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General Facts
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- Pike County lies in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania along the Delaware River; it borders partly on New
York State and New Jersey. Lake Wallenpaupack, along the county's northwestern border, forms its boundary with
Wayne County. The southwestern side lies in the heart of the famed Pocono Mountains.
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- In area, Pike County covers 547.2 square miles including about 13 square miles of water. The County is approximately
one-half the size of the entire state of Rhode Island.
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- Pike ranks as the 115th fastest growing counties in the US and is the second fastest growing county in Pennsylvania
(behind Forest County). Pike has a population estimated at 58,633 in 2007 and has grown 26.6% since 2000. See article.
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- Median value of owner-occupied housing units was $118,300 in 2000.
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- Retail sales per capita was $4,785 in 2002.
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- The largest employment sectors are Service, Wholesale/Retail and Construction. Tourism is the driving economic
force with Construction a close second. See Business Sheet.
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- Distance to nearby cities:
| City |
Miles
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| Scranton, PA |
50
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| New York, NY |
75
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| Allentown, PA |
77
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| Philadelphia, PA |
125
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- Pike County’s natural resources are an extremely important asset locally, regionally and statewide. Outdoor
recreation is a natural in Pike County with many species of fish to catch, canoeing and rafting down the Delaware
River, viewing waterfalls, hiking trails, sightseeing, swimming, boating, camping, and cycling . Hawk and eagle
watching along the Delaware River is also very popular. There are 11,604 acres of state and federal land in Pike
County which is 32% of the entire county.
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Acres
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| Pike County Total |
350,208
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| State and Federal Total in Pike County |
110,604
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| State Forest |
67,768
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| Game Lands |
24,243
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| State Parks |
2,971
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| Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area |
15,622
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| Source: 2008 Officials Directory,
p52. |
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| People & Income Overview |
Value
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Rank in U.S.
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| Population (2006) |
58,195
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854
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| Growth (%) since 1990 |
107.6%
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45
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| Households (2000) |
17,433
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982
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| Labor Force (persons) (2006) |
26,269
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908
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| Unemployment Rate (2006) |
6.0
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635
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| Per Capita Personal Income (2005) |
$26,719
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1468
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| Median Household Income (2004) |
$50,368
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296
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| Poverty Rate (2004) |
7.4
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2924
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| H.S. Diploma or More - % of Adults 25+ (2000) |
86.8
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373
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| Bachelor's Deg. or More - % of Adults 25+ (2000) |
19.0
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>818
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| Industry Overview (2006) |
Value
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Rank in U.S.
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| Covered Employment |
11,071
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1350
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| Avg wage per job |
$28,035
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1852
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| Manufacturing - % all jobs in County |
3.0%
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2523
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| Avg wage per job |
$53,938
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273
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| Transportation & Warehousing - % all jobs in County |
1.9%
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1710
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| Avg wage per job |
$27.270
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2934
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| Finance and Insurance - % all jobs in County |
1.8%
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2279
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| Avg wage per job |
$37,986
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1060
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See also MapStats (PDF) from the Federal Government.
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Why People Move to Pike County?
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| Many people move to Pike County because it is a beautiful place to live and homes are inexpensive compared to the
surrounding counties. However, many people who live in Pike County work in a neighboring counties or even commute
to New York City. See the links to transportation below. |
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- The median home value is $118,300 compared to $144,500 and $157,700 in Orange and Sussex counties.
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- The commute time to work for Pike County residents is also the highest compared to neighboring counties and
the state; 46 minutes in Pike County compared to the next highest value of 38 minutes.
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- The Milford-Montague Toll Bridge is the northern-most bridge crossing the Delaware River under the Commission’s
jurisdiction. Located seven miles south of the New Jersey/New York state line, the bridge connects U.S. Route 206
at Montague, N.J. to U.S. Routes 6 and 209 at Milford, Pa. Traffic increases by about 50% during the summer months.
