Map of Pennsylvania – Cities, Geography, Counties & Stats (2024)

Pennsylvania State Map and Satelite View

Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a diverse U.S. state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions.

It borders Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, with a northern shoreline along Lake Erie.

Founded in 1681 by William Penn as a haven of religious and political tolerance, it played a key role in the American Revolution, hosting the Continental Congresses in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

Geographically, it features the Appalachian Mountains, large forests, and Lake Erie shoreline.

Today, it’s the fifth-most populous state with 12,951,300 people according to World Population Review, with major cities including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie.

The state is divided into 67 counties.

Geography Map of State

Pennsylvania covers 46,055 square miles, making it the 33rd-largest state in the U.S. It stretches 170 miles north to south and 283 miles east to west, with 44,817 square miles of land and about 1,239 square miles of inland waters, including portions of Lake Erie.

It has a coastline of 51 miles along Lake Erie and 57 miles along the Delaware Estuary, though it is the only original colony that does not touch the Atlantic Ocean.

Pennsylvania’s borders are defined by the Mason-Dixon line to the south, the Delaware River to the east, and Lake Erie to the northwest.

Regions and Climate

The state is divided into five major geographic regions: the Allegheny Plateau, Ridge and Valley, Atlantic Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Erie Plain.

Pennsylvania experiences diverse climates due to its topography, with most of the state having a humid continental climate characterized by cold winters and humid summers.

The southeast, including Philadelphia, has a humid subtropical climate.

Western Pennsylvania, near Lake Erie, can receive over 100 inches of snow annually, and tornadoes are also possible, with 30 recorded in 2011.

Rivers and Lakes

In total, Pennsylvania has 46,055 square miles of land and inland waters, with a diverse system of rivers feeding major watersheds, including those of the Delaware, Chesapeake, and Ohio rivers, contributing significantly to both ecological diversity and the state’s economy.

Three main river systems traverse Pennsylvania. The Delaware River in the east is joined by the Lehigh and Schuylkill rivers.

The Susquehanna River, flowing through central Pennsylvania, is the largest and empties into the Chesapeake Bay.

In the west, the Ohio River begins at Pittsburgh, formed by the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, and flows toward the Mississippi River.

Additionally, smaller waterways drain into Lake Erie and the Potomac River.

With the Allegheny and Pocono Mountains, scenic countryside, and numerous lakes, Pennsylvania is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

The state boasts over 2,500 lakes, offering perfect spots for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on the shores.

Top 10 Lakes in Pennsylvania

National Parks

The state is home to 15 national parks, including historic sites, memorials, a battlefield, and recreational areas, each illustrating Pennsylvania’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

These sites encompass various types, such as National Historic Sites, National Memorials, a National Military Park, and a National Recreation Area, highlighting the state’s importance in U.S. history.

Many parks commemorate pivotal moments. Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg, marking a crucial turning point.

Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia celebrates the birthplace of American independence, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

The Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville honors the courage of the passengers and crew who acted heroically on September 11, 2001.

Pennsylvania’s national parks also emphasize natural beauty.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers 40 miles of riverfront along the Delaware River, drawing millions of visitors for hiking, fishing, and scenic vistas.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, with 3,500 acres of meadows and woodlands, commemorates the endurance of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78.

Forests and Wildlife

At the time of European settlement in 1682, Pennsylvania was entirely forested.

Today, nearly half of the state is covered by forests, with species ranging from beech, maple, and birch in the north to oak and hickory in the south.

Pennsylvania is a prime hunting destination, with game such as rabbits, pheasants, squirrels, and large populations of deer and black bears.

Its rivers and streams, stocked annually with trout and other fish, also make it popular for fishing.

Population Heat Map

Pennsylvania, while relatively small in area, has a dense population typical of many eastern U.S. states.

According to the 2020 census, the state had 13,002,700 residents. Pennsylvania ranks as the 9th most densely populated state, with about 283.9 people per square mile.

A significant portion of the population is concentrated in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, with Philadelphia alone home to approximately 1.56 million residents.

Other populous cities include Pittsburgh with 304,391 people, Allentown with 120,207, Erie with 99,475, and Reading with 87,879.

Among the counties, Philadelphia County has the largest population at 1,580,863, followed by Allegheny County with 1,223,048.

The median age in Pennsylvania is around 40.6 years, with a gender distribution of 51.1% female and 48.9% male.

Regarding religious affiliation, 73% of Pennsylvanians identify with Christian faiths, 6% with non-Christian religions, and 21% are unaffiliated.

Pennsylvania, one of the original 13 colonies, reached its present boundaries in 1792 with the acquisition of the Erie Triangle in the northwest. The state’s 1790 census covered all but this area.

In terms of demographics, the latest ACS data reveals that Pennsylvania’s racial composition is:

Major Cities and Municipalities

Pennsylvania’s three largest cities are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown.

Other key cities include Reading, Erie, and Scranton, along with regions like the Lehigh Valley, which includes Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Harrisburg, the state capital, lies on the Susquehanna River in east-central Pennsylvania.

Counties Population

Pennsylvania has a total of 67 counties, two of which have populations exceeding one million.

Philadelphia County, which shares its boundaries with the city of Philadelphia, has 1,574,765 residents, making it the second smallest county in the state by land area despite its large population. Allegheny County follows with 1,227,553 residents according to World Population Review.

As of 2018, both counties have seen population growth since the last census, with Philadelphia County increasing by 3.04% and Allegheny County by a modest 0.30%.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County
Population: 5,649,300
Photos from Google Places API
Link: https://t.co/kl8MNopY0Z pic.twitter.com/xYcaFHzFDX

— New town every hour (@TownsUsa) December 8, 2023

Airports in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a robust network of over 100 public-use airports, ranging from major international hubs to small regional and municipal airports.

The state’s two largest airports, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), serve as primary gateways, handling a high volume of domestic and international flights.

Together, they facilitate the bulk of the state’s air traffic, supporting both passenger travel and cargo transport.

In addition to these primary airports, Pennsylvania has several mid-sized airports, including Harrisburg International (MDT) and Lehigh Valley International (ABE), which serve regional travel needs.

Smaller airports like Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) and Erie International (ERI) provide vital connections to surrounding states and communities.

Furthermore, there are a number of municipal and general aviation airports, such as Lancaster Airport (LNS) and Altoona–Blair County Airport (AOO), that support private aviation, training, and local businesses.

References:

1. World Population Review – Population of Pennsylvania
2. US Census Bureau – Pennsylvania Population
3. NeilsBerg – Pennsylvania Population by Race