Cities and Towns in Blair County, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1846, Blair County is one of 67 counties in the state of Pennsylvania. Historically, Blair County was formed from parts of Huntingdon and Bedford Counties. The city of Hollidaysburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 13, Blair County has a population of 121,767 and area of 527 square miles (1,365 km²).
List of all cities in Blair County, PA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Altoona, PA | 16601 | 814 |
| Altoona, PA | 16602 | 814 |
| Altoona, PA | 16603 | 814 |
| Antis, PA | 16617 | 814 |
| Bakers Summit, PA | 16673 | 814 |
| Bellwood, PA | 16617 | 814 |
| Birmingham, PA | 16686 | 814 |
| Claysburg, PA | 16625 | 814 |
| Curryville, PA | 16631 | 814 |
| Duncansville, PA | 16635 | 814 |
| East Freedom, PA | 16637 | 814 |
| Ganister, PA | 16693 | 814 |
| Hollidaysburg, PA | 16648 | 814 |
| Martinsburg, PA | 16662 | 814 |
| Newry, PA | 16665 | 814 |
| Roaring Springs, PA | 16673 | 814 |
| Sproul, PA | 16682 | 814 |
| Tipton, PA | 16684 | 814 |
| Tyrone, PA | 16686 | 814 |
| Williamsburg, PA | 16693 | 814 |
Major Cities and Towns in Blair County, Pennsylvania
1. Altoona, Pennsylvania
Area:
- 16.6 square miles
Population:
- Approximately 45,000 (2020 census)
Zip Codes:
- 16601, 16602, 16603, 16608
Latitude & Longitude:
- 40.5187° N, 78.3942° W
Location and History:
Altoona is the largest city in Blair County and is located in the central part of Pennsylvania, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains along the Little Juniata River. Founded in the 1840s as a railroad town, Altoona grew rapidly after the completion of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s mainline, becoming a major rail transportation hub. The city’s industrial growth was driven by the railroad industry, and Altoona became home to the famous Altoona Works, one of the largest railroad manufacturing plants in the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the railroad industry’s dominance declined, Altoona continued to grow as a regional commercial and cultural center, known for its scenic views, historic architecture, and diverse economy.
Major Schools & Landmarks:
Altoona is served by the Altoona Area School District, with Altoona Area High School being the city’s largest public secondary school. The city is also home to Penn State Altoona, a campus of the Pennsylvania State University offering a variety of undergraduate programs. Major landmarks include the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, a historic railroad curve offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and rail lines. The Railroaders Memorial Museum honors the region’s rich railroad history. Additionally, the Lakemont Park, with its historic roller coaster, and the Blair County Ballpark, home to the Altoona Curve baseball team, offer recreational opportunities. The downtown area is known for its vibrant arts scene, including the historic Mishler Theatre and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art.
2. Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
Area:
- 1.3 square miles
Population:
- Approximately 5,700 (2020 census)
Zip Code:
- 16648
Latitude & Longitude:
- 40.4465° N, 78.3844° W
Location and History:
Hollidaysburg is a small borough located just to the east of Altoona, along the Juniata River. Founded in the late 18th century, it was originally a trading post and farming community. The town became more prominent with the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1850s, and it later became the county seat of Blair County. Hollidaysburg’s location along the river and at the junction of major transportation routes contributed to its economic development. The town is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and a charming, small-town atmosphere. Hollidaysburg played an important role in the Civil War, serving as a strategic railroad hub.
Major Schools & Landmarks:
Hollidaysburg is served by the Hollidaysburg Area School District, with Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School offering a range of academic and extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Hollidaysburg include the Blair County Courthouse, a beautiful example of Victorian-era architecture, and the historic Hollidaysburg Depot, which is part of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. The town is also home to the James Creek Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The nearby Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site commemorates the history of the region’s transportation system. Hollidaysburg’s scenic downtown is home to a number of antique shops, restaurants, and small businesses, adding to the town’s charm.
3. Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Area:
- 1.5 square miles
Population:
- Approximately 5,200 (2020 census)
Zip Code:
- 16686
Latitude & Longitude:
- 40.6694° N, 78.2405° W
Location and History:
Tyrone is a small borough located in the southeastern part of Blair County, near the Allegheny Mountains. The town was established in the mid-19th century and rapidly grew after the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which made it a vital railroad town. Tyrone served as a key transportation hub and became known for its steel and coal industries, although the town’s economy has diversified in recent years. Despite its industrial history, Tyrone has retained much of its small-town charm, with tree-lined streets and historic buildings. The town’s economy today is primarily based on retail, services, and light industry.
Major Schools & Landmarks:
Tyrone is served by the Tyrone Area School District, with Tyrone Area High School being the largest public secondary school in the area. The town is also home to several parks, including the Memorial Park, which offers walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds. Key landmarks in Tyrone include the Tyrone Train Station, which harkens back to the town’s railroad roots, and the Historical Society Museum, which showcases Tyrone’s industrial and transportation history. The nearby Canoe Creek State Park offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating, and Tyrone’s historic downtown is home to a range of local shops, restaurants, and antique stores.
4. Bellwood, Pennsylvania
Area:
- 1.0 square miles
Population:
- Approximately 1,800 (2020 census)
Zip Code:
- 16617
Latitude & Longitude:
- 40.6211° N, 78.2819° W
Location and History:
Bellwood is a small borough located in the northeastern part of Blair County, along the Little Juniata River. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and grew as a stop along the Pennsylvania Railroad. Bellwood’s economy was historically tied to agriculture and rail transportation, though it became more industrialized in the 20th century with the establishment of various factories. Today, Bellwood is primarily a residential community, known for its close-knit community and its proximity to both Altoona and the natural beauty of the surrounding region.
Major Schools & Landmarks:
Bellwood is served by the Bellwood-Antis School District, with Bellwood-Antis High School offering a range of academic and extracurricular activities. The town is home to the Bellwood Borough Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths. One notable landmark is the Bellwood-Antis Public Library, a community center for educational resources and public events. The nearby Canoe Creek State Park offers hiking, fishing, and camping, making Bellwood an attractive base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s historic district features buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to Bellwood’s small-town charm.
5. Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
Area:
- 1.2 square miles
Population:
- Approximately 1,500 (2020 census)
Zip Code:
- 16662
Latitude & Longitude:
- 40.3383° N, 78.3241° W
Location and History:
Martinsburg is a small borough located in the southwestern part of Blair County, originally founded in the 18th century. The town grew as a farming and trade center, and by the 19th century, it became a key stop along the Pennsylvania Railroad. The town’s economy was driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Today, Martinsburg is a quiet residential community with a rich historical backdrop, and while it has become more suburban over the years, it maintains its small-town atmosphere. Martinsburg is surrounded by rural farmland and is known for its scenic views and tight-knit community.
Major Schools & Landmarks:
Martinsburg is served by the Central Bedford School District, with Central High School providing education for the community. Major landmarks in Martinsburg include the historic Martinsburg Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for local events and meetings. The town’s scenic location along the Little Juniata River makes it a popular spot for fishing and nature walks. Martinsburg is also home to several small parks, including the Veterans Memorial Park, which honors local military veterans. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the rural heritage of Blair County.