The bridge’s average daily traffic was 8,400 vehicles in 2007. News Articles: 1 and 2
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| Compare the facts below from the U.S. Census and see for yourself. Download
More Data |
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| County (State) |
1940
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1950
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1960
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1970
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1980
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1990
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2000
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2006
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| Monroe (PA) |
29,802
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33,773
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39,567
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45,422
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69,409
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96,709
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139,844
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165,685
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| Pike (PA) |
7,452
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8,425
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9,158
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11,818
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18,271
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27,966
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46,653
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58,195
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| Wayne (PA) |
29,934
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28,478
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28,237
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29,581
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35,237
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39,944
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47,927
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50,929
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| Sussex (NJ) |
29,632
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34,423
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49,255
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77,528
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116,119
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130,943
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144,696
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153,384
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| Orange (NY) |
140,113
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152,255
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183,734
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221,657
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259,603
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307,647
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343,128
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376,392
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| Data for 1940-1990 from the 1990 Census of Population and Housing Report (1990 CPH-2-1) |
| Data for 2000 to 2006 from the Census Data and Estimates |
| Orange County not shown in graph. |
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| Parameter |
Wayne
PA
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Pike
PA
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Monroe
PA
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Orange
NY
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Sussex
NJ
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PA
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NY
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NJ
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| Land area, 2000 (sq. mi.) |
729
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547
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609
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816
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521
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44,816
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47,214
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7,417
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| Population, 2006 estimate |
50,929
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58,195
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165,685
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376,392
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153,384
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12.4 mil
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19.3 mil
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8.7 mil
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| Estimated perons per sq. mi., 2006 |
69.8
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106.4
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272.3
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461.1
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294.3
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278l
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409
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1176
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| Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 |
6.7%
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25.7%
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19.5%
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10.3%
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6.4%
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1.3%
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1.7%
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3.7%
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| Mean travel time to work (minutes), age 16+, 2000 |
26.3
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46
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36.7
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32.5
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38.3
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25.2
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31.7
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30
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| Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2000 |
$102,100
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$118,300
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$125,200
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$144,500
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$157,700
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$97,000
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$148,700
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$170,800
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| Median household income, 2004 |
$38,365
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$50,368
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$49,918
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$54,771
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$71,013
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$43,714
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$45,343
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$57,338
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| Persons below poverty, 2004 |
11.0%
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7.4%
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9.3%
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10.2%
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4.4%
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11.2%
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14.5%
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8.4%
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| Retail sales, 2002 ($1000) |
571,226
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239,674
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1,621,462
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4,035,561
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1,345,425
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130.7 mil
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178.1mil
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102.2 mil
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| Retail sales per capita, 2002 |
$11,784
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$4,785
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$10,867
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$11,323
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$9,037
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$10,603
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$9,298
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$11,910
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| Building permits, 2006 |
423
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1,005
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1,437
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1,340
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603
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39,128
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54,382
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34,323
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| Federal spending, 2004 ($1000) |
314,126
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186,001
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804,025
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1,913,361
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519,053
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94.9 mil
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143.9 mil
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55.3 mil
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Source: U.S. Census / Data Obtained 12/23/07
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The Best Single Resource on Pike County
"Pike County Visitors Guide" by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce
On-Line
Guide or PDF
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Of Interest
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- Pike County was created on March 26, 1814, from part of Wayne County and named for General Zebulon Pike. Milford,
the county seat, was probably named for Milford Haven in Wales. Its bluestone and lumber, carried by D & H
Canal and by Erie R. R., helped build our nation. The county is famous for its natural beauty.
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- The county seat, Milford, the "Birthplace of the American Conservation Movement". Milford was named
one of Pennsylvania's "Prettiest Painted Places" by the Paint Quality Institute.
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- Authors Sara Tuff and Greg Melville named Milford in their book, “101 Best Outdoor Towns.” The towns had to be: under 20,000 in population, affordable, within
100 miles of major airport and near a national park, river or trail area.
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- The Upper Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers are the largest wintering areas for bald and golden eagles east of
the Mississippi.
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- President John F. Kennedy delivered the key address at Grey Towers' dedication ceremony in Milford 1963 just
two months before he was assasinated.
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J.F. Kennedy Memorial Garden in Milford
Click to Read Plaque
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- The first scientifically managed forest in America was the Blooming Grove Hunt Club in Pike County.
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- The first silent movie ever made in the U.S. was filmed in Milford, Pike County in 1912. Mary Pickford, queen
of the silent film, filmed The Informer in Milford with producer D.W. Griffith.
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- The second solar house ever built in the country was in the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area.
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- Author Stephen Crane of such works
as "The Red Badge of Courage", in the summer of 1891 and for 4-5 years afterward, camped together with
a number of friends in Pike County usually at Twin Lakes near Milford. The "Pike County Puzzle" is a
product of his 1894 camping experience there.
