Pennsylvania Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)
How many counties are there in Pennsylvania? As of 2024, there are a total of 67 counties in the state of Pennsylvania. Among them, Bucks County is the oldest one (established in 1682) while Lackawanna County is the youngest (established in 1878). With population of 1,526,006, Philadelphia County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Lycoming County (3,222 km²) and the smallest is Montour County (342 km²).
Largest Counties in Pennsylvania
1. Lycoming County
County Seat: Williamsport
- Area: 1,244 square miles
- Population: 114,188 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 570
- Latitude: 41.3433° N
- Longitude: 77.0739° W
Location and History
Lycoming County is located in north-central Pennsylvania, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. It was established in 1795 and named after Lycoming Creek. The county has a rich history rooted in the lumber industry, with Williamsport famously known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” during the 19th century. The Susquehanna River, which flows through the county, played a vital role in its economic development, facilitating the transportation of timber. Today, Lycoming County maintains its connection to nature with vast areas of state forests and parks.
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 15 and Interstate 180 are the major highways that traverse Lycoming County, providing key connections to the rest of Pennsylvania. The county is home to the Little League World Series, held annually in Williamsport, which draws visitors from around the globe. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge, offers stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The Thomas T. Taber Museum in Williamsport provides a detailed look at the county’s history, including its lumber heritage and Native American roots.
2. Westmoreland County
County Seat: Greensburg
- Area: 1,036 square miles
- Population: 354,663 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 724, 878
- Latitude: 40.3016° N
- Longitude: 79.4704° W
Location and History
Westmoreland County is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Established in 1773, it was the first county formed west of the Allegheny Mountains. The county played a significant role in the French and Indian War and later became an important center for coal mining and steel production. Westmoreland County’s rich industrial history is complemented by its cultural contributions, including the arts and education.
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 30 are the main highways that run through Westmoreland County, providing vital links to Pittsburgh and other regions. The county is home to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, which features a significant collection of American art. The Fort Ligonier historic site, a reconstructed British fort from the French and Indian War, offers insights into the region’s early colonial history. Additionally, Idlewild and SoakZone, one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, is located in the county and remains a popular family destination.
3. Bradford County
County Seat: Towanda
- Area: 1,161 square miles
- Population: 59,967 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 570
- Latitude: 41.7658° N
- Longitude: 76.4438° W
Location and History
Bradford County is situated in northeastern Pennsylvania, bordering New York State. Established in 1810, the county was originally part of Luzerne County before gaining its independence. It was named after William Bradford, a prominent figure in American Revolutionary history. The county’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with dairy farming playing a major role. In recent years, the discovery of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale has brought new economic opportunities to the region.
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 6, known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, is a major route that passes through Bradford County, offering scenic views of the Endless Mountains. The county is home to the historic town of Towanda, which features beautiful 19th-century architecture and the Bradford County Courthouse. The French Azilum Historic Site, near Wyalusing, is a significant landmark that preserves the remnants of a settlement established by French refugees fleeing the Revolution. The Susquehanna River, which winds through the county, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
4. Clearfield County
County Seat: Clearfield
- Area: 1,154 square miles
- Population: 80,562 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 814
- Latitude: 41.0275° N
- Longitude: 78.4397° W
Location and History
Clearfield County is located in central Pennsylvania, within the Appalachian Plateau. Established in 1804, the county was named for the clear fields found by the early settlers, which were likely the result of Native American agricultural practices. The county’s history is closely tied to the coal and lumber industries, which fueled its growth in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Clearfield County has retained its rural character, with large areas of forests, state parks, and waterways.
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 322 are the major highways that provide access to Clearfield County, connecting it to major cities like Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The county is home to the Clearfield County Fair, one of the oldest and largest fairs in Pennsylvania, offering a variety of agricultural exhibits and entertainment. The West Branch Susquehanna River runs through the county, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Parker Dam State Park, located in the northern part of the county, offers hiking, camping, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Somerset County
County Seat: Somerset
- Area: 1,081 square miles
- Population: 74,129 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 814
- Latitude: 39.9739° N
- Longitude: 79.0742° W
Location and History
Somerset County is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, part of the Laurel Highlands region. The county was established in 1795 and named after Somerset, England. Somerset County has a rich history, particularly during the 19th century, when it was a center for coal mining and iron production. The county’s rugged terrain and scenic beauty have also made it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, and fishing.
Major Highways and Landmarks
The Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) and U.S. Route 219 are the major highways that run through Somerset County, providing access to its towns and natural attractions. The Flight 93 National Memorial, located near Shanksville, is a significant landmark that honors the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, who heroically thwarted a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The county is also home to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, one of Pennsylvania’s premier ski resorts. Additionally, the historic Somerset County Courthouse, with its distinctive clock tower, is a notable architectural landmark in the county seat.
6. Tioga County
County Seat: Wellsboro
- Area: 1,137 square miles
- Population: 40,591 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 570
- Latitude: 41.7467° N
- Longitude: 77.3044° W
Location and History
Tioga County is located in north-central Pennsylvania, bordering New York State. The county was established in 1804 and named after the Tioga River, which flows through the region. Tioga County has a rich history tied to agriculture, lumber, and early American settlement. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and waterways, which have made it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Highways and Landmarks
U.S. Route 6 is the primary highway that runs through Tioga County, providing access to its scenic and historic sites. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, also known as Pine Creek Gorge, is one of the county’s most famous landmarks, offering stunning views and opportunities for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The town of Wellsboro, with its gas-lit streets and Victorian architecture, is a charming destination that reflects the county’s historic character. The Tioga Central Railroad offers scenic train rides through the countryside, providing visitors with a unique way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
7. Crawford County
County Seat: Meadville
- Area: 1,038 square miles
- Population: 83,938 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 814
- Latitude: 41.6500° N
- Longitude: 80.1665° W
Location and History
Crawford County is located in northwestern Pennsylvania, near the border with Ohio. The county was established in 1800 and named after Colonel William Crawford, a soldier and surveyor who played a significant role in the early settlement of western Pennsylvania. Meadville, the county seat, is known as the “Tool City” due to its history as a center for tool manufacturing. The county’s economy has historically been based on manufacturing, agriculture, and education, with Allegheny College being a significant institution in the region.
