Carbon County, Pennsylvania

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County in Pennsylvania, United States

Carbon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 64,749. The county seat is Jim Thorpe. The county was created on March 13, 1843, from parts of Northampton and Monroe counties and was named for the extensive deposits of anthracite coal in the region.

History

Carbon County was formed during the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. The discovery of anthracite coal in the region led to the development of the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which were crucial in transporting coal to markets. The county played a significant role in the early industrialization of the United States.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 387 square miles (1,000 km²), of which 381 square miles (990 km²) is land and 5.9 square miles (15 km²) (1.5%) is water. The county is part of the Pocono Mountains region and features a mix of mountainous terrain and river valleys.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 64,749 people, 25,290 households, and 17,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 170 people per square mile (66/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.

Government and Politics

Carbon County is governed by a board of three county commissioners. The county is part of Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district. The political landscape of the county has historically leaned towards the Republican Party, although there are significant numbers of Democrats and Independents.

Economy

The economy of Carbon County has transitioned from its historical reliance on coal mining to a more diversified mix of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and tourism. The county's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, skiing, and white-water rafting, attract visitors year-round.

Education

Carbon County is served by several public school districts, including the Jim Thorpe Area School District, Lehighton Area School District, and Palmerton Area School District. The county is also home to the Carbon Career & Technical Institute, which provides vocational and technical education.

Communities

Boroughs

• Beaver Meadows
• Bowmanstown
• East Side
• Jim Thorpe
• Lansford
• Lehighton
• Nesquehoning
• Palmerton
• Parryville
• Summit Hill
• Weissport

Townships

• Banks Township
• East Penn Township
• Franklin Township
• Kidder Township
• Lehigh Township
• Lower Towamensing Township
• Mahoning Township
• Packer Township
• Penn Forest Township
• Towamensing Township
• Weatherly

See also

• Lehigh Valley
• Pocono Mountains
• Anthracite coal
• Lehigh Canal
• Lehigh Valley Railroad

External links

• Official website

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