Scranton, Pa
Scranton, Pennsylvania, located at latitude 41.4089° N and longitude 75.6624° W, is the sixth-largest city in the state and serves as the county seat of Lackawanna County. Often referred to as the “Electric City,” Scranton has a rich history rooted in the coal mining and railroad industries, with its growth catalyzed by the arrival of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in the 19th century. The city covers approximately 25.54 square miles and sits at an elevation of about 745 feet above sea level.
The city’s population, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, is approximately 76,328 people. Demographically, Scranton is 84.2% White, 5.2% African American, 2.7% Asian, and 13.5% Hispanic or Latino (people may be of more than one race). The median age is 38.6 years, with a gender split of roughly 52% female and 48% male. The median household income is around $42,700, with approximately 22% of the population living below the poverty line. The city is home to a diverse range of ethnicities, including large Irish, Italian, Polish, and German communities, as well as a growing Hispanic population.
Scranton encompasses several ZIP codes, including 18503, 18504, 18505, 18507, 18508, 18509, 18510, 18512, 18517, 18518, 18519, 18540, and 18577. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods and districts, each with its own character and history. Key neighborhoods include:
- Downtown Scranton: The city’s central business district, home to courthouses, the University of Scranton, Steamtown National Historic Site, and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.
- South Side: A primarily residential area with strong Polish and Irish roots, featuring Nay Aug Park and Montage Mountain nearby.
- West Side: Known for its tight-knit community, West Scranton High School, and local businesses along Main Avenue.
- Green Ridge: A middle-to-upper class neighborhood with tree-lined streets, local parks, and historic homes.
- North Scranton: Historically an industrial area, now increasingly residential with revitalized business corridors.
- Hill Section: Popular with University of Scranton students, this neighborhood features Victorian homes and proximity to medical facilities.
- Minooka and East Mountain: Suburban-style communities with newer developments and easy access to highways.
Scranton’s history is visible in its architecture, such as the Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton Cultural Center, and the Electric City sign. The city is a hub for education, with institutions like the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Penn State Scranton. Healthcare is a major employer, with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Regional Hospital of Scranton providing services to the region.
Scranton is known for events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the nation’s largest, and attractions such as Montage Mountain Ski Resort, the Electric City Trolley Museum, and the Scranton Iron Furnaces. The local economy is driven by healthcare, education, retail, and tourism. The city is served by major highways I-81, I-84, I-380, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), and is part of the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton metropolitan area, with a combined metro population of over 550,000.