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- Chief Thundercloud was from from Dingmans
Ferry and is burried in the Dingmans Ferry Cemetery. He was in P.T. Barnum and Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. He
also was th esubject of some famous artist in his day. Some have said his likeness was the model for the last five
dollar gold piece minted in the United States
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- Autumn is an especially beautiful time of year because the leaves change colors. Pike County attracks many
"leaf peepers" in October. The Cliff Park Inn in Milford was named by Bedandbreakfast.com as one of the 10 great places in the country to settle into for the fall
viewing (USA Today, Sept 2006).
| Best time to visit for foliage: |
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1. Northern Zone: Peaks in early October
2. Central Zone: Peaks in mid-October
3. Southern Zone: Peaks in late October |
| Source: Fall in PA |
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The corporate headquarters of Altec Lansing is located
in Milford, PA. Altec Lansing is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high quality computer and home entertainment
sound systems, and a line of headsets, headphones, and microphones for personal digital media.
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The Dingman's Ferry Bridge is
located between PA and NJ at the bottom of Route 739. The bridge is the last privately owned toll bridge on the
Delaware River and one of the last few in the United States. The toll for a car is presently $0.75 and the toll
collector stands in the middle of the road on the PA side of the bridge. Yes, the toll collector is there 24 hours
a day and 7 days a week.
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Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct, Lackawaxen, PA
(Prior to Restoration)
Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct
is the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States; it runs 535 feet (175 meters) from Minisink
Ford, New York to Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania. It is also known as the Delaware Aqueduct, or Roebling Bridge. Built
in 1848 , it was designed by and built under the supervision of John A. Roebling, who would design the Brooklyn
Bridge twenty years later.
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The philosopher Charles Peirce, lived
in Milford from 1887 until his death in 1914.
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Gifford Pinchot was one of America's
leading advocates of environmental conservation at the turn of the twentieth century. Pinchot founded the USDA
Forest Service and was also Governor of Pennsylvania in 1923-27. The Governor lived in Milford and his home, known
as Grey Towers, is now a national historic landmark He is often called the "First Conservationist".
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Visit the Political Graveyard for a
complete list of politicians that were born, lived and/or burried in Pike County. |
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| The writer Zane Grey made his home in Lackawaxen
from 1905-18 and is also his final resting place. He is known as the "Father of the Western Novel" and
he began is career relating stories of his experiences fishing along the Upper Delaware River. His home is now
a national historic site and museum. |
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"Smoky" Joe Wood Day was
a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox 1908-1917 and an outfielder with the Cleveland Indians until 1920. He won the
World Series with the Red Sox and the Indians. Smoky Joe was the only other Major League player to pitch in one
World Series and play a starting position in another. The other player was babe Ruth. Smoky Joe had a house on
the Parker's Glen Road in Shohola Township. The Pike County Commissioners in 1977 declared every October 25th as
Smoky Joe Wood Day and was his birthday
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| Al Pitrelli, the guitarist for the Trans-Siberian
Orchestra, Savatage and O2L, currently resides in Milford. He also played with Danger Danger, Asia and Blue Oyster
Cult. |
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Vanessa Carlton was born in Milford
on August 16, 1980. She is an American pop singer, songwriter, and pianist best known for the single "A Thousand
Miles" from her platinum-selling debut album Be Not Nobody (2002).
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See PoconoHistory.com for
a Detailed Overview of Pike County History
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Activities and Events
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- In the winter season, Milford decorates itself in white light for the Festival of Lights in December.
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- The growing artistic community presents Art After Dark on the second Saturday of each month; it’s an evening
of art, shopping, and dining. A number of galleries host receptions, performances, and art demonstrations for the
public to enjoy.
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- The Delaware River Sojourn is an eight-day, educational paddle down the entire length of the Delaware River,
in early June.
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- The Pear Blossom Festival in Milford is a springtime celebration that offers a pear bake-off, live music, art,
and exhibits.
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The annual Milford Music Festival in June celebrates
live music and features internationally renowned and emerging artist performing jazz, classical, blues, rock and
more! |
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The annual Black Bear Film Festival is held in October
and supports innovative and independent films, artistic expression, education, diversity, and cultural enhancement. |
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The annual Festival of Wood is held in August by the U.S. Forest Service at Grey Towers. The festival hopes
to:
- Provide an understanding of the many uses of wood, including its cultural significance
- Illustrate the important role that wood played in the shaping of our society, especially this region
- Educate the public about scientific forestry and the management of our forest resources
- Showcase local artists’ works and provide a venue for wood crafter's
- Promote Grey Towers, the Pinchot Institute and other partners
Many recreational activities are
held throughout the year at Grey Towers.
