Cameron County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,547,[2] making it Pennsylvania's least populous county. Its county seat is Emporium.[3] The county was created on March 29, 1860, from parts of Clinton, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties. It is named for Senator Simon Cameron. The county is part of the North Central Pennsylvania region of the state.[a]
Cameron County | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Flag  Logo | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania | |
 Pennsylvania's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 41°26′N 78°12′W / 41.44°N 78.2°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Pennsylvania |
| Founded | March 29, 1860 |
| Named for | Simon Cameron |
| Seat | Emporium |
| Largest borough | Emporium |
| Area | |
• Total | 398.4 sq mi (1,032 km2) |
| • Land | 396.2 sq mi (1,026 km2) |
| • Water | 2.2 sq mi (6 km2) 0.5% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 4,547 |
| • Density | 11.4/sq mi (4.4/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 15th |
| Website | www |
| Designated | September 14, 1982[1] |
Geography
editAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 398.4 square miles (1,032 km2), of which 396.2 square miles (1,026 km2) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) (0.5%) is water.[4] It has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in Emporium range from 24.2 °F in January to 69.3 °F in July, while in Driftwood they range from 24.9 °F in January to 69.9 °F in July.[5]
Adjacent counties
edit- McKean County (north)
- Potter County (northeast)
- Clinton County (east)
- Clearfield County (south)
- Elk County (west)
Major roads
editCameron County is the only county in the state of Pennsylvania to not be crossed by either an interstate or U.S. Route.
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 4,273 | — | |
| 1880 | 5,159 | 20.7% | |
| 1890 | 7,238 | 40.3% | |
| 1900 | 7,048 | −2.6% | |
| 1910 | 7,644 | 8.5% | |
| 1920 | 6,297 | −17.6% | |
| 1930 | 5,307 | −15.7% | |
| 1940 | 6,852 | 29.1% | |
| 1950 | 7,023 | 2.5% | |
| 1960 | 7,586 | 8.0% | |
| 1970 | 7,096 | −6.5% | |
| 1980 | 6,674 | −5.9% | |
| 1990 | 5,913 | −11.4% | |
| 2000 | 5,974 | 1.0% | |
| 2010 | 5,085 | −14.9% | |
| 2020 | 4,547 | −10.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[6] 1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8] 1990–2000[9] 2010–2017[10] | |||
As of the 2000 census,[12] there were 5,974 people, 2,465 households, and 1,624 families residing in the county. The population density was 15 people per square mile (5.8 people/km2). There were 4,592 housing units at an average density of 12 units per square mile (4.6/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.83% White, 0.35% Black or African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. 0.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 33.5% were of German, 15.7% Irish, 14.5% American, 13.1% Italian, 9.2% English and 5.7% Polish ancestry.
There were 2,465 households, out of which 27.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.40% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.10% were non-families. 30.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.50% under the age of 18, 6.00% from 18 to 24, 24.90% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 19.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 96.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.60 males.
2020 census
edit| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 4,271 | 94% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 1 | 0.04% |
| Native American (NH) | 8 | 0.17% |
| Asian (NH) | 29 | 0.64% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 0 | 0% |
| Other/Mixed (NH) | 141 | 3.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 86 | 1.9% |
Law and government
edit| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 1,654 | 74.27% | 538 | 24.16% | 35 | 1.57% |
| 2020 | 1,771 | 72.58% | 634 | 25.98% | 35 | 1.43% |
| 2016 | 1,589 | 71.90% | 531 | 24.03% | 90 | 4.07% |
| 2012 | 1,359 | 63.95% | 724 | 34.07% | 42 | 1.98% |
| 2008 | 1,323 | 58.62% | 879 | 38.95% | 55 | 2.44% |
| 2004 | 1,599 | 66.46% | 794 | 33.00% | 13 | 0.54% |
| 2000 | 1,383 | 61.58% | 779 | 34.68% | 84 | 3.74% |
| 1996 | 1,113 | 49.89% | 822 | 36.84% | 296 | 13.27% |
| 1992 | 1,173 | 43.80% | 824 | 30.77% | 681 | 25.43% |
| 1988 | 1,731 | 65.20% | 901 | 33.94% | 23 | 0.87% |
| 1984 | 2,031 | 67.05% | 990 | 32.68% | 8 | 0.26% |
| 1980 | 1,795 | 59.24% | 1,112 | 36.70% | 123 | 4.06% |
| 1976 | 1,616 | 54.28% | 1,319 | 44.31% | 42 | 1.41% |
| 1972 | 1,935 | 68.45% | 828 | 29.29% | 64 | 2.26% |
| 1968 | 1,822 | 58.96% | 1,104 | 35.73% | 164 | 5.31% |
| 1964 | 1,376 | 41.89% | 1,904 | 57.96% | 5 | 0.15% |
| 1960 | 2,129 | 61.06% | 1,353 | 38.80% | 5 | 0.14% |
| 1956 | 2,462 | 74.52% | 841 | 25.45% | 1 | 0.03% |
| 1952 | 2,307 | 69.05% | 1,020 | 30.53% | 14 | 0.42% |
| 1948 | 1,596 | 64.75% | 858 | 34.81% | 11 | 0.45% |
| 1944 | 1,729 | 60.60% | 1,115 | 39.08% | 9 | 0.32% |
| 1940 | 1,793 | 55.15% | 1,450 | 44.60% | 8 | 0.25% |
| 1936 | 1,801 | 53.21% | 1,538 | 45.44% | 46 | 1.36% |
