, 15.6% American, 9.6% Irish, 8.6% Italian and 7.4% English ancestry.
There were 14,773 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 13.6% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.20 males.
Micropolitan Statistical Area
[edit | edit source]
The United States Office of Management and Budget[14] has designated Clinton County as the Lock Haven, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA). As of the 2010 U.S. census[15] the micropolitan area ranked 16th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 315th most populous in the United States with a population of 39,238. Clinton County is also a part of the Williamsport-Lock Haven, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the population of both Clinton County and the Lycoming County areas. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 11th in the State of Pennsylvania and 143rd most populous in the United States with a population of 155,349.
Government and politics
[edit | edit source]| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1888 | 2,756 | 45.38% | 3,204 | 52.76% | 113 | 1.86% |
| 1892 | 2,572 | 43.91% | 3,075 | 52.49% | 211 | 3.60% |
| 1896 | 3,486 | 51.23% | 3,053 | 44.87% | 265 | 3.89% |
| 1900 | 3,157 | 50.58% | 2,879 | 46.13% | 205 | 3.28% |
| 1904 | 3,535 | 61.36% | 1,941 | 33.69% | 285 | 4.95% |
| 1908 | 3,477 | 54.54% | 2,547 | 39.95% | 351 | 5.51% |
| 1912 | 1,214 | 20.12% | 2,200 | 36.45% | 2,621 | 43.43% |
| 1916 | 2,794 | 45.14% | 2,967 | 47.93% | 429 | 6.93% |
| 1920 | 4,303 | 54.58% | 2,976 | 37.75% | 605 | 7.67% |
| 1924 | 5,129 | 54.62% | 1,939 | 20.65% | 2,323 | 24.74% |
| 1928 | 8,120 | 73.62% | 2,849 | 25.83% | 60 | 0.54% |
| 1932 | 4,851 | 54.54% | 3,741 | 42.06% | 302 | 3.40% |
| 1936 | 6,479 | 43.28% | 8,351 | 55.79% | 139 | 0.93% |
| 1940 | 6,291 | 45.80% | 7,419 | 54.01% | 26 | 0.19% |
| 1944 | 5,915 | 50.66% | 5,703 | 48.85% | 57 | 0.49% |
| 1948 | 5,618 | 52.85% | 5,013 | 47.15% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 8,125 | 58.29% | 5,758 | 41.31% | 55 | 0.39% |
| 1956 | 8,250 | 60.32% | 5,411 | 39.56% | 17 | 0.12% |
| 1960 | 9,184 | 60.58% | 5,965 | 39.34% | 12 | 0.08% |
| 1964 | 4,298 | 29.91% | 10,038 | 69.84% | 36 | 0.25% |
| 1968 | 6,563 | 48.59% | 6,301 | 46.65% | 644 | 4.77% |
| 1972 | 8,205 | 62.54% | 4,772 | 36.37% | 142 | 1.08% |
| 1976 | 5,858 | 46.63% | 6,532 | 51.99% | 174 | 1.38% |
| 1980 | 6,288 | 52.36% | 4,842 | 40.32% | 880 | 7.33% |
| 1984 | 6,678 | 59.24% | 4,525 | 40.14% | 70 | 0.62% |
| 1988 | 5,735 | 49.38% | 5,759 | 49.59% | 119 | 1.02% |
| 1992 | 4,471 | 35.57% | 5,397 | 42.94% | 2,701 | 21.49% |
| 1996 | 4,293 | 37.39% | 5,658 | 49.27% | 1,532 | 13.34% |
| 2000 | 6,064 | 50.56% | 5,521 | 46.03% | 409 | 3.41% |
| 2004 | 8,035 | 57.53% | 5,823 | 41.69% | 109 | 0.78% |
| 2008 | 7,504 | 50.73% | 7,097 | 47.98% | 190 | 1.28% |
| 2012 | 7,303 | 54.86% | 5,734 | 43.08% | 274 | 2.06% |
| 2016 | 10,022 | 64.64% | 4,744 | 30.60% | 739 | 4.77% |
| 2020 | 11,902 | 67.39% | 5,502 | 31.15% | 257 | 1.46% |
| 2024 | 12,965 | 69.83% | 5,395 | 29.06% | 207 | 1.11% |
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Voter registration
[edit | edit source]As of February 6, 2024, there are 21,710 registered voters in Clinton County.[19]
- Republican: 12,411 (57.17%)
- Democratic: 6,497 (29.93%)
- Independent: 2,015 (9.28%)
- Third Party: 787 (3.63%)
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Chart of Voter Registration
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County commissioners
[edit | edit source]- Jim Russo, chairman, Republican
- Jeffrey Snyder, vice chairman, Republican
- Angela Harding, Democrat
Other county offices
[edit | edit source]- Chief Clerk, Desiree Meyers
- Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary, Cynthia Love, Republican
- District Attorney, David Strouse, Democrat
- Register of Wills, Jennifer Hoy, Republican
- Treasurer, Michelle Kunes, Republican
- Auditor, Jacqui Anastos, Republican
- Auditor, Michelle Crowell, Democrat
- Auditor, Cathy Gedon, Republican
- Sheriff, Kerry Stover, Democrat
- Coroner Zach Hanna, Democrat
State senate
[edit | edit source]| District | Senator | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Cris Dush | Republican |
State House of Representatives
