Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1798, Wayne County is one of 67 counties in the state of Pennsylvania. Historically, Wayne County was formed from parts of Northampton County. The city of Honesdale is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Wayne County has a population of 51,431 and area of 751 square miles (1,945 km²).
List of all cities in Wayne County, PA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Beach Lake, PA | 18405 | 570 |
| Bethany, PA | 18431 | 570 |
| Clifton, PA | 18424 | 570 |
| Clifton Township, PA | 18424 | 570 |
| Cobbs Lake Preserve, PA | 18436 | 570 |
| Damascus, PA | 18415 | 570 |
| Equinunk, PA | 18417 | 570 |
| Galilee, PA | 18415 | 570 |
| Gouldsboro, PA | 18424 | 570 |
| Hamlin, PA | 18427 | 570 |
| Hawley, PA | 18438 | 570 |
| Honesdale, PA | 18431 | 570 |
| Jefferson Township, PA | 18436 | 570 |
| Lake Ariel, PA | 18436 | 570 |
| Lake Como, PA | 18437 | 570 |
| Lakeville, PA | 18438 | 570 |
| Lakewood, PA | 18439 | 570 |
| Milanville, PA | 18443 | 570 |
| Mount Cobb, PA | 18436 | 570 |
| Newfoundland, PA | 18445 | 570 |
| Orson, PA | 18449 | 570 |
| Pleasant Mount, PA | 18453 | 570 |
| Poyntelle, PA | 18454 | 570 |
| Preston Park, PA | 18455 | 570 |
| Prompton, PA | 18456 | 570 |
| Roaring Brook Township, PA | 18436 | 570 |
| South Canaan, PA | 18459 | 570 |
| South Sterling, PA | 18460 | 570 |
| Starlight, PA | 18461 | 570 |
| Starrucca, PA | 18462 | 570 |
| Sterling, PA | 18463 | 570 |
| Thornhurst, PA | 18424 | 570 |
| Tyler Hill, PA | 18469 | 570 |
| Waymart, PA | 18472 | 570 |
| White Mills, PA | 18473 | 570 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Pennsylvania
1. Honesdale Borough
Location and History
Honesdale, the county seat of Wayne County, is located in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Lackawaxen River. The town was settled in 1826 and named after Philip Hone, the former mayor of New York City. Originally, Honesdale was a small agricultural community, but it grew rapidly in the 19th century with the construction of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, which made it a key transportation hub for coal and lumber. The town’s location at the confluence of several waterways also made it an important center for trade and commerce. By the late 19th century, Honesdale became known for its manufacturing industries, particularly in textiles and iron. Today, Honesdale retains much of its historic charm, with numerous Victorian buildings, churches, and homes scattered throughout its downtown area. The town’s economy has shifted toward tourism, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic sites. Honesdale is also known as the birthplace of the American railroad, as the first section of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and Gravity Railroad was constructed here in the 1820s.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,500
- Zip Codes: 18431
- Latitude: 41.5815° N
- Longitude: 75.2574° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Honesdale is served by the Wayne Highlands School District, which includes Honesdale High School and several elementary and middle schools. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Wayne County Courthouse, a historic building located in the heart of the downtown area. The Honesdale Railroad Station, which is now a museum, marks the town’s historical significance in the development of railroads in America. The nearby Prompton State Park and the Lackawaxen River provide recreational opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Honesdale’s downtown features a variety of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and galleries, creating a charming and vibrant atmosphere. The town also hosts several annual festivals and events, drawing visitors year-round. Honesdale’s rich history, combined with its scenic location in the Pocono Mountains, makes it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
2. Waymart Borough
Location and History
Waymart, a small borough located in the northern part of Wayne County, is nestled between the Pocono and Catskill mountain ranges, approximately 15 miles north of Honesdale. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and developed around agriculture and small industry. Its name, “Waymart,” is believed to have originated from the combination of “way” (a reference to a road or path) and “mart” (a marketplace or trading post). The borough’s growth was closely linked to the construction of the Erie Railroad, which facilitated transportation of goods, including lumber and coal, during the late 1800s. Waymart remained a small, rural community throughout much of the 20th century. Today, it serves as a quiet residential area with a rich history and strong ties to agriculture. The town is also known for its proximity to the Prompton Reservoir and the Delaware State Forest, which provide access to recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200
- Zip Codes: 18472
- Latitude: 41.5204° N
- Longitude: 75.2951° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waymart is served by the Wayne Highlands School District, with students attending the Waymart Elementary School and the nearby Honesdale High School. The borough is home to several small businesses, offering locally made products and services to residents and visitors. Key landmarks in Waymart include the historic Waymart Depot, which once served as a railroad station for the Erie Railroad, and the Waymart Cemetery, which dates back to the 19th century. The Prompton Reservoir and surrounding Delaware State Forest offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating, attracting visitors looking for peaceful nature experiences. Waymart’s quiet residential character and scenic surroundings make it a desirable place to live, especially for those seeking a rural lifestyle close to larger towns.