| 1932 | 1,438 | 64.31% | 748 | 33.45% | 50 | 2.24% |
| 1928 | 1,564 | 75.52% | 501 | 24.19% | 6 | 0.29% |
| 1924 | 1,366 | 77.18% | 260 | 14.69% | 144 | 8.14% |
| 1920 | 1,364 | 68.06% | 497 | 24.80% | 143 | 7.14% |
| 1916 | 713 | 59.17% | 452 | 37.51% | 40 | 3.32% |
| 1912 | 388 | 30.10% | 291 | 22.58% | 610 | 47.32% |
| 1908 | 1,110 | 65.72% | 533 | 31.56% | 46 | 2.72% |
| 1904 | 1,228 | 73.75% | 404 | 24.26% | 33 | 1.98% |
| 1900 | 971 | 63.59% | 514 | 33.66% | 42 | 2.75% |
| 1896 | 925 | 59.60% | 575 | 37.05% | 52 | 3.35% |
| 1892 | 829 | 52.37% | 701 | 44.28% | 53 | 3.35% |
| 1888 | 782 | 58.14% | 551 | 40.97% | 12 | 0.89% |
Voter registration
editAs of February 7, 2024, there are 2,931 registered voters in Cameron County.[15]
Chart of Voter Registration
- Republican: 1,823 (62.20%)
- Democratic: 745 (25.42%)
- Independent: 226 (7.71%)
- Third Party: 137 (4.67%)
Law enforcement
editAs of 2016[update] all areas in the county use the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) in a law enforcement capacity, either with part-time police departments or with no other police departments.[16]
County-row offices
edit- County Commissioners: Jessica Herzing (R); James D. Moate (R); Josh Zucal (D)
- Sheriff: Doug Homan (R)
- Prothonotary/Clerk/Register/Recorder: Mary Grace Olay (R)
- Treasurer: Tara Newton (R)
- District Attorney: Paul J. Malizia (R)
State senate
editState House of Representatives
editUnited States House of Representatives
editUnited States Senate
editEducation
editThere is a single K-12 school district, Cameron County School District.[17]
Recreation
editThere are three Pennsylvania state parks that are partly in Cameron County.
- Bucktail State Park Natural Area is a 75-mile (121-km) scenic route along Pennsylvania Route 120 stretching from Lock Haven in Clinton County to Emporium the county seat of Cameron County.
- Sinnemahoning State Park
- Sizerville State Park
- both of these state parks straddle the Cameron and Potter County line.
The West Creek Rail Trail has been built on the abandoned rail corridor between Emporium and St. Mary's in Elk County. It provides a paved surface with guard rails and is suitable for hiking or biking in the warm seasons or snowmobiling in winter.[18]
The Fred Woods Trail offers a 4.57 mile loop of blazed trail with scenic valley views and a challenging section running through unique rock formations. The trailhead is accessed off Mason Hill Road above Driftwood, PA.[19][20][21]
Communities
edit
Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in Cameron County:
Boroughs
editTownships
editCensus-designated place
editPopulation ranking
editThe population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Cameron County.[22]
† county seat
| Rank | City/Town/etc. | Population (2010 Census) | Municipal type | Incorporated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | † Emporium | 2,073 | Borough | 1864 |
| 2 | Prospect Park | 327 | CDP | |
| 3 | Driftwood | 67 | Borough | 1872 |
Notable people
editReferences
edit- ^ Includes Clearfield, Jefferson, Tioga, McKean, Warren, Clarion, Elk, Potter, Forest and Cameron Counties
- ^ "PHMC Historical Markers Search". Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original (Searchable database) on March 21, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
- ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Cameron County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University". Archived from the original on July 25, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ "County Population Totals: 2010-2020". Archived from the original on October 19, 2016. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on December 27, 1996. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cameron County, Pennsylvania". Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of State (February 5, 2024). "Voter registration statistics by county". dos.pa.gov. Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ Klibanoff, Eleanor (May 4, 2016). "Half of Pa. municipalities rely fully on state police". WHYY-TV. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Cameron County, PA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 23, 2024. - Text list
- ^ "PROJECT TRAIL: West Creek Recreational Trail | Pennsylvania Trails | TrailLink.com". Archived from the original on February 19, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2015.
- ^ Fred Woods Trail (PDF), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, archived from the original (PDF) on September 23, 2015.
- ^ "Fred Woods Trail". VisitPA - #visitPA. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ "Fred Woods Trail Description". www.wapitiwoods.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 22, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
External links
edit
- Official Cameron County website
- Cameron County Chamber of Commerce website
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division, "2019 General Highway Map of Cameron County". Note: shows boroughs, townships, roads, villages, some streams.
- Sizerville & Portage Township - A website dedicated to the history of Sizerville & Portage Township, Cameron County Pennsylvania