[edit | edit source]| District | Representative | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 76 | Stephanie Borowicz | Republican |
United States House of Representatives
[edit | edit source]| District | Representative | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Glenn Thompson | Republican |
United States Senate
[edit | edit source]| Senator | Party |
|---|---|
| John Fetterman | Democratic |
| Dave McCormick | Republican |
Education
[edit | edit source]
Colleges and universities
[edit | edit source]Public school districts
[edit | edit source]- Jersey Shore Area School District (also in Lycoming County)
- Keystone Central School District (also in Centre County)
- West Branch Area School District (also in Clearfield County)
Recreation
[edit | edit source]There are five Pennsylvania state parks in Clinton County.
- Bucktail State Park Natural Area is a 75-mile (121 km) scenic route along Pennsylvania Route 120 stretching from Lock Haven to Emporium in Cameron County.
- Hyner Run State Park
- Hyner View State Park
- Kettle Creek State Park
- Ravensburg State Park
Communities
[edit | edit source]
Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Clinton County:
City
[edit | edit source]- Lock Haven (county seat)
Boroughs
[edit | edit source]Townships
[edit | edit source]Former townships
[edit | edit source]Census-designated places
[edit | edit source]Census-designated places are unincorporated communities designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law.
Other unincorporated communities
[edit | edit source]Population ranking
[edit | edit source]The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Clinton County.[20]
† county seat
| Rank | City/Town/etc. | Municipal type | Population (2020 Census) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | † Lock Haven | City | 8,108 |
| 2 | Mill Hall | Borough | 1,479 |
| 3 | Avis | Borough | 1,473 |
| 4 | Dunnstown | CDP | 1,464 |
| 5 | Flemington | Borough | 1,271 |
| 6 | McElhattan | CDP | 1,224 |
| 7 | Renovo | Borough | 1,061 |
| 8 | Castanea | CDP | 1,047 |
| 9 | Beech Creek | Borough | 736 |
| 10 | Rauchtown (partially in Lycoming County) | CDP | 722 |
| 11 | Lamar | CDP | 561 |
| 12 | Rote | CDP | 488 |
| 13 | Loganton | Borough | 469 |
| 14 | South Renovo | Borough | 411 |
See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Includes Centre, Lycoming, Northumberland, Columbia, Mifflin, Union, Snyder, Clinton, Juniata and Montour Counties
- ↑ "Census - Geography Profile: Clinton County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
- ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ↑ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 85.
- ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
- ↑ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University".
- ↑ summit type feature
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Clinton County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Clinton County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Clinton County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau.
- ↑ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
- ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ↑ "Office of Management and Budget". White House. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
- ↑ "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
- ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
- ↑ The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 1,926 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 613 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 77 votes, and Socialist Labor candidate Arthur Reimer received 5 votes.
- ↑ "Pennsylvania Elections - Summary Results".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State (February 5, 2024). "Voter registration statistics by county". dos.pa.gov. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ↑ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov.
External links
[edit | edit source] |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Clinton County, Pennsylvania. |
- Clinton County Government Homepage
- Open Access edition of The History of Centre and Clinton counties, Pennsylvania (1883) by John Blair Linn at the Penn State University Library website