County of allegheny
pennsylvania
History & Founding
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, this county holds a significant place in the state’s history and continues to be a vibrant hub of activity. Established in 1788 from parts of Westmoreland and Washington Counties, its name originates from the Allegheny River, itself named in honor of the prominent Seneca leader, Allegheny. The region’s history is deeply intertwined with the French and Indian War, with numerous skirmishes occurring within its boundaries. The pivotal Battle of Red Bank, a largely unsuccessful but symbolically important American effort to relieve British forces in Pittsburgh during the Revolutionary War, took place here in 1779. The county’s strategic location on the Ohio River made it crucial for westward expansion, playing a key role in the development of the early American frontier and contributing significantly to Pennsylvania's economic growth. An interesting anecdote from the early days tells of a wager between prominent Pittsburgh businessmen regarding the outcome of a crucial riverboat race – a wager that reportedly involved substantial land holdings and further fueled the city’s burgeoning commercial spirit.
Geography & Landscape
The county’s geography is defined by its location within the Appalachian Plateau. Covering 730 square miles, the terrain is primarily rolling hills and valleys carved by rivers. The Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers converge at Pittsburgh, creating a unique confluence point and a vital transportation corridor. Numerous smaller creeks and streams further shape the landscape. While no major mountain ranges are entirely within the county, the surrounding Appalachian Mountains influence the climate and provide scenic views. The climate is humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons, experiencing warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Notable natural features include the numerous parks and green spaces that dot the region, offering recreational opportunities and preserving natural beauty.
Economy & Communities
The county is a patchwork of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Pittsburgh, the county seat, is the largest city and a major economic center. Other significant towns include McKeesport, Monroeville, and Greensburg. The economy is diverse, historically rooted in steel production but now encompassing healthcare, education, technology, and finance. Agriculture remains a minor component, primarily focused on dairy farming and produce. Major employers include UPMC (healthcare), Allegheny Health Network, Carnegie Mellon University, and PNC Financial Services. The character of the area varies greatly, with Pittsburgh offering a bustling urban environment, while surrounding communities offer a more suburban or rural feel. The county is home to 88 municipalities, each with its own unique character and identity.
Points of Interest
Points of interest abound within the county. Schenley Park and Frick Park offer extensive recreational opportunities. Historic sites such as Fort Pitt Block House and the Heinz History Center offer glimpses into the region's past. The Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History showcase the county's rich cultural heritage. Numerous festivals and events, including the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh Marathon, draw visitors from around the world. Notable residents have included Andy Warhol, Roberto Clemente, and Fred Rogers. The county holds the record for having the most bridges of any metropolitan area in the world, a testament to its unique geography and engineering ingenuity.
Information
- State
- pennsylvania
- Type
- County
- Population
- 1,281,666
- Land area
- 730 sq mi
- Capital
- Pittsburgh
- Time zone
- UTC-5
- FIPS
- 42003
88 Cities
| City | Population | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | 334,563 | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Bethel Park | 33,556 | 1,250 ft (381 m) |
| Mount Lebanon | 33,017 | 1,054 ft (321 m) |
| Plum | 26,940 | 1,040 ft (317 m) |
| McKeesport | 24,040 | 1,020 ft (311 m) |
| West Mifflin | 22,464 | 1,100 ft (335 m) |
| Baldwin | 19,999 | - |
| Wilkinsburg | 19,196 | 1,000 ft (305 m) |
| Whitehall | 14,444 | 1,257 ft (383 m) |
| Munhall | 12,264 | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Franklin Park | 11,364 | 1,246 ft (380 m) |
| North Versailles | 11,125 | 1,180 ft (360 m) |
| Brentwood | 10,466 | 1,255 ft (383 m) |
| Swissvale | 9,653 | 1,020 ft (311 m) |
| Dormont | 9,305 | 1,190 ft (363 m) |
| Bellevue | 8,770 | - |
| Castle Shannon | 8,556 | 1,160 ft (354 m) |
| Clairton | 8,491 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| White Oak | 8,437 | - |
| Pleasant Hills | 8,397 | - |
| Carnegie | 8,389 | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Duquesne | 7,332 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| West View | 7,277 | 1,100 ft (335 m) |
| Oakmont | 6,911 | - |
| Forest Hills | 6,831 | 966 ft (294 m) |
| Crafton | 6,706 | 880 ft (268 m) |
| McKees Rocks | 6,622 | 750 ft (229 m) |
| North Braddock | 6,410 | 1,200 ft (366 m) |
| Coraopolis | 6,131 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Turtle Creek | 6,076 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Fox Chapel | 5,436 | 980 ft (299 m) |
| Bridgeville | 5,341 | - |
| Avalon | 5,294 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Glassport | 4,993 | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Tarentum | 4,993 | 768 ft (234 m) |
| Green Tree | 4,719 | 1,190 ft (363 m) |
| Port Vue | 4,228 | 1,185 ft (361 m) |
| Millvale | 4,028 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Mount Oliver | 3,970 | 1,130 ft (344 m) |
| Etna | 3,924 | 743 ft (226 m) |
| Sewickley | 3,902 | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Springdale | 3,828 | 805 ft (245 m) |
| Ingram | 3,712 | 930 ft (283 m) |
| Pitcairn | 3,689 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Sharpsburg | 3,594 | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Homestead | 3,569 | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Churchill | 3,566 | 1,050 ft (320 m) |
| Brackenridge | 3,543 | 916 ft (279 m) |
| Edgewood | 3,311 | - |
| Verona | 3,124 | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Aspinwall | 2,960 | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Braddock | 2,912 | - |
| Liberty | 2,670 | - |
| Emsworth | 2,598 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| East McKeesport | 2,343 | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Rankin | 2,315 | 870 ft (265 m) |
| West Homestead | 2,197 | 930 ft (283 m) |
| Wilmerding | 2,145 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| East Pittsburgh | 2,017 | 1,200 ft (366 m) |
| Dravosburg | 2,015 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Braddock Hills | 1,998 | 1,232 ft (376 m) |
| Ben Avon | 1,917 | - |
| Cheswick | 1,899 | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Edgeworth | 1,730 | 721 ft (220 m) |
| Versailles | 1,724 | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Elizabeth | 1,609 | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Oakdale | 1,551 | - |
| Blawnox | 1,550 | 740 ft (226 m) |
| Russellton | 1,530 | 929 ft (283 m) |
| Bell Acres | 1,382 | 1,180 ft (360 m) |
| Whitaker | 1,338 | 990 ft (302 m) |
| Leetsdale | 1,232 | 700 ft (213 m) |
| Heidelberg | 1,225 | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Lincoln | 1,218 | - |
| Curtisville | 1,173 | 1,120 ft (341 m) |
| Bradfordwoods | 1,149 | - |
| Bloomfield | 1,077 | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Sewickley Heights | 981 | 1,000 ft (305 m) |
| Chalfant | 870 | 1,100 ft (335 m) |
| Pennsbury Village | 738 | 1,020 ft (311 m) |
| Wall | 727 | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Sewickley Hills | 652 | 1,140 ft (347 m) |
| Osborne | 566 | 1,000 ft (305 m) |
| West Elizabeth | 565 | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Thornburg | 468 | 850 ft (259 m) |
| Rosslyn Farms | 464 | 1,120 ft (341 m) |
| Ben Avon Heights | 392 | 1,100 ft (335 m) |
| Glenfield | 236 | 720 ft (219 m) |