Cities and Towns in Venango County, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1800, Venango County is one of 67 counties in the state of Pennsylvania. Historically, Venango County was formed from parts of Allegheny and Lycoming Counties; attached to until 1805. The city of Franklin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 121, Venango County has a population of 49,938 and area of 683 square miles (1,769 km²).
List of all cities in Venango County, PA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Clintonville, PA | 16372 | 814 |
| Cooperstown, PA | 16317 | 814 |
| Cranberry, PA | 16319 | 814 |
| Emlenton, PA | 16373 | 724/878 |
| Franklin, PA | 16323 | 814 |
| Kennerdell, PA | 16374 | 814 |
| Oil City, PA | 16301 | 814 |
| Oil Creek, PA | 16301 | 814 |
| Pleasantville, PA | 16341 | 814 |
| Polk, PA | 16342 | 814 |
| Reno, PA | 16343 | 814 |
| Rocky Grove, PA | 16323 | 814 |
| Rouseville, PA | 16344 | 814 |
| Seneca, PA | 16346 | 814 |
| Utica, PA | 16362 | 814 |
| Venus, PA | 16364 | 814 |
Major Cities and Towns in Venango County, Pennsylvania
1. Franklin City
Location and History
Franklin is the county seat of Venango County, located in the western part of Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles north of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1795 and incorporated as a city in 1828, Franklin’s early history is tied to the discovery of oil in the region during the 19th century. The city became a major center of the oil industry, which spurred its rapid growth and prosperity. Franklin was one of the first places in the United States where oil was drilled commercially, and it became a hub for oil production and refining. The “Oil Boom” era brought an influx of workers and entrepreneurs, and the city’s architecture reflects this history with many Victorian-style buildings. Today, Franklin is a charming small city that has transitioned from its industrial roots to a service-based economy with a strong emphasis on tourism and preserving its historic character.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,500
- Zip Codes: 16323
- Latitude: 41.3966° N
- Longitude: 79.8375° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Franklin is served by the Franklin Area School District, with notable schools such as Franklin High School. The city’s historic district is a major landmark, showcasing numerous Victorian-era buildings, including the Venango County Courthouse and the Oil City National Bank. The Franklin Library is another community landmark, providing educational resources and hosting cultural events. The nearby Allegheny River offers outdoor recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Additionally, the DeBence Antique Music World museum, which displays antique mechanical musical instruments, is a unique attraction. Franklin’s proximity to the Oil Creek State Park provides hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a great destination for nature lovers. The city’s combination of history, culture, and outdoor activities makes it an appealing place to live and visit.
2. Oil City
Location and History
Oil City is located in the northeastern part of Venango County, approximately 15 miles northeast of Franklin. It was founded in 1860, during the height of the oil boom in western Pennsylvania. The discovery of oil near Oil Creek transformed the town into a key center of the oil industry. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Oil City became one of the world’s leading oil producers, earning it the nickname “The Heart of the Oil Industry.” The city saw rapid industrial growth, attracting oilmen, workers, and businesses. However, as the oil industry began to decline in the mid-20th century, Oil City’s economy diversified into manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Today, Oil City is a smaller city with a rich history that still honors its oil heritage while embracing modernization and revitalization efforts aimed at downtown growth and tourism.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 2.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- Zip Codes: 16301
- Latitude: 41.4344° N
- Longitude: 79.7077° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oil City is part of the Oil City Area School District, with schools including Oil City High School and several elementary and middle schools. The city’s downtown area is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Oil City Historic District, where visitors can see buildings dating back to the oil boom era. The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad is a popular attraction, offering scenic train rides through the beautiful Oil Creek Valley. The city also boasts the Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry, which highlights the region’s rich history in oil and the arts. The nearby Oil Creek State Park offers outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, and fishing, along with educational exhibits about the area’s oil history. Oil City’s strong sense of history, along with its natural surroundings, make it a great destination for those interested in both history and nature.
3. Seneca
Location and History
Seneca is a small town located in the southwestern part of Venango County, about 10 miles south of Franklin. Seneca was originally settled in the early 19th century and became a vital agricultural community in the region. Over time, the town expanded due to its proximity to larger towns and the development of the oil industry in the area. While Seneca was not a major player in the oil boom like Franklin or Oil City, its location near the oil-rich lands of Venango County gave it a role in the surrounding economy. Today, Seneca retains much of its rural charm, with agriculture still playing an important role in the local economy. The town’s population is relatively small, and its development is largely residential with some small businesses serving the local community.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700
- Zip Codes: 16346
- Latitude: 41.3940° N
- Longitude: 79.5910° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Seneca is served by the Cranberry Area School District, which includes Cranberry High School. The town is largely residential, and its landmarks are mainly centered around the surrounding natural beauty of Venango County. One of the area’s main attractions is the Seneca United Methodist Church, a historic site that serves as a center for local community events. The nearby Allegheny River offers residents opportunities for boating, fishing, and nature walks. Seneca is also close to the Cherry Run and Oil Creek State Parks, which offer hiking and wildlife viewing, making it a popular spot for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The town’s small-town atmosphere and rural setting make it an attractive place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities while still having access to nearby urban centers like Franklin and Oil City.
4. Pleasantville
Location and History
Pleasantville is a small borough located in the southeastern part of Venango County, about 15 miles southeast of Franklin. The town was originally established in the 19th century, and it became a rural agricultural community with a focus on farming and timber harvesting. In the late 1800s, as the region saw growth from the oil industry, Pleasantville experienced moderate development. However, unlike the nearby larger cities of Franklin and Oil City, Pleasantville did not become an industrial center but instead remained focused on farming and small-scale industry. Today, Pleasantville retains its rural character, with many of its residents involved in agriculture and local businesses. The town offers a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle with easy access to the surrounding natural beauty of Venango County.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600
- Zip Codes: 16341
- Latitude: 41.4510° N
- Longitude: 79.7133° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pleasantville is part of the Titusville Area School District, and students typically attend the nearby Titusville High School. The town has several small businesses and local attractions, including the Pleasantville Community Park, which features recreational facilities such as picnic areas and playgrounds. One of the most significant landmarks in the area is the Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department, which serves as an important part of the community. The town is also located near the Oil Creek State Park, providing residents and visitors with access to a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Pleasantville’s scenic surroundings and small-town charm make it a popular location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to nearby outdoor recreational opportunities.
5. Rockland Township
Location and History
Rockland Township is a rural township located in the southeastern part of Venango County. The township was settled in the early 19th century and developed around farming, timber, and later, small-scale industry. While the township was not as heavily impacted by the oil boom as other parts of the county, its proximity to larger towns such as Franklin and Oil City has helped it maintain some degree of economic vitality. The township’s history is marked by its agricultural roots, and many of the town’s historic buildings reflect its rural and industrial past. Today, Rockland Township remains largely rural, with a focus on farming, outdoor activities, and community involvement.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 36.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200
- Zip Codes: 16323
- Latitude: 41.4250° N
- Longitude: 79.8040° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rockland Township is part of the Franklin Area School District, and children in the area typically attend schools in the city of Franklin. The township is home to several small local parks and outdoor spaces, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. One of the key landmarks in Rockland Township is the Rockland United Methodist Church, a historic church that has been a center of community life for generations. The township’s rural character is also reflected in the local farms and agricultural businesses that are integral to the area’s economy. The township’s location near the Allegheny River and Oil Creek State Park also makes it a desirable location for those who enjoy outdoor recreation. Rockland Township’s peaceful rural atmosphere, combined with its access to nearby outdoor attractions, makes it a great place for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
