Union County, Pennsylvania

Union County, Pennsylvania

Old Union County Courthouse in New Berlin
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Union County
Location in the state of Pennsylvania
Map of the United States highlighting Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location in the U.S.
Founded March 22, 1813
Seat Lewisburg
Largest borough Lewisburg
Area
 • Total 318 sq mi (824 km2)
 • Land 316 sq mi (818 km2)
 • Water 1.8 sq mi (5 km2), 0.6%
Population (est.)
 • (2015) 44,954
 • Density 142/sq mi (55/km²)
Congressional district 10th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.unionco.org

Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 44,947.[1] Its county seat is Lewisburg.[2] The county was created on March 22, 1813, from part of Northumberland County. Its name is an allusion to the federal Union.

Union County comprises the Lewisburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 318 square miles (820 km2), of which 316 square miles (820 km2) is land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2) (0.6%) is water.[3] It is the fourth-smallest county in Pennsylvania by area.

Adjacent counties

State protected areas

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
182018,619—
183020,79511.7%
184022,7879.6%
185026,08314.5%
186014,145−45.8%
187015,56510.0%
188016,9058.6%
189017,8205.4%
190017,592−1.3%
191016,249−7.6%
192015,850−2.5%
193017,46810.2%
194020,24715.9%
195023,15014.3%
196025,64610.8%
197028,60311.5%
198032,87014.9%
199036,17610.1%
200041,62415.1%
201044,9478.0%
Est. 201544,954[4]0.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
1790-1960[6] 1900-1990[7]
1990-2000[8] 2010-2013[1]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 41,624 people, 13,178 households, and 9,211 families residing in the county. The population density was 131 people per square mile (51/km²). There were 14,684 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile (18/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.08% White, 6.91% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.37% from two or more races. 3.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 41.2% were of German, 13.9% American, 6.5% Irish, 5.9% English and 5.3% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000. 90.4% spoke English, 3.7% Spanish, 2.0% Pennsylvania Dutch and 1.2% German as their first language.

There were 13,178 households out of which 31.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.90% were married couples living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 25.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out with 20.10% under the age of 18, 13.90% from 18 to 24, 30.90% from 25 to 44, 21.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 123.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.50 males.

Union County's live birth rate was 414 births in 1990. Union County's live birth rate in 2000 declined to 395 births, while in 2011 it was 396 live births of babies.[10] Over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), rural Pennsylvania saw a steady decline in both the number and proportion of residents under 18 years old.

County poverty demographics

According to research by The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, which is a legislative Agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the poverty rate for Union County was 13.4% in 2014.[11] The statewide poverty rate was 13.6% in 2014. The 2012 childhood poverty rate by public school district was: Mifflinburg Area School District - 40.1% living at 185% or below than the Federal Poverty Level, Lewisburg Area School District - 22.4%, Milton Area School District - 51.9% and Warrior Run School District - 32.2%.[12]

According to the US Census Bureau, from 2009-2014 Union County saw a 68% increase in the number of families in the federal food assistance program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).[13] The number of people or families receiving monthly SNAP dollars rose from 977 in 2009 to 1,641 people in 2014.[14]

Teen Pregnancy rate

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports the annual teens aged 15-19 birth rate. From 2011 to 2015, Union County experienced a 9% decline in teen pregnancies.[15] In Pennsylvania, the majority of pupils graduate from high school at age 18 years. Union County is home to a large Amish population where pregnancies at 17-19 years old are common.

Micropolitan Statistical Area

Map of the Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), composed of the following parts:
  Sunbury, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA)

The United States Office of Management and Budget[16] has designated Union County as the Lewisburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA). As of the 2010 U.S. Census[17] the micropolitan area ranked 12th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 263rd most populous in the United States with a population of 44,947. Union County is also a part of the Bloomsburg-Berwick-Sunbury, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the populations of Union County, as well as Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder Counties in Pennsylvania. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 8th in the State of Pennsylvania and 115th most populous in the United States with a population of 264,739.

