Schuylkill County

As of the 2020 Census, Schuylkill County, PA, had a population of approximately 143,049. The racial makeup was about 91.1% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 2.4% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race comprised roughly 5.4% of the population. The median household income was around $51,184, and the poverty rate stood at about 13.1%. The county covers an area of 783 square miles.

Schuylkill County, PA has a median home value of approximately $87,000. The median household income is around $49,000. Renters make up about 20% of the population, with an average rent of $715 per month. The county's homeownership rate is approximately 80%. Housing costs in the area are lower than the national average, making it an affordable place for residents. The housing market has shown modest growth, with a year-over-year home appreciation rate of around 3.4%. The average property tax rate in Schuylkill County is about 1.30%.

Schuylkill County, PA, holds various elections, including federal, state, and local levels. As of the most recent election cycle, positions up for grabs included County Commissioner, District Attorney, and several judicial roles.

In the 2022 General Election:

• For County Commissioner, Republican candidates George Halcovage and Barron L. Hetherington got 28,765 and 26,875 votes respectively, while Democrats Gary J. Hess and Joe Palubinsky received 17,823 and 16,647 votes.
• District Attorney races saw incumbent Republican Michael O’Pake running unopposed, securing 34,587 votes.

State and federal election results varied, with U.S. Senate and House representatives attracting significant attention. Detailed updated information can be accessed via Schuylkill County’s official elections website or the Pennsylvania Department of State's electoral pages.

As of the most recent data, Schuylkill County, PA, exhibits the following education statistics:

• High school diploma or higher: Approximately 88.9% of residents aged 25 and over.
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 15.8% of residents aged 25 and over.

Comparatively, the national average for individuals with a high school diploma or higher is about 88%, with approximately 33.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Within Pennsylvania, around 90.6% have a high school diploma or higher, and about 31% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Schuylkill County lags behind both the national and state averages in terms of higher educational attainment, particularly in the percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of the most recent data, Schuylkill County, PA, has an unemployment rate of approximately 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7% and the Pennsylvania state average of 4.1%. The labor force participation rate in the county is around 58%, which is below the national average of 61%.

Top industries in Schuylkill County include:

• Manufacturing (employing about 19% of the workforce, compared to the national average of 8.5%)
• Healthcare and Social Assistance (15%)
• Retail Trade (11%)
• Educational Services (10%)
• Transportation and Warehousing (8%)

Compared to national trends, Schuylkill County has a higher proportion of its workforce in manufacturing and transportation/warehousing. The county's focus on manufacturing is notably higher than both the national and state averages, highlighting its industrial base.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local economic reports.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Schuylkill County, PA is approximately $51,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Pennsylvania is around $63,463, while the national median household income sits at approximately $68,700.

Schuylkill County's median income is therefore lower than both the state and national averages, indicating a potential area for economic development and growth initiatives.

As of the most recent data, Schuylkill County, PA has a crime rate that is generally lower than the national average. Here are some statistics from the past year:

The relatively lower rates of violent crimes and property crimes indicate that Schuylkill County is generally safer compared to urban counties in Pennsylvania. However, like all areas, crime rates can vary by specific locales within the county.