County Information

Program Information

County Facts

Elk County is located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains region and, together with Cameron County, is the center of the state's only wild elk herd. Approximately 91% forested, the 830 square mile county is one of four that comprise the Allegheny National Forest as well as being home to several state forests, parks and state game lands Total population is 34,878(1990 census). The county seat is Ridgway. Johnsonburg and St. Marys are the other two main populations centers in the county.

Named for the elk that still inhabit the area, Elk County was formed from parts of Jefferson, Clearfield and McKean Counties on April 18, 1843. Elk County's first inhabitants are presumed to be Seneca or Cornplanter Indians. Ruins of Indian forts have been found near Russell City in Highland Township.

The abundant forest lands first attracted the area's early settlers in 1787. The county's first industries were indicative of the early terrain. As a result, timber marketing, in various forms, was Elk County's first major industry. Today, powdered metal is another thriving business. High percentages of the population are still employed in the forest industry as well as powdered metals and paper making.

Outdoor recreation abounds in Elk County. There are trails for hiking,
cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and mountain biking. There is also an abundance of streams and acres of woodlands for the hunting and fishing enthusiast. Camping is available throughout the Allegheny National Forest and Elk State Forest. Campgrounds include Twin Lakes Recreation Area, Loleta Recreation Area, and East Branch Lake. Fishing, boating and water skiing are very popular on East Branch Lake, while Clarion River is ideal for those who prefer to canoe.

Elk County hosts a wealth of cultural activities and organizations ranging from the visual and performing arts to historical societies and libraries. Some of these include: the Elk County Concert Association, Elk County Footlighters, Historical Society of St. Marys and Benzinger Township, Elk County Historical Society and Elk County Council on the Arts. Youth organizations are also well represented with church youth groups, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, athletic leagues, and many others.

County Statistics

Need some stats for your county? Check out these resources.

Government information site on demographics, economics, and educational information: http://govinfo.library.orst.edu/

US Census Bureau
United States Department of Commerce

• To find timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States, click here: http://www.census.gov/

USDA Home Page: http://www.usda.gov/

Program Highlights

Penn State Cooperative Extension helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Pennsylvania with information and a broad range of educational programs designed to:

• Support productive, profitable, and competitive businesses and a strong agriculture and food system
• Enable people to better understand and deal with complex public issues.
• Strengthen families, children and youth, and the elderly
• Build caring, safe, and healthy communities
• Ensure the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's natural resources