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Area Links and More Information
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Links Menu
 General
Pike County, Pennsylvania
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pike County Chamber of Commerce
Pike County Public Library
Pike County Today
Pike County Relocation Guide
Pike County Visitor's Bureau
Milford
Pike County Industrial Development Corporation
Pike County Socio-Economic Information
Blog
Pike County Census Data
Pike County Motor Vehicle Accidents
Work and Play in Northeast PA
Hometown
Locator
Yahoo Neighborhoods - Data and Cost of Living
Index
City-Data.com - Pike County,
Milford and Matamoras
Craig's List - Poconos and Scranton
Transportation in Pike County includes from New Jersey and
New York
Pike Cuonty
Area Agency on Aging
Metro-North Railroad
- Port Jervis Line Schedules
Short
Line Bus Schedules
WNEP Listing of Road Closings
Pennsylvania Depart of Transporation (PennDOT):
Schools
Pike County Public Schools
Report
Pike
County Private School Review
Great Schools Report:
Delaware Valley,
East Stroudsburg and
Wallenpaupack
Pennsylvania System
of School Assessment (PSSA) Results
2006-07 Results Reposted on Our Server
NOTE: Most Current School Year Reported as of July 2008 |
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Format
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| District |
Math and Reading |
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| District |
Writing |
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| School |
Math and Reading |
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| School |
Writing |
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Delaware Valley School District
East Stroudsburg School District
Wallenpaupack Area School District
Northampton Community College
East Stroudsburg University
Penn State University - Pike County Cooperative Extension
Sussex County Community College - Sussex, NJ but offers
in-state tuition to Pike residents
Places of Worship
Pike Chamber of Commerce Listing
Job Listings
Pike Chamber of Commerce
Listing
DiversityJobs
Jobster
JuJu
Hospitals Serving Pike Countys
Pike County Health Care Study Group (March
2003) - Download Summary
State Websites
PA PowerPort
PA State Legislators - Pike County
PA State Police Reporting - Pike County
PA Human Relations
Commission Annual Reports
County and Township Websites
Pike PA County Site
Complete List of Township and Borough
Contact Info
CapitolWiz Info: Officials, Elections, Issues and Media
Blooming Grove Township
Delaware Township
Dingman Township
Lackawaxen Township
Lehman Township
Shohola Township
Communities
Gold Key Estates
Hemlock Farms
Hickory Hills Estates
Lake Teedyuskung
Masthope Mountain Community
Pocono Woodland Lakes
Pocono Mountain Lake Estates (Section 5-7)
Promise Land
Saw Creek Community Association
Tink Wig
Trails End
Winona Lakes
Wild Acres
Local News and Information
Topix
Pike County Dispatch
The News Eagle
The Pike County Courier
Tri-State Observer
PoconoNews.net
The River Reporter
Tri-State News Network
Poconos Hotels, Resort, Lodging News and Weather
Blog
Milford Magazine
Hometown Review
Blue Ridge Cable TV 13
Fox Radio
Scranton Times Tribune
Times Herald-Record
This Week in the Poconos
Pocono Record
The Weekly Almanac
MyFoxNortheast PA.com
PAHomePage.com
WNEP TV 16
WBRE TV 28
Bold Gold Media
Media Tracker
Local Wi-Fi HotSpots
Local Politics
Delaware Township Democratic Club
Pike County Democrats
Pike County Republican Committee
Web Cams and Weather
Bushkill Webcam
Milford Webcam
On-Site Weather Station in Milford
Local Attractions
Fishing in Pike County
Pike County Visitor's Bureau
Fall in PA
ATV Trials on State Forest
Land - Pike County
Trials.com - Pike County
Milford Music Festival
Black Bear Film Festival
Mountain Laurel Center
Ski BIG BEAR at Masthope Mountain
Tanglewood Ski Area
Costa's Family Fun Park
Upper Delaware River
Bushkill Falls
Local Water Falls - Water Falls Guide and Hometown Locator
Eagles Institute
Grey Towers
Museums and History
PoconoHistory.com - Hisotry of Pike County
The Columns - Pike County Historical Society
Shohola Railroad and Historical Society
Shohola Area Historical Information
Zane Grey Museum
Pocono Indian Museum
GenForum's Pike County Genealogy Forum
CousinsConnect's Pike County Genealogy Queries
Resorts
Mount Haven Resort
Fernwood Hotel and Resort
Pocmont Resort and Conference Center
Woodloch Resort
Camps
Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA - Dingmans Ferry
Lake Greeley Camp - Greeley
Cedar Lake Camp - Milford
Netimus Camp for Girls - Milford
New Jersey Y Camps - Milford
Camp Shohola for Boys - Shohola
Attractions Near Pike County
Camel Back Ski
Camel Beach Water Park
Claws 'N' Paws
Shawne Water Park
Thunder Creek Quarry
Land of Make Believe
"Top 15 Picks in the Region" by the Minisink
Valley Historical Society (PDF)
Lists of Local Attractions
800 Poconos
Pike County Visitor's Bureau
Pike/Wayne Association of REALTORS (MLS)
Pennsylvania Visitors Network - Pike County
Pennsylvania Tourist Attractions
Pocono Bests
Pennsylvania Route 6
Pennsylvania State Fairs
Local Organizations
Refer to PikePaHelp.org for a comprehesive
list of non-profit organizations in and serviving Pike County.
