Fulton County, Pennsylvania Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Fulton County

County

The Fulton County Courthouse

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.

Country

United States

State

Pennsylvania

Founded

April 19, 1850

Largest borough

McConnellsburg

Area

• Total

438 sq mi (1,130 km²)

• Land

438 sq mi (1,130 km²)

• Water

0.5 sq mi (1 km²) 0.1%

Population

(2020)

• Total

14,556

• Density

33/sq mi (13/km²)

Time zone

UTC−5 (Eastern)

• Summer (DST)

UTC−4 (EDT)

Congressional district

13th

Fulton County is a place in Pennsylvania, a state in the United States. In 2020, about 14,556 people lived there. This makes it one of the less crowded counties in Pennsylvania.

The main town and county seat is McConnellsburg. Fulton County was started on April 19, 1850. It was made from a part of Bedford County. The county is named after a famous inventor, Robert Fulton. It is located in the southwest part of Pennsylvania.

What is Fulton County Like?
- Nearby Counties
How Was Fulton County Formed?
Who Lives in Fulton County?
- Population in 2020
Schools in Fulton County
How Do People Travel in Fulton County?
- Main Roads
- Other Transportation
Towns and Communities
Census-Designated Places
See also

What is Fulton County Like?

Fulton County covers about 438 square miles. Most of this area is land, with only a small amount of water. The county's water flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Most of it goes into the Potomac River. Some northern parts drain into the Juniata River, which then flows into the Susquehanna River.

The county has a climate with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures in McConnellsburg usually range from about 29°F in January to 73°F in July.

Nearby Counties

Fulton County shares its borders with several other counties:

Huntingdon County (to the north)
Franklin County (to the east)
Washington County, Maryland (to the south)
Allegany County, Maryland (to the southwest)
Bedford County (to the west)

How Was Fulton County Formed?

Fulton County is in a region called the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. This area has many folded and faulted rocks. These rocks were formed a very long time ago.

The mountains in Fulton County include Rays Hill, Town Hill, Sideling Hill, Scrub Ridge, and Meadow Grounds Mountain. These mountains are made of strong rocks like quartz sandstone. Broad Top, in the northeast, is a flat area with younger rocks.

Fulton County was never covered by glaciers during the Ice Age. However, the weather was very cold. Most of the county was likely a tundra during that time.

There is a Coal Field in the northwest part of the county. It has bituminous coal. Some old mines are there, but they don't cause many environmental problems today.

Who Lives in Fulton County?

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1850	7,567	—
1860	9,131	20.7%
1870	9,360	2.5%
1880	10,149	8.4%
1890	10,137	−0.1%
1900	9,924	−2.1%
1910	9,703	−2.2%
1920	9,617	−0.9%
1930	9,231	−4.0%
1940	10,673	15.6%
1950	10,387	−2.7%
1960	10,597	2.0%
1970	10,776	1.7%
1980	12,842	19.2%
1990	13,837	7.7%
2000	14,261	3.1%
2010	14,845	4.1%
2020	14,556	−1.9%

In 2000, about 14,261 people lived in Fulton County. There were about 5,660 households. The population density was about 33 people per square mile. Most people living here were White (98.25%).

About 31.7% of households had children under 18. Many families (59.5%) were married couples living together. The average household had 2.5 people.

The population was spread out by age. About 24.6% were under 18. About 14.5% were 65 or older. The average age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were about 100 males.

Most people in Fulton County speak English. They often have a specific way of speaking called the Central Pennsylvania accent.

Population in 2020

Fulton County Racial Composition
Race	Num.	Perc.
White (NH)	13,726	94.3%
Black or African American (NH)	124	0.85%
Native American (NH)	25	0.17%
Asian (NH)	41	0.3%
Pacific Islander (NH)	3	0.02%
Other/Mixed (NH)	491	3.4%
Hispanic or Latino	146	1%

The 2020 census showed that 94.3% of the population was White. About 0.85% were Black or African American. About 1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Schools in Fulton County

Map of Fulton County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts

There are three school districts in Fulton County. They serve students from kindergarten to 12th grade:

Central Fulton School District
Forbes Road School District
Southern Fulton School District

How Do People Travel in Fulton County?

Main Roads

Several important highways pass through Fulton County:

PA 16: This road is called the Buchanan Trail. It starts in McConnellsburg and goes across South-Central Pennsylvania.
US 30: This is part of the famous Lincoln Highway. It travels across the county. There is a short bypass around McConnellsburg.
I-70: This interstate highway goes south through the western part of the county. It connects to another interstate in Maryland.
I-76 / Penna Turnpike: This is part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a toll road. It crosses the northern part of the county. There is one exit and a travel center.
US 522: This road comes from Maryland. It goes through McConnellsburg and is a main north-south road. It passes the county's only shopping center.