3. Carbondale City
Location and History
Carbondale is located in the southeastern part of Wayne County, near the border with Lackawanna County. It was founded in the early 19th century, with a history rooted in coal mining. Carbondale became one of the first towns in the United States to mine coal commercially, and the area became an important hub for the coal industry in the 1800s. The town’s history is tightly linked to the Delaware and Hudson Canal and Railroad, which transported coal from Carbondale’s mines to major markets. Carbondale’s economy boomed in the 19th century due to the coal industry, which provided jobs and attracted immigrants. The town also developed a strong cultural identity, with a number of churches, schools, and social organizations emerging during this period. As the coal industry declined in the 20th century, Carbondale faced economic challenges but has since worked to diversify its economy. Today, Carbondale maintains its historical significance while transitioning to a more modern economy focused on healthcare, education, and small businesses.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000
- Zip Codes: 18407
- Latitude: 41.5802° N
- Longitude: 75.5071° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Carbondale is served by the Carbondale Area School District, which includes Carbondale Area High School and several elementary and middle schools. The town is also home to the Carbondale Public Library and a number of small cultural institutions. Notable landmarks in Carbondale include the Carbondale Historic District, which showcases Victorian-era architecture, and the St. Rose of Lima Church, a historic Roman Catholic church. The Carbondale Railway Station, once a central part of the town’s coal economy, is another landmark of significance. The Lackawanna River Trail, a recreational trail that runs along the river, offers hiking and biking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite the decline of the coal industry, Carbondale has maintained its historic charm and continues to attract visitors with its rich heritage and scenic surroundings.
4. Damascus Township
Location and History
Damascus Township is located in the northern part of Wayne County, in the Pocono Mountains region. The township is characterized by its rural nature, with vast expanses of forests, streams, and farmland. Originally settled in the early 19th century, the area grew slowly due to its remote location, but the town was known for its agricultural activities, particularly dairy farming. The Delaware River, which borders the township to the east, played an important role in transportation and commerce during the 19th century. Damascus Township was officially incorporated in the mid-1800s and has remained largely rural. The township’s natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, make it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle. Over the years, the township has become known for its low population density and quiet, scenic environment.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 46.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 18415
- Latitude: 41.5450° N
- Longitude: 75.1180° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Damascus Township is served by the Wayne Highlands School District, with students attending the Wayne Highlands schools in nearby Honesdale. The township has a number of small parks and outdoor spaces that are popular for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. One of the major landmarks in the township is the Damascus Covered Bridge, a charming historic structure that spans a local creek and adds to the area’s rural character. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area lies just to the south of Damascus, offering vast opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, kayaking, and camping. The township’s natural beauty and proximity to larger towns make it a popular spot for residents and visitors who enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
5. Bethany Borough
Location and History
Bethany is a small borough located in the northeastern corner of Wayne County, near the border with New York state. Originally settled in the early 1800s, the town was named after the biblical town of Bethany. The area grew slowly in its early years, but it became an important center for the local timber industry in the mid-19th century. With the development of the railroad, Bethany became more accessible, and the town experienced modest growth. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bethany became known as a resort community, with visitors attracted to its scenic location in the Pocono Mountains. In the post-industrial era, the town maintained a quiet, rural character and remains a peaceful residential community. Bethany’s location at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous parks and natural areas nearby.
Area, Population, and Demographics
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200
- Zip Codes: 18431
- Latitude: 41.5601° N
- Longitude: 75.2837° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bethany is part of the Wayne Highlands School District, and children typically attend schools in nearby Honesdale. The borough is known for its proximity to the Pennsylvania and New York state border, providing easy access to both states. One of the key landmarks in Bethany is the Bethany United Methodist Church, a historic building that serves as the center of local religious and community activities. The surrounding natural environment, including the nearby Prompton State Park and the Delaware State Forest, provides ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Bethany’s quiet atmosphere and rural setting make it an ideal location for those looking for a retreat in the Pocono Mountains.