Alliance to Keep Pike Green
Habitat for Humanity of Pike County
Kindred Spirits Programs
United Way of Pike County, Inc.
Pike County Bar Association
Pike County Youth Coalition
Pike County Victom Assistance
Programs
Pocono Commuter Club
Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC)
Tri-State Unity Coalition
Realitors and Builders
Pike County is not connected to the national MLS system but does have its own regional MLS. Not all realitors
are affiliated with the regional system. Realitors in Pennsylavnia can also ask for any percent commission for
the sale of a home and they often do! The state average is probably 6% but realitors in Pike County usually ask
for 8-10%.
Predatory
Loan: Don't let a bad loan hang you out to dry!
Publication by the PA Human Relations Commission. An in-depth examination of the characteristics of abusive
lending practices often referred to as "predatory lending."
Predatory Loan: Definition
Fair Housing Practices - ENGLISH
or SPANISH
Publication by the PA Human Relations Commission. This poster is required to be posted by owners of housing,
real estate brokers and others subject to the housing provisions of the Act.
More Information
Yahoo Neighborhoods - Data and Cost of Living
Index
Pike/Wayne Association of REALTORS (MLS)
Pike County Builders Assocation
Reply!com
Wand'ing Thru Wayne and Pike County Blog
Rentals and Apartments
See also Predatory Loan and Fair Housing Practices under Realitors and Builders above
Wilkins & Associates Real Estate
Remax Realty of Milford
Hemlock Sales Agency (Call Office)
Rent
Apartment Guide
Apartment Finder
Craig's List (See Housing)
Web Designers in Pike County (Not Affiliated with this Site)
High Aspirations, Inc.
Weird Stuff in Pike County
Strange
Fossil Skull Found in Pike County (repost)
Big Foot Sightings in Pike County - Reported
by the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization
UFO Sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center:
Complete List for Pennsylvania (Last
checked July 2008)
Pike, PA Sightings Listed Below:
Porter Township Ghost
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Articles
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Pike dethroned as fastest-growing county. PoconoNews.Net
on March 21, 2008.
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Pike could become Wall Street's backup. Times Herald-Record
on March 05, 2008.
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Milford-Montague Bridge rehab begins today. PoconoNews.net
on February 18, 2008.
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Local real estate market soft but not 'horrific'. Weekly
Almanac on September 22, 2007.
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"America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" from Budget Travel
lists Milford, PA. Newsweek on August 24, 2007.
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NEPA population fleeing cities. Times-Tribune on June
28, 2007.
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"Escape from New York" calls Milford the Un-Hamptons and
notes that it has a supportive and welcoming gay community. Instinct
Magazine.
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Pike still attracts builders. Recordonline.com on
May 4, 2007.
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Pike makes the top 100 fastest growing counties list,
again PoconoNets.net on March 23, 2007.
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Wall Street West to border Pike. Pike County Courier on
October 14, 2006.
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Pa is a popular destination. Newsday.com on September 17,
2006.
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Live long and live in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Times
Herald-Record on September 23, 2006.
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Fastest-growing counties suburban, rural. MSNBC.com on March
16, 2006.
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Business booms in Pa. Times Herald-Record on February
09, 2006.
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Pike County hooks tourists. Time Herald-Record on
February 9, 2006.
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"Pike County Rich in History and Natural Beauty"
brochure from 800poconos.com.
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Commuting to the Future. Milford Magazine in February
2004.
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Lure for Long Commute: Cheaper Homes (PDF).
New York Times on September 20, 1987.
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This page was compiled by a resident of Pike County.
This page does not endorse any specific site or service. No fees or other compensation was
accepted for listing on this site.
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bob@move2pike.com
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