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State College, Pennsylvania, is a borough -- and more generally used, the borough and surrounding townships -- in Centre County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 38,420, and roughly double that total lived in the borough plus the surrounding townships.

The town is dominated economically and demographically by the presence of the main campus of the Pennsylvania State University, more often referred to as Penn State. Happy Valley is an often-used term to refer to the State College area, including the borough and the townships of College, Harris, Patton, and Ferguson.

The area is served by University Park Airport.

Geography

State College is located at (40.791261, -77.858740).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 11.8 km² (4.5 mi²), all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 38,420 people, 12,024 households, and 3,306 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,267.4/km² (8,459.3/mi²). There were 12,488 housing units at an average density of 1,062.0/km² (2,749.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough was 84.31% White, 3.69% African American, 0.15% Native American, 8.77% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 1.38% from other races, and 1.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.02% of the population.

There were 12,024 households out of which 10.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 22.4% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 72.5% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.69.

The age distribution of State College, which is overwhelmingly influenced by Penn State, is: 5.8% under the age of 18, 65.5% from 18 to 24, 16.2% from 25 to 44, 6.7% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 108.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.1 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $21,186, and the median income for a family was $54,949. Males had a median income of $34,388 versus $27,219 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $12,155. 9.7% of families were below the poverty line. 10.6% of those under the age of 18 and 2.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. 46.9% of the entire population lives below the poverty line, but this particular measure of poverty can be very misleading when applied to a community like State College which is dominated by students. The previous measures of those under 18, over 65, and families are much less affected by the Penn State student population.

The State College area is one of the fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Areas nationwide due to rapid growth in business spinoffs from the University, and general quality of life rankings success.

History

State College evolved from village to town to serve the needs of the fledgling Pennsylvania State College, founded as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania in 1855. Since then, the school has grown into a major university, renamed in 1953 The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State. State College was incorporated as a borough on August 29, 1896 and has since grown with the university. Both borough and university share a symbiotic relationship. In 1973 State College adopted a home rule charter which took effect in 1976. The areas outside of State College are filled with historic towns and villages, immense tracts of farmland, and an expanse of mountains and forests.

The university has a post office address of University Park, PA, which is sometimes a cause for confusion. When Penn State changed its name from College to University in 1953, its president, Milton S. Eisenhower, sought to persuade the town to change its name as well. A referendum failed to yield a majority for any of the choices for a new name, and so the town remains State College. After this, Penn State requested a new name for its on-campus post office in the Hetzel Union Building from the U.S. Post Office Department. This was University Park, and although one may hear sportscasters use the name, one will search maps in vain for it.

Happy Valley

"Happy Valley" is sometimes used as shorthand for State College, Pennsylvania, where the Pennsylvania State University is located.

In a survey conducted in the late 1980s by Psychology Today, State College was ranked as one of the least stressful places in the United States.

Commentators referring to Penn State athletic events often give the location as "Happy Valley" rather than mentioning State College or the specific campus facility.

In the August issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, State College received honorable mention in best music scenes throughout the country. Bands formed in State College include Katsu, Emily's Toybox, and Axum.

Otto's Pub & Brewery, located in State College, was voted #37 on the "Top 50 Places to Have A Pint" in the United States in 2003 by BeerAdvocate.com.* In addition to this, the 2006 survey listed Zeno's Pub in the top 50 as well.

The Corner Room, located in State College, was voted #3 on the "Best Places to Eat a sticky Bun" in the United States in 2005 by Pastrypoll.com.

Business

Education

State College is served by the State College Area School District. *

Famous people from State College

External links

  • Scasd.org, the Web site of the State College Area School District Scasd
  • centralPAproperties.com, this site offers State College and Centre County real estate information and abundant community links
  • StateCollegeKids.com, Our Family Guide connects web site visitors to camps, classes, education options, products and support services for parents and children in the State College, PA area.

Boroughs in Pennsylvania | Centre County, Pennsylvania | University towns | State College, Pennsylvania | State College

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "State College, Pennsylvania".

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