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Clinton County, Pennsylvania

Coordinates: 41°14′N 77°38′W / 41.24°N 77.64°W / 41.24; -77.64
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41°14′N 77°38′W / 41.24°N 77.64°W / 41.24; -77.64

Clinton County
Clinton County Courthouse
Clinton County Courthouse
Flag of Clinton County
Official seal of Clinton County
Official logo of Clinton County
Motto(s): 
Where Rivers and Valleys meet Mountains ands Sunsets [1]
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Clinton County
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Map of the United States highlighting Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°14′N 77°38′W / 41.24°N 77.64°W / 41.24; -77.64
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedJune 21, 1839
Named forDeWitt Clinton
SeatLock Haven
Largest cityLock Haven
Area
 • Total897 sq mi (2,320 km2)
 • Land888 sq mi (2,300 km2)
 • Water8.9 sq mi (23 km2)  1.0%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total37,450
 • Estimate 
(2022)
37,931 Increase
 • Density42/sq mi (16/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district15th
Websitewww.clintoncountypa.com
DesignatedJune 12, 1982[2]

Clinton County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,450.[3] Its county seat is Lock Haven.[4] Clinton County comprises the Lock Haven, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Williamsport-Lock Haven, PA Combined Statistical Area. The county is part of the Central Pennsylvania region of the commonwealth.[a]

History

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In the Treaty of Fort Stanwix of 1768, new lands in Pennsylvania were purchased from the Haudenosaunee for colonial settlement, including parts of what is now Clinton County. The land was formally associated with Northumberland County, but a group of organized settlers near modern Jersey Shore elected three commissioners each March who were responsible for seeing that everyone was dealt with fairly. This became known as the Fairplay System. Most of the rulings seem to have dealt with property issues, but they dealt with any legal or criminal cases in their area. They granted permission for new settlers to enter the area, could take away a settler's land claim if they were absent more than six weeks (except for military service), and could expel a person (by setting them adrift in a canoe on the river). The county was created on June 21, 1839, from parts of Centre and Lycoming Counties.

Etymology

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The county name is in honor of the sixth Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton. Some alternate sources suggest the namesake is Henry Clinton.[5]

Geography

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1883 map of Clinton County, with the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad running through the center.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 897 square miles (2,320 km2), of which 888 square miles (2,300 km2) is land and 8.9 square miles (23 km2) (1.0%) is water.[6] The county has a humid continental climate which is warm-summer (Dfb) except in lower areas near the West Branch and the Bald Eagle Creek which are hot-summer (Dfa). Average monthly temperatures in Lock Haven range from 26.5 °F in January to 72.2 °F in July, while in Renovo they range from 25.6 °F in January to 71.0 °F in July.[7]

Adjacent counties

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Landforms

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Major highways

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18408,323
185011,20734.7%
186017,72358.1%
187023,21131.0%
188026,27813.2%
189028,6859.2%
190029,1971.8%
191031,5458.0%
192033,5556.4%
193032,319−3.7%
194034,5576.9%
195036,5325.7%
196037,6193.0%
197037,7210.3%
198038,9713.3%
199037,182−4.6%
200037,9102.0%
201039,2383.5%
202037,450−4.6%
2022 (est.)37,9311.3%
[9]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 37,914 people, 14,773 households, and 9,927 families residing in the county. The population density was 43 people per square mile (17 people/km2). There were 18,166 housing units at an average density of 20 per square mile (7.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.3% White, 0.52% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. 0.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 36.0% were of German, 15.6% American, 9.6% Irish, 8.6% Italian and 7.4% English ancestry.

There were 14,773 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 13.6% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.20 males.

2020 census

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Clinton County Racial Composition[11]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 34,933 93.27%
Black or African American (NH) 416 1.11%
Native American (NH) 51 0.14%
Asian (NH) 211 0.56%
Pacific Islander (NH) 7 0.02%
Other/Mixed (NH) 1,170 3.12%
Hispanic or Latino 662 1.76%

Micropolitan Statistical Area

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Map of the Williamsport-Lock Haven, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), composed of the following parts:

The United States Office of Management and Budget[12] has designated Clinton County as the Lock Haven, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA). As of the 2010 U.S. Census[13] the micropolitan area ranked 16th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 315th most populous in the United States with a population of 39,238. Clinton County is also a part of the Williamsport-Lock Haven, PA Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the population of both Clinton County and the Lycoming County areas. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 11th in the State of Pennsylvania and 143rd most populous in the United States with a population of 155,349.

