Cities and Towns in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1849, Lawrence County is one of 67 counties in the state of Pennsylvania. Historically, Lawrence County was formed from parts of Beaver and Mercer Counties. The city of New Castle is the county seat. With FIPS code of 73, Lawrence County has a population of 85,497 and area of 363 square miles (940 km²).
List of all cities in Lawrence County, PA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bessemer, PA | 16112 | 724/878 |
| Castle, PA | 16101 | 724/878 |
| 16102 | 724/878 | |
| 16105 | 724/878 | |
| Edinburg, PA | 16116 | 724/878 |
| Ellport, PA | 16117 | 724/878 |
| Ellwood City, PA | 16117 | 724/878 |
| Enon Valley, PA | 16120 | 724/878 |
| Hillsville, PA | 16132 | 724/878 |
| Neshannock, PA | 16105 | 724/878 |
| New Bedford, PA | 16140 | 724/878 |
| New Castle, PA | 16101 | 724/878 |
| 16102 | 724/878 | |
| 16103 | 724/878 | |
| 16105 | 724/878 | |
| 16107 | 724/878 | |
| 16108 | 724/878 | |
| New Wilmington, PA | 16142 | 724/878 |
| 16172 | 724/878 | |
| Pulaski, PA | 16143 | 724/878 |
| Villa Maria, PA | 16155 | 724/878 |
| Volant, PA | 16156 | 724/878 |
| Wampum, PA | 16157 | 724/878 |
| West Pittsburg, PA | 16160 | 724/878 |
| Westminster College, PA | 16172 | 724/878 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
1. New Castle
Location and History
New Castle is the largest city in Lawrence County, located in the western part of Pennsylvania near the Ohio border. Founded in 1800, it quickly grew as a center for industry, particularly in steel production and coal mining, which fueled its economy throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city’s location along the Shenango River helped facilitate its industrial growth. New Castle became known for its rich history in manufacturing, particularly its role in the steel industry. However, with the decline of manufacturing in the late 20th century, New Castle has focused on revitalizing its downtown area and promoting small business growth. Today, the city is home to a diverse population and a mix of old and new businesses, with efforts to rebrand itself as a vibrant community with a growing economy.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 3.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 23,000
- Zip Codes: 16101, 16102
- Latitude: 41.0031° N
- Longitude: 80.3452° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Castle is served by the New Castle Area School District, which includes New Castle High School, the city’s largest public secondary school. The city is home to the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, offering specialized education and training programs. Major landmarks in New Castle include the Cascade Park, a historic 55-acre park offering scenic views, picnic areas, and walking trails. The New Castle Playhouse and the Scottish Rite Cathedral add cultural vibrancy to the city. Additionally, the Lawrence County Historical Society preserves and showcases the area’s industrial heritage, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
2. Ellwood City
Location and History
Ellwood City is a borough located in the southeastern part of Lawrence County. The town’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when it began as a small settlement centered around the production of steel and other metals. The borough was named after the Ellwood family, prominent in the steel industry, who helped transform the area into a key industrial hub. By the late 1800s, Ellwood City was one of the leading producers of steel and brass in the United States. Though the steel industry has since declined, the town remains known for its strong community values, family-friendly atmosphere, and historic downtown area.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000
- Zip Code: 16117
- Latitude: 40.8622° N
- Longitude: 80.2830° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ellwood City is served by the Ellwood City Area School District, which includes Ellwood City Junior-Senior High School. The town is home to numerous parks, such as the 47-acre Ewing Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds. A major landmark is the Ellwood City Public Library, a cornerstone of local culture and learning. The Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Foods, and Entertainment Festival, held annually, is a well-loved tradition that showcases the town’s spirit and creativity. The historic downtown area, with its classic architecture and local shops, also attracts visitors looking to explore the town’s rich industrial past and tight-knit community.
3. Wampum
Location and History
Wampum is a small borough located in the western part of Lawrence County, nestled along the Beaver River. Wampum was originally a Native American settlement, and the name “Wampum” refers to the beads used by the region’s indigenous people for trade and ceremonial purposes. The town’s history is heavily influenced by its location along important trade routes. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wampum grew as an industrial town, with manufacturing as its main economic driver. However, like many small industrial towns, Wampum saw a decline as industries left the area. Today, it remains a quiet, residential borough that values its historical heritage and close-knit community.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700
- Zip Code: 16157
- Latitude: 40.9050° N
- Longitude: 80.2995° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wampum is served by the Mohawk Area School District, with the nearest high school located in nearby Bessemer. The town features several historic buildings, including a variety of homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that reflect the area’s industrial past. The Wampum Community Park provides a venue for recreational activities, including picnicking and sports. Additionally, the town celebrates local history with events like the annual Wampum Summer Festival, which showcases local crafts, food, and entertainment. Wampum’s proximity to the Beaver River offers scenic views and opportunities for fishing and boating, making it a quiet retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life.
4. Bessemer
Location and History
Bessemer is a small borough located in the northeastern part of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The borough was founded in the late 19th century and named after the Bessemer process, which was an important method for steel production. Like many towns in the region, Bessemer was a hub for the steel industry, particularly in the early 20th century. The town experienced industrial growth due to its proximity to major railroads and steel mills. Although the steel industry has since declined, Bessemer continues to preserve its industrial history while transitioning to a more residential community.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- Zip Code: 16112
- Latitude: 40.9664° N
- Longitude: 80.3728° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bessemer is part of the Mohawk Area School District, which serves nearby students from various towns in the region. The town is known for its strong community ties, and although small, it offers a number of parks and community spaces, such as the Bessemer Community Park, which provides sports fields and picnic areas. The Bessemer Presbyterian Church is another landmark, standing as a symbol of the town’s history and community spirit. Nearby, the historic industrial sites along the Mahoning River also draw attention from those interested in the area’s manufacturing past.
5. Chewton
Location and History
Chewton is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Lawrence County, close to the town of Ellwood City. Originally settled in the mid-19th century, Chewton grew as a mining and industrial community, serving as a hub for coal mining operations. The town’s economy was largely driven by the coal industry until the early 20th century when mining declined. Today, Chewton is a quiet residential area, with most of its population working in nearby towns like Ellwood City or New Castle. Its history remains tied to the coal and steel industries that shaped the region for many years.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Code: 16117
- Latitude: 40.8816° N
- Longitude: 80.2768° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chewton is part of the Ellwood City Area School District. While the community itself is small, it benefits from the nearby amenities and schools in Ellwood City. The town does not have many commercial landmarks, but its rural charm and proximity to the larger towns in Lawrence County make it a quiet and peaceful place to live. Local parks and outdoor spaces near Chewton offer residents a chance to enjoy nature and the region’s scenic landscapes. The community’s strong historical ties to mining and industry are reflected in several preserved buildings and landmarks in the area.
