Delaware County

Delaware County

Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was approximately 576,830, making it the fifth most populous county in Pennsylvania. The county seat is Media.

History

Delaware County was created on September 26, 1789, from part of Chester County. It was named after the Delaware River, which in turn was named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an English nobleman and Virginia's first colonial governor.

Geography

Delaware County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, bordered to the east by Philadelphia County, to the west by Chester County, to the north by Montgomery County, and to the south by the state of Delaware. The county has a total area of 191 square miles, of which 184 square miles is land and 7 square miles is water.

Major Waterways

• Delaware River
• Chester Creek
• Ridley Creek

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Delaware County has a diverse population with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities. The county is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Education

Delaware County is home to several institutions of higher education, including:

• Swarthmore College
• Haverford College
• Widener University

Government

The county is governed by a five-member County Council, which is elected at large. The council appoints a County Executive to oversee the day-to-day operations of the county government.

Economy

The economy of Delaware County is diverse, with major sectors including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The county is home to several major employers, including Boeing and SAP America.

Transportation

Delaware County is served by several major highways, including:

• Interstate 95
• Interstate 476
• U.S. Route 1

Public transportation is provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which operates bus, trolley, and rail services throughout the county.

Notable People

• Tina Fey, actress and comedian, was born in Upper Darby, Delaware County.
• Jim Croce, singer-songwriter, was born in South Philadelphia and raised in Upper Darby.

See Also

• List of counties in Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia metropolitan area

External Links

• Official Delaware County Government Website