Updated 6/14/08

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General Facts

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.

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.

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.

The estimated population of Pike County for 2010 is 60,059 and 2020 is 79,170 (Source: 2008 Officials Directory, p58).

Median value of owner-occupied housing units was $118,300 in 2000.

Retail sales per capita was $4,785 in 2002.

The largest employment sectors are Service, Wholesale/Retail and Construction. Tourism is the driving economic force with Construction a close second. See Business Sheet.

Distance to nearby cities: City Miles Scranton, PA 50 New York, NY 75 Allentown, PA 77 Philadelphia, PA 125

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.   Acres Pike County Total 350,208 State and Federal Total in Pike County 110,604 State Forest 67,768 Game Lands 24,243 State Parks 2,971 Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 15,622 Source: 2008 Officials Directory, p52.

People & Income Overview Value Rank in U.S. Population (2006) 58,195 854    Growth (%) since 1990 107.6% 45 Households (2000) 17,433 982 Labor Force (persons) (2006) 26,269 908 Unemployment Rate (2006) 6.0 635 Per Capita Personal Income (2005) $26,719 1468 Median Household Income (2004) $50,368 296 Poverty Rate (2004) 7.4 2924 H.S. Diploma or More - % of Adults 25+ (2000) 86.8 373 Bachelor's Deg. or More - % of Adults 25+ (2000) 19.0 >818

Industry Overview (2006) Value Rank in U.S. Covered Employment 11,071 1350    Avg wage per job $28,035 1852 Manufacturing - % all jobs in County 3.0% 2523    Avg wage per job $53,938 273 Transportation & Warehousing - % all jobs in County 1.9% 1710    Avg wage per job $27.270 2934 Finance and Insurance - % all jobs in County 1.8% 2279    Avg wage per job $37,986 1060 Source: STATS Indiana USA Counties (PDF) / Data Obtained 12/23/07

See also MapStats (PDF) from the Federal Government.

Why People Move to Pike County?

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. The median home value is $118,300 compared to $144,500 and $157,700 in Orange and Sussex counties. 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. 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

Compare the facts below from the U.S. Census and see for yourself. Download More Data

County (State) 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006 Monroe (PA) 29,802 33,773 39,567 45,422 69,409 96,709 139,844 165,685 Pike (PA) 7,452 8,425 9,158 11,818 18,271 27,966 46,653 58,195 Wayne (PA) 29,934 28,478 28,237 29,581 35,237 39,944 47,927 50,929 Sussex (NJ) 29,632 34,423 49,255 77,528 116,119 130,943 144,696 153,384 Orange (NY) 140,113 152,255 183,734 221,657 259,603 307,647 343,128 376,392 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.

Parameter Wayne PA Pike PA Monroe PA Orange NY Sussex NJ PA NY NJ Land area, 2000 (sq. mi.) 729 547 609 816 521 44,816 47,214 7,417 Population, 2006 estimate 50,929 58,195 165,685 376,392 153,384 12.4 mil 19.3 mil 8.7 mil Estimated perons per sq. mi., 2006 69.8 106.4 272.3 461.1 294.3 278l 409 1176 Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 6.7% 25.7% 19.5% 10.3% 6.4% 1.3% 1.7% 3.7% Mean travel time to work (minutes), age 16+, 2000 26.3 46 36.7 32.5 38.3 25.2 31.7 30 Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2000 $102,100 $118,300 $125,200 $144,500 $157,700 $97,000 $148,700 $170,800 Median household income, 2004 $38,365 $50,368 $49,918 $54,771 $71,013 $43,714 $45,343 $57,338 Persons below poverty, 2004 11.0% 7.4% 9.3% 10.2% 4.4% 11.2% 14.5% 8.4% Retail sales, 2002 ($1000) 571,226 239,674 1,621,462 4,035,561 1,345,425 130.7 mil 178.1mil 102.2 mil Retail sales per capita, 2002 $11,784 $4,785 $10,867 $11,323 $9,037 $10,603 $9,298 $11,910 Building permits, 2006 423 1,005 1,437 1,340 603 39,128 54,382 34,323 Federal spending, 2004 ($1000) 314,126 186,001 804,025 1,913,361 519,053 94.9 mil 143.9 mil 55.3 mil Source: U.S. Census / Data Obtained 12/23/07

The Best Single Resource on Pike County "Pike County Visitors Guide" by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce On-Line Guide or PDF

Of Interest

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.

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.

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.

The Upper Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers are the largest wintering areas for bald and golden eagles east of the Mississippi.

President John F. Kennedy delivered the key address at Grey Towers' dedication ceremony in Milford 1963 just two months before he was assasinated.