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 322 are the major highways that provide access to Crawford County, connecting it to Erie and Pittsburgh. Pymatuning State Park, located on the border with Ohio, is one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. The Conneaut Lake Park, a historic amusement park on the shores of Conneaut Lake, is another popular destination. The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum in Meadville offers insights into the county’s history, with exhibits on local industry, art, and culture.
8. Luzerne County
County Seat: Wilkes-Barre
- Area: 907 square miles
- Population: 325,594 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 570, 272
- Latitude: 41.2459° N
- Longitude: 75.8813° W
Location and History
Luzerne County is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, in the Wyoming Valley. The county was established in 1786 and named after Chevalier de la Luzerne, a French diplomat who supported the American Revolution. Luzerne County has a rich industrial history, particularly in coal mining, which was the backbone of its economy for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The county played a central role in the labor movement, with events such as the 1877 railroad strike and the 1897 Lattimer Massacre highlighting the struggles of workers in the coal industry.
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11 are the main highways that run through Luzerne County, providing access to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and beyond. The Wyoming Monument, located near Exeter, commemorates the Battle of Wyoming, a significant Revolutionary War conflict. The county is also home to the Mohegan Sun Arena, a major entertainment venue in Wilkes-Barre. The Steamtown National Historic Site in nearby Scranton offers insights into the region’s railroad history and is a popular destination for train enthusiasts.
9. Pike County
County Seat: Milford
- Area: 567 square miles
- Population: 58,535 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 570
- Latitude: 41.3223° N
- Longitude: 74.8021° W
Location and History
Pike County is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, along the Delaware River. The county was established in 1814 and named after General Zebulon Pike, an explorer and soldier known for his expeditions in the American West. Pike County has a rich history tied to the Delaware River and the development of early American transportation routes. The county’s natural beauty, including forests, rivers, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism.
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 209 are the major highways that provide access to Pike County, linking it to New York City and other major urban centers. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which straddles the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, is one of the county’s most famous landmarks, offering hiking, fishing, and camping in a stunning natural setting. The town of Milford, with its historic district and cultural attractions, is another popular destination. Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, is a significant landmark that reflects the county’s environmental legacy.
10. Butler County
County Seat: Butler
- Area: 795 square miles
- Population: 193,763 (as of 2020 census)
- Area Codes: 724, 878
- Latitude: 40.8612° N
- Longitude: 79.8953° W
Location and History
Butler County is located in western Pennsylvania, part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The county was established in 1800 and named after General Richard Butler, a Revolutionary War hero. Butler County has a diverse history, with its economy historically based on agriculture, manufacturing, and later, technology and education. The county has grown rapidly in recent decades, becoming a key suburban area for those working in Pittsburgh.
Major Highways and Landmarks
Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 422 are the major highways that provide access to Butler County, connecting it to Pittsburgh and other regions. The county is home to Moraine State Park, which features Lake Arthur and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The county seat, Butler, is known for its historic downtown and the Butler County Courthouse. The Maridon Museum in Butler, dedicated to Asian art and culture, is a unique cultural landmark in the region. Additionally, the county is known for its vibrant arts scene, with events such as the Butler Italian Festival celebrating the area’s diverse cultural heritage.
List of All Counties in Pennsylvania Alphabetically
Below please see all Pennsylvania counties which are listed in alphabetical order.
- Adams County, PA
- Allegheny County, PA
- Armstrong County, PA
- Beaver County, PA
- Bedford County, PA
- Berks County, PA
- Blair County, PA
- Bradford County, PA
- Bucks County, PA
- Butler County, PA
- Cambria County, PA
- Cameron County, PA
- Carbon County, PA
- Centre County, PA
- Chester County, PA
- Clarion County, PA
- Clearfield County, PA
- Clinton County, PA
- Columbia County, PA
- Crawford County, PA
- Cumberland County, PA
- Dauphin County, PA
- Delaware County, PA
- Elk County, PA
- Erie County, PA
- Fayette County, PA
- Forest County, PA
- Franklin County, PA
- Fulton County, PA
- Greene County, PA
- Huntingdon County, PA
- Indiana County, PA
- Jefferson County, PA
- Juniata County, PA
- Lackawanna County, PA
- Lancaster County, PA
- Lawrence County, PA
- Lebanon County, PA
- Lehigh County, PA
- Luzerne County, PA
- Lycoming County, PA
- McKean County, PA
- Mercer County, PA
- Mifflin County, PA
- Monroe County, PA
- Montgomery County, PA
- Montour County, PA
- Northampton County, PA
- Northumberland County, PA
- Perry County, PA
- Philadelphia County, PA
- Pike County, PA
- Potter County, PA
- Schuylkill County, PA
- Snyder County, PA
- Somerset County, PA
- Sullivan County, PA
- Susquehanna County, PA
- Tioga County, PA
- Union County, PA
- Venango County, PA
- Warren County, PA
- Washington County, PA
- Wayne County, PA
- Westmoreland County, PA
- Wyoming County, PA
- York County, PA
Map of Pennsylvania Counties
