List of Counties in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 67 counties. The most populous counties are Philadelphia County, Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Chester County, York County, Berks County, and Lehigh County. Philadelphia County, which is coterminous with the city of Philadelphia, is by far the largest in terms of population. Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, is the second largest. The counties surrounding Philadelphia form part of the greater metropolitan area and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
List of All Counties in Pennsylvania
- Adams County, Pennsylvania
- Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
- Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
- Beaver County, Pennsylvania
- Bedford County, Pennsylvania
- Berks County, Pennsylvania
- Blair County, Pennsylvania
- Bradford County, Pennsylvania
- Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Butler County, Pennsylvania
- Cambria County, Pennsylvania
- Cameron County, Pennsylvania
- Carbon County, Pennsylvania
- Centre County, Pennsylvania
- Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Clarion County, Pennsylvania
- Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
- Clinton County, Pennsylvania
- Columbia County, Pennsylvania
- Crawford County, Pennsylvania
- Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
- Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
- Delaware County, Pennsylvania
- Elk County, Pennsylvania
- Erie County, Pennsylvania
- Fayette County, Pennsylvania
- Forest County, Pennsylvania
- Franklin County, Pennsylvania
- Fulton County, Pennsylvania
- Greene County, Pennsylvania
- Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
- Indiana County, Pennsylvania
- Jefferson County, Pennsylvania
- Juniata County, Pennsylvania
- Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
- Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
- Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
- Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
- Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
- Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
- Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
- McKean County, Pennsylvania
- Mercer County, Pennsylvania
- Mifflin County, Pennsylvania
- Monroe County, Pennsylvania
- Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
- Montour County, Pennsylvania
- Northampton County, Pennsylvania
- Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
- Perry County, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
- Pike County, Pennsylvania
- Potter County, Pennsylvania
- Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
- Snyder County, Pennsylvania
- Somerset County, Pennsylvania
- Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
- Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
- Tioga County, Pennsylvania
- Union County, Pennsylvania
- Venango County, Pennsylvania
- Warren County, Pennsylvania
- Washington County, Pennsylvania
- Wayne County, Pennsylvania
- Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
- Wyoming County, Pennsylvania
- York County, Pennsylvania
Largest Counties in Pennsylvania
1. Lycoming County
Overview
Lycoming County is the largest county in Pennsylvania, covering 1,244 square miles. It is located in the north-central region of the state and is bordered by Clinton County to the west, Tioga County to the north, and Northumberland County to the south. Established in 1795, the county was named after the Lycoming Creek. The county seat, Williamsport, is renowned for being the birthplace of Little League Baseball and hosts the annual Little League World Series. Historically, Lycoming County was a center of the logging industry during the 19th century, earning Williamsport the title of “Lumber Capital of the World.” Today, the economy is more diversified, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education playing important roles.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 114,000
- County Seat: Williamsport
- Major Airports: Williamsport Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 180, U.S. Highway 15, U.S. Highway 220
2. Bradford County
Overview
Bradford County, located in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, covers 1,161 square miles. It is bordered by the state of New York to the north, Susquehanna County to the east, and Sullivan County to the south. Established in 1810 and named after William Bradford, a patriot during the American Revolutionary War, the county is primarily rural and known for its natural beauty, including rolling hills and valleys. Agriculture, especially dairy farming, has historically been the backbone of the local economy, although natural gas production from the Marcellus Shale formation has become increasingly significant in recent years. The county seat, Towanda, serves as the region’s cultural and economic center.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 60,000
- County Seat: Towanda
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in New York)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 220, Pennsylvania Route 414
3. Tioga County
Overview
Tioga County is located in north-central Pennsylvania and spans 1,137 square miles. It is bordered by New York to the north, Potter County to the west, and Lycoming County to the south. The county was established in 1804 and named after the Native American word for “river” or “forks,” reflecting the area’s natural waterways, including the Tioga River. Tioga County is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a deep gorge along Pine Creek. The county’s economy is based on agriculture, forestry, and natural gas extraction. Wellsboro, the county seat, is known for its quaint Victorian charm and the annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 40,000
- County Seat: Wellsboro
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: Elmira-Corning Regional Airport in New York)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 15, Pennsylvania Route 287, Pennsylvania Route 660
4. Clearfield County
Overview