J.F. Kennedy Memorial Garden in Milford Click to Read Plaque

The first scientifically managed forest in America was the Blooming Grove Hunt Club in Pike County.

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.

The second solar house ever built in the country was in the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area.

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.

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

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: 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

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.

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.

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.

The philosopher Charles Peirce, lived in Milford from 1887 until his death in 1914.   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".     Visit the Political Graveyard for a complete list of politicians that were born, lived and/or burried in Pike County.       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.         Marie Zimmermann (1878-1972)   Zimmermann Bottle Marie Zimmermann's house is near Milford and is on the list in the National Register of Historical Places. She was a world-renowned metal craft artist and was supportive of women pursuing careers in business and medicine. Articles from the Natinal Park Service: Park Profile: Marie Zimmermann at her Farm Designed with Nature: The Zimmermann Estate       "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       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.       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).       See PoconoHistory.com for a Detailed Overview of Pike County History

Activities and Events

A portion of the business district in Milford has a National Historic Area designation featuring buildings made from bluestone mined locally in the early 1800’s. See the National Registry of History Places and Milford Historic District.

In the winter season, Milford decorates itself in white light for the Festival of Lights in December.

Ski BIG BEAR at Masthope Mountain in Lackawaxen township features a 650 foot vertical drop for skiing, snow boarding and snow tubing.

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.

The Delaware River Sojourn is an eight-day, educational paddle down the entire length of the Delaware River, in early June.

The Pear Blossom Festival in Milford is a springtime celebration that offers a pear bake-off, live music, art, and exhibits.

The annual Milford Music Festival in June celebrates live music and features internationally renowned and emerging artist performing jazz, classical, blues, rock and more! The annual Black Bear Film Festival is held in October and supports innovative and independent films, artistic expression, education, diversity, and cultural enhancement. 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.

"Out and About" Calendar of Events from the Pike County Courier

Area Links and More Information

Links Menu General Communities Attractions Near Pike County Transportation Local News and Information Lists of Local Attractions Schools Local Politics Local Organizations Places of Worship Web Cams and Weather Realitors and Builders Job Listings Local Attractions Rentals and Apartments Hospitals Museums and History Web Designers State Resorts Weird Stuff County and Townships Camps   General Pike County, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Pike County Chamber of Commerce Relocation Page Visitors Guide Stay the Night Places of Worship Pike County Public Library Pike County Today Pike County Relocation Guide 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 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): Pike County Roadwork Work Zone Map Schools Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Results 2005-06 Results Reposted on Our Server     Format District Math and Reading District Writing School Math and Reading School Writing 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 Newton Memorial Newton, NJ Bon Secours Community Hospital Port Jervis, NY Wayne Memorial Honesdale, PA Pocono Medical Center East Stroudsburg, PA 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 Draft Comprehensive Plan for Pike County 2008 Officials Directory 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 Saw Creek News 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 NEPAtoday.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 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 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/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 Youth Coalition 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 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 Big Foot Sightings by the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization UFO Sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center: Dingman's Ferry 4/16/04 Bushkill 7/30/03 Bushkill 5/15/00 Shohola Falls 7/11/00 Shohola Falls 5/09/00 List for Pennsylvania (Last checked 4-2007) Porter Township Ghost

Articles

Pike dethroned as fastest-growing county. PoconoNews.Net on March 21, 2008.

Pike could become Wall Street's backup. Times Herald-Record on March 05, 2008.

Milford-Montague Bridge rehab begins today. PoconoNews.net on February 18, 2008.

Local real estate market soft but not 'horrific'. Weekly Almanac on September 22, 2007.

"America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" from Budget Travel lists Milford, PA. Newsweek on August 24, 2007.

NEPA population fleeing cities. Times-Tribune on June 28, 2007.

"Escape from New York" calls Milford the Un-Hamptons and notes that it has a supportive and welcoming gay community. Instinct Magazine.

Pike still attracts builders. Recordonline.com on May 4, 2007.

Pike makes the top 100 fastest growing counties list, again PoconoNets.net on March 23, 2007.

Wall Street West to border Pike. Pike County Courier on October 14, 2006.

Pa is a popular destination. Newsday.com on September 17, 2006.

Live long and live in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Times Herald-Record on September 23, 2006.

Fastest-growing counties suburban, rural. MSNBC.com on March 16, 2006.

Business booms in Pa. Times Herald-Record on February 09, 2006.

Pike County hooks tourists. Time Herald-Record on February 9, 2006.

"Pike County Rich in History and Natural Beauty" brochure from 800poconos.com.

Commuting to the Future. Milford Magazine in February 2004.

Lure for Long Commute: Cheaper Homes (PDF). New York Times on September 20, 1987.

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.

bob@move2pike.com