Government

County Commissioners

Budget

Union County levies several taxes and receives funding from both the state and federal government. The County is mandated by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide many social services to residents.[18][19]

In 2015, the Commissioners approved a $20 million budget which did not require raising taxes.[20]

State government

Federal level

Education

Map of Union County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Early child education

According to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning of the Pennsylvania Department of Education June 2007 report, Union County is rated low to moderate risk level for children who are “at risk” and therefore might benefit from more taxpayer funded services. Union County was rated 1.86 ARL, in the lowest 25% of counties for average risk level.[21] Lewisburg Area School District operates a preschool limited to high needs children. The District receives a state grant to fund the program.

Head Start PreSchool Programs

Head Start is a federally and state funded preschool program for low income children. The program serves 3 and 4 year olds. In order to participate the family income must be below federal poverty guidelines.

Charter school

Efforts to establish a science focused, public charter school in the borough of New Berlin were rejected by Mifflinburg Area School Board, Lewisburg Area School District, Selinsgrove Area School Board and Midd-West School Board.[23][24]

Public school districts

Vocational school

Higher education

Private schools

Child abuse cases reported

In 2014, 238 child abuse reports were made to the Union Children and Youth Agency. In 2015, reported cases increased to 309 a 30% increase in reports over 2014.[25] The increase in cases was attributed to a new state law specifying more professions are mandated reporters including: teachers, college professors, coaches, advisors of youth organizations and public school employees.[26]

Communities

Map of Union County, Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Boroughs (red), Townships (white), and Census-designated places (blue).

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in Union County:

Boroughs

Townships

Census-designated places

Census-designated places are geographical areas 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, such as villages, may be listed here as well.

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Union County.[27]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2010 Census)

1 † Lewisburg Borough 5,792
2 Mifflinburg Borough 3,540
3 Linntown CDP 1,489
4 New Columbia CDP 1,013
T-5 West Milton CDP 900
T-5 Winfield CDP 900
6 New Berlin Borough 873
7 Allenwood CDP 321
8 Hartleton Borough 283
9 Vicksburg CDP 261
10 Laurelton CDP 221

Recycling

A basic program for recycling is available throughout the county including once-monthly curbside pick up and drop off facilities that are open for a couple hours a week. Aluminum, glass, newspaper, #1 and #2 plastics, and magazines are all accepted at most sites. Strict separation and cleaning of materials are required. Household hazardous waste, including fluorescent bulbs, are not recyclable in the county.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015". Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  5. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  7. ↑ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  9. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
  10. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Health, Birth Age County Reports 1990 and 2011, 2011
  11. ↑ US Census Bureau (2015). "Poverty Rates by County". Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates.
  12. ↑ Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center (2012). "Student Poverty Concentration 2012".
  13. ↑ Emma Ginader., Union Shows Highest spike in food need, The Daily Item, February 17, 2016
  14. ↑ US Census Bureau, 2014 Community Survey, 2015
  15. ↑ Rick Dandes., Fewer Kids Having Kids, The Daily Item, March 13, 2016
  16. ↑ http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb
  17. ↑ http://www.census.gov/2010census/
  18. ↑ Governor’s Center for Local Government Services (2003). "Citizen's Guide to Pennsylvania Local Government".
  19. ↑ Governor's Center for Local Government Services, Citizen's Guide to Pennsylvania Local Government, June 2003
  20. ↑ Matt Catrillo (December 31, 2015). "Union County passes budget with no tax increase". WKOK1070AM.
  21. ↑ Early Child Education Program Reach Analysis
  22. ↑ Snyder, Union, Mifflin Child Development Report. Feb 2010
  23. ↑ Evamaries Socha (February 29, 2012). "Board rejects charter proposal". The Daily Item.
  24. ↑ Matt Farrand (November 9, 2012). "Charter application rejected". Standard Journal.
  25. ↑ John Zaklansky., Increase in referrals, abuse cases. The Daily Item, April 10, 2016
  26. ↑ John Zaklansky., Child Abuse Awareness takes on new meaning. The Daily Item, April 10, 2016
  27. ↑ http://www.census.gov/2010census/

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Union County, Pennsylvania.
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Centre County Northumberland County
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Coordinates: 40°58′N 77°04′W / 40.96°N 77.06°W / 40.96; -77.06

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