Pennsylvania is a state with a lot of history, a mix of cultures, and beautiful scenery. However, its population has changed a lot in the last ten years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania’s population grew by 2.4% between 2010 and 2020, hitting 13,011,844 people.
Still, this growth hasn’t been fairly spread across the country’s cities. Some have seen population drops, while others have seen new people move in. To find the five places in Pennsylvania with the fastest population growth from 2010 to 2020, we used a special method to rank them.
1. University of Slippery Rock
Even though Slippery Rock University is not a city but an unorganized town in Butler County’s Slippery Rock Township, it is worth mentioning because of how quickly its population has grown.
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This town has grown amazingly quickly. It was named after Slippery Rock University (SRU), which covers a large part of its land. SRU is a state university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects. The campus is very busy, with lots of clubs, sports, and events.
From 2010 to 2020, the number of people living at Slippery Rock University grew by an amazing 630.8%, to 2,397. This amazing rise is due to SRU’s association, which has seen an increase in enrollment and retention over the last ten years. Students from all over the world come to the university because it is affordable, has great academics, and is committed to social inclusion.
2. Clarion
The small city of Clarion is in Clarion County, which is about 85 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. It is the county seat and the home of Clarion University of Pennsylvania. The downtown part of the city is very busy and has many shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. It also hosts many events every year, such as the Autumn Leaf Festival, the Clarion Wine Walk, and the Clarion River Jam Bluegrass Festival.
Over ten years, Clarion’s population grew by 5.5%, hitting a total of 5,650 people. By this measure, it is the biggest city in Clarion County and the second fastest-growing city in Pennsylvania. The main reason for Clarion’s growth is that it is a center for education in the area.
Students come to Clarion University from all over Pennsylvania and other states for its academic programs and active college life. The natural beauty of the city and the chance to enjoy outdoor activities along the Clarion River make it even more appealing.
3. West Chester
West Chester is the county seat and a charming city in Chester County, which is about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. It is also home to the well-known West Chester University of Pennsylvania. The downtown area of the city is full of ancient buildings, shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. The West Chester Christmas Parade, the West Chester Film Festival, and the West Chester Restaurant Festival are just a few of the events that happen every year in West Chester.
The number of people living in West Chester increased by 8.1% during that decade, hitting a total of 20,033 people. One reason for this growth is that it is close to big cities like Philadelphia, Wilmington (Delaware), and Baltimore (Maryland). In contrast to these big cities, West Chester has a higher standard of living and a cheaper cost of living. Because of this, it attracts young workers, families, and seniors who are interested in its history, cultural variety, and educational opportunities.
4. Jefferson Hills
Jefferson Hills, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County that is about 15 miles south of the city, is a good example of the South Hills area in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The city is known for its wooded areas, lakes, and rising hills. The Jefferson Hills Golf Course, the Jefferson Hills Public Library, and the Jefferson Hills Recreation Center are just a few of the places you can go for fun.
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of people living in Jefferson Hills grew by a huge 19.7%, reaching 12,424 people. Its growth can be credited to its advantageous position in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, which gives its people easy access to jobs, schools, hospitals, and entertainment venues. The low crime rate, high median income, and great public schools in Jefferson Hills are also big pluses.
5. Media
With its location in Delaware County, 13 miles west of Philadelphia, Media is a small city that is both the county seat and the only organized city in the county. The old center area of the city has a lot of Victorian-style buildings, shops, restaurants, and theaters. It also has a lot of parks and trails, such as Rose Tree Park, Ridley Creek State Park, and the Media-Upper Providence Trail.
Media’s population grew by 5.8% during the decade in question, hitting a total of 5,658 people. It is now the third-smallest city in Pennsylvania and the third-fastest-growing city in Pennsylvania. Media’s growth is due to its name as “Everybody’s Hometown,” which shows how friendly, community-minded, and involved in government the people of Media are.
Its varied population, which includes people of different races, faiths, and backgrounds, also adds to its attraction. The city’s excellent location close to Philadelphia and other nearby big towns makes it even more appealing.
Conclusion
Over the past ten years, Pennsylvania’s population has grown by 2.4%, but not everywhere. Slippery Rock University, an unorganized town that has grown by an amazing 630.8%, and cities like Clarion, West Chester, Jefferson Hills, and Media, which have educational hubs, cultural attractions, closeness to big cities, and community-friendly environments that have all helped them see their populations grow.