Clearfield County is located in central Pennsylvania and covers 1,154 square miles. It is bordered by Elk County to the north, Centre County to the east, and Jefferson County to the west. Established in 1804, the county is named for the clear fields made by Native Americans along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Clearfield County’s economy has historically been driven by coal mining and lumbering, and while those industries still play a role, the county has diversified into manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The county seat, Clearfield, is known for the historic Clearfield County Courthouse and the nearby Susquehanna River, which offers recreational opportunities like fishing and boating.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 80,000
- County Seat: Clearfield
- Major Airports: Dubois Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 322, U.S. Highway 219
5. Luzerne County
Overview
Luzerne County, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, covers 906 square miles. It is bordered by Wyoming County to the north, Schuylkill County to the south, and Lackawanna County to the northeast. Established in 1786 and named after the French ambassador to the U.S., Chevalier de la Luzerne, the county has a rich history tied to coal mining and the anthracite coal industry. The county seat, Wilkes-Barre, along with neighboring Scranton, forms part of a significant metropolitan area in the region. Luzerne County’s economy today includes healthcare, education, and transportation industries, with the county also serving as a key hub for logistics and distribution.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 325,000
- County Seat: Wilkes-Barre
- Major Airports: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 81, U.S. Highway 11
6. Clinton County
Overview
Clinton County is located in north-central Pennsylvania, covering 897 square miles. It is bordered by Centre County to the east, Lycoming County to the west, and Potter County to the north. Established in 1839 and named after DeWitt Clinton, the governor of New York and advocate for the construction of the Erie Canal, Clinton County has a rural, forested landscape. The county seat, Lock Haven, is a historic town located along the West Branch Susquehanna River and is home to Lock Haven University. Clinton County’s economy is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with outdoor recreation also drawing visitors to its state parks and forests.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 38,000
- County Seat: Lock Haven
- Major Airports: University Park Airport (located nearby in State College)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 220, Pennsylvania Route 64, Pennsylvania Route 120
7. Potter County
Overview
Potter County, known as “God’s Country,” is located in north-central Pennsylvania and spans 1,081 square miles. It is bordered by New York to the north, McKean County to the west, and Tioga County to the east. Established in 1804, the county was named after James Potter, a general during the American Revolutionary War. Potter County is famous for its vast wilderness, outdoor recreational activities, and dark skies, making it a premier destination for stargazing. The county seat, Coudersport, is a charming town with a deep connection to the region’s lumber industry. Today, the local economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 16,000
- County Seat: Coudersport
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: Bradford Regional Airport)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 6, Pennsylvania Route 44, Pennsylvania Route 49
8. Schuylkill County
Overview
Schuylkill County, located in eastern Pennsylvania, covers 783 square miles. It is bordered by Luzerne County to the north, Berks County to the south, and Carbon County to the east. Established in 1811, the county was named after the Schuylkill River, which flows through southeastern Pennsylvania. Schuylkill County was once a thriving hub for the anthracite coal industry, and remnants of this heritage can still be seen today in towns like Pottsville, the county seat. Pottsville is also home to America’s oldest brewery, Yuengling. The economy of Schuylkill County has diversified in recent years, with healthcare, manufacturing, and retail playing key roles.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 141,000
- County Seat: Pottsville
- Major Airports: Lehigh Valley International Airport (located nearby)
- Major Highways: Interstate 81, U.S. Highway 209, Pennsylvania Route 61
9. Centre County
Overview
Centre County is located in central Pennsylvania, covering 1,112 square miles. It is bordered by Clinton County to the north, Union County to the east, and Huntingdon County to the south. Established in 1800, Centre County was named due to its location in the geographic center of Pennsylvania. The county seat, Bellefonte, is known for its historic Victorian architecture, while State College, home to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), is the county’s largest town. The university plays a pivotal role in the local economy, driving growth in education, research, and technology industries. Additionally, the county benefits from tourism, with outdoor activities and Penn State athletics drawing visitors year-round.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 160,000
- County Seat: Bellefonte
- Major Airports: University Park Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 99, U.S. Highway 322, Pennsylvania Route 45
10. Erie County
Overview
Erie County, located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, covers 1,558 square miles, making it one of the largest counties by land area in the state. It is bordered by Lake Erie to the north, Crawford County to the south, and Ohio to the west. Established in 1800, the county was named after the Native American Erie tribe that once inhabited the region. The county seat, Erie, is a major port city on the Great Lakes and has a diverse economy centered around manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Erie’s location on Lake Erie also makes it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 269,000
- County Seat: Erie
- Major Airports: Erie International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 79, Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 20