Government and politics

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United States presidential election results for Clinton County, Pennsylvania[14][15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 11,902 67.39% 5,502 31.15% 257 1.46%
2016 10,022 64.64% 4,744 30.60% 739 4.77%
2012 7,303 54.86% 5,734 43.08% 274 2.06%
2008 7,504 50.73% 7,097 47.98% 190 1.28%
2004 8,035 57.53% 5,823 41.69% 109 0.78%
2000 6,064 50.56% 5,521 46.03% 409 3.41%
1996 4,293 37.39% 5,658 49.27% 1,532 13.34%
1992 4,471 35.57% 5,397 42.94% 2,701 21.49%
1988 5,735 49.38% 5,759 49.59% 119 1.02%
1984 6,678 59.24% 4,525 40.14% 70 0.62%
1980 6,288 52.36% 4,842 40.32% 880 7.33%
1976 5,858 46.63% 6,532 51.99% 174 1.38%
1972 8,205 62.54% 4,772 36.37% 142 1.08%
1968 6,563 48.59% 6,301 46.65% 644 4.77%
1964 4,298 29.91% 10,038 69.84% 36 0.25%
1960 9,184 60.58% 5,965 39.34% 12 0.08%
1956 8,250 60.32% 5,411 39.56% 17 0.12%
1952 8,125 58.29% 5,758 41.31% 55 0.39%
1948 5,618 52.85% 5,013 47.15% 0 0.00%
1944 5,915 50.66% 5,703 48.85% 57 0.49%
1940 6,291 45.80% 7,419 54.01% 26 0.19%
1936 6,479 43.28% 8,351 55.79% 139 0.93%
1932 4,851 54.54% 3,741 42.06% 302 3.40%
1928 8,120 73.62% 2,849 25.83% 60 0.54%
1924 5,129 54.62% 1,939 20.65% 2,323 24.74%
1920 4,303 54.58% 2,976 37.75% 605 7.67%
1916 2,794 45.14% 2,967 47.93% 429 6.93%
1912 1,214 20.12% 2,200 36.45% 2,621 43.43%
1908 3,477 54.54% 2,547 39.95% 351 5.51%
1904 3,535 61.36% 1,941 33.69% 285 4.95%
1900 3,157 50.58% 2,879 46.13% 205 3.28%
1896 3,486 51.23% 3,053 44.87% 265 3.89%
1892 2,572 43.91% 3,075 52.49% 211 3.60%
1888 2,756 45.38% 3,204 52.76% 113 1.86%

While Clinton County has historically been Republican like the rest of central Pennsylvania, Democrats captured the registration edge in early 2008. Each of the three row-office statewide winners carried Clinton in 2008. In 2006, Democrat Bob Casey Jr. received 54% of its vote when he unseated incumbent Republican US Senator Rick Santorum and Ed Rendell received 56% of the vote against Lynn Swann. The conservative tendencies of the county were again reestablished in 2008 when then-Senator Obama lost the county vote 48% to John McCain's 51%. This was followed in 2010 with U.S. Senate candidate, Republican Pat Toomey, receiving 59% to 41% for Democrat Joe Sestak. In 2012, Mitt Romney carried the county 55% to President Obama's 43%, while incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey, Jr. received 44% to his Republican challenger, Tom Smith's 53%.[16]

Voter registration

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As of February 6, 2024, there are 21,710 registered voters in Clinton County.[17]

Chart of Voter Registration

  Republican (57.16%)
  Democratic (29.93%)
  Independent (9.28%)
  Other Parties (3.63%)
Presidential results of 2020 for Clinton County, Pennsylvania; municipalities separated by color Biden:      50–60%
Trump:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

County commissioners

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  • Jim Russo, chairman, Republican
  • Jeffrey Snyder, vice chairman, Republican
  • Angela Harding, Democrat

Other county offices

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  • Chief Clerk, Desiree Meyers
  • Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary, Cynthia Love, Republican
  • District Attorney, David Strouse, Democrat
  • Register of Wills, Jennifer Hoy, Republican
  • Treasurer, Michelle Kunes, Republican
  • Auditor, Jacqui Anastos, Republican
  • Auditor, Michelle Crowell, Democrat
  • Auditor, Cathy Gedon, Republican
  • Sheriff, Kerry Stover, Democrat
  • Coroner Zach Hanna, Democrat

State senate

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District Senator Party
25 Cris Dush Republican

State House of Representatives

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District Representative Party
76 Stephanie Borowicz Republican

United States House of Representatives

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District Representative Party
15 Glenn Thompson Republican

United States Senate

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Senator Party
John Fetterman Democratic
Bob Casey Democratic

Education

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Map of Clinton County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

Colleges and universities

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Public school districts

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Recreation

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There are five Pennsylvania state parks in Clinton County.

Communities

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Map of Clinton County, Pennsylvania with Municipal Labels showing Cities and Boroughs (red), Townships (white), and Census-designated places (blue).

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Clinton County:

City

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Boroughs

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Townships

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Census-designated places

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Census-designated places are unincorporated communities designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law.

Other unincorporated communities

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Population ranking

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The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Clinton County.[18]

county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2020 Census)
1 Lock Haven City 8,108
2 Mill Hall Borough 1,479
3 Avis Borough 1,473
4 Dunnstown CDP 1,464
5 Flemington Borough 1,271
6 McElhattan CDP 1,224
7 Renovo Borough 1,061
8 Castanea CDP 1,047
9 Beech Creek Borough 736
10 Rauchtown (partially in Lycoming County) CDP 722
11 Lamar CDP 561
12 Rote CDP 488
13 Loganton Borough 469
14 South Renovo Borough 411

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Includes Centre, Lycoming, Northumberland, Columbia, Mifflin, Union, Snyder, Clinton, Juniata and Montour Counties
  1. ^ https://www.clintoncountypa.gov [bare URL]
  2. ^ "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.
  3. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Clinton County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 85.
  6. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  7. ^ "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University".
  8. ^ summit type feature
  9. ^ "Census 2020".
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Clinton County, Pennsylvania".
  12. ^ "Office of Management and Budget". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  13. ^ "2010 U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  14. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  15. ^ The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 1,926 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 613 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 77 votes, and Socialist Labor candidate Arthur Reimer received 5 votes.
  16. ^ "Pennsylvania Elections - Summary Results".
  17. ^ Pennsylvania Department of State (February 5, 2024). "Voter registration statistics by county". dos.pa.gov. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  18. ^ https://data.census.gov/ [bare URL]
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