Juniata County
countyJuniata County, located in central Pennsylvania, is a predominantly rural county characterized by its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage. As of 2024, the population was estimated to be around 23,395. The county is situated in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley physiographic province, offering a landscape of fertile valleys, rolling hills, and mountains. The Juniata River, for which the county is named, plays a vital role in the region's identity and provides recreational opportunities. Juniata County's economy is rooted in agriculture, with poultry and dairy farming being significant industries. Manufacturing, particularly kosher poultry production, also contributes to the local economy. The county is served by the Juniata County School District and Greenwood School District, which provide education to the local population. Several major corporations have established themselves in the county's rural communities, blending industrial growth with the area's natural beauty. Juniata County offers a tranquil, small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Its rich history, dating back to early Native American settlements and the arrival of Scot-Irish and German pioneers, is evident in its historical sites and cultural traditions. The county's abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and hunting, attract visitors and contribute to the high quality of life enjoyed by its residents.
Juniata County, Pennsylvania
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 42067
- Country
- United States
- County
- Juniata County
- Region
- Central Pennsylvania
- Total Area
- 394 sq mi
- Land Area
- 391 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.2 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.53
- Longitude
- -77.4
- Notable Features
- Juniata River · Tuscarora Mountain · Shade Mountain
- Neighboring Areas
- Dauphin County · Franklin County · Huntingdon County · Mifflin County · Northumberland County · Perry County · Snyder County
- Population (2020)
- 23,509
- Est. Population (2024)
- 23,395
- Median Age
- 43.1
- Median Income
- $63,923
- Poverty Rate
- 4.9%
- Family Households
- 70%
- Owner-Occupied
- 73.2%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Juniata County includes 92.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 1.84% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 1.16% Other (Hispanic), 1.05% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), and 1.02% Two Races Including Other (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Juniata County Commissioners
- School District
- Juniata County School District
- Municipal Services
- Human Services
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.3%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Agricultural
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Construction
- Major Employers
- Empire Kosher Poultry · Armstrong Cabinet Products · Brookline Manor · Family House Restaurant · Jay Fulkroad & Sons · Juniata County · Stop 35 · Weis Markets · Zimmerman Truck Lines
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 2,288
- Teachers
- 184
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Juniata County School District · Greenwood School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Geisinger School of Nursing (nearby)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Tuscarora State Forest · Karl B. Guss State Forest Picnic Area · Juniata River · Myers Park
- Parks & Trails
- State Game Lands · State Forests · Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Areas
- Founded
- 1831
- Named After
- Juniata River
- Historical Significance
- Juniata County's history reflects the broader patterns of settlement and economic development in central Pennsylvania, from its early reliance on agriculture and transportation to its more recent diversification into manufacturing and other sectors.
- Key Events
- Formed from part of Mifflin County · Early settlement by Scot-Irish and German immigrants · Pennsylvania Canal
