Greenville, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greenville, Pennsylvania
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Borough
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Main Street
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Location in Mercer County and the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
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 Greenville, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Greenville, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | ||||
| State | Pennsylvania | ||||
| County | Mercer | ||||
| Established | 1819 | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • Total | 1.89 sq mi (4.89 km2) | ||||
| • Land | 1.89 sq mi (4.89 km2) | ||||
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | ||||
| Highest elevation
(western border near PA 358)
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1,190 ft (360 m) | ||||
| Lowest elevation | 918 ft (280 m) | ||||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,540 | ||||
| • Density | 2,935.88/sq mi (1,133.58/km2) | ||||
| Time zone | UTC-4 (EST) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (EDT) | ||||
| Zip code |
16125
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| Area code(s) | 724 | ||||
| School district | Greenville Area | ||||
| Website | www.greenvilleborough.com | ||||
Greenville is a small town, also called a borough, located in northwestern Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It sits right along the Shenango River. The town is about 80 miles away from both Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Greenville covers an area of 1.89 square miles. In 2020, about 5,541 people lived there. The town was first officially recognized as the Borough of West Greenville in 1836. Later, in 1865, its name was changed to the Borough of Greenville. Since January 1, 2020, it has been operating under a special local government system called a "home rule charter," and is known as the "Town of Greenville."
Greenville is home to some interesting companies. The Werner Company, which makes ladders, is based here. Also, Bail USA, a national bail bond company, and Anderson Coach & Travel, a big bus company, are located in Greenville.
Contents
Greenville's Past: A Look at Its History
Greenville was once a busy center for manufacturing. Many different kinds of factories and workshops were found here. These included places that made railroad parts, bridges, and even cars. There were also foundries (where metal is cast), machine shops, and steelworks. The Shenango River provided power for many of these industries.
How Greenville's Population Changed Over Time
The number of people living in Greenville has changed a lot over the years.
- In 1900, there were 4,814 residents.
- By 1910, the population grew to 5,909.
- It reached its highest point in 1940, with about 10,000 people.
- By 2000, the population had decreased to 6,380.
- The 2020 census showed 5,541 residents.
Greenville's Financial Journey
In May 2002, the state of Pennsylvania said Greenville was in a difficult financial situation. However, the town worked hard to improve its money matters. By November 2023, Greenville was no longer considered to be in financial distress. This shows how the community worked together to become stronger.
Historic Places in Greenville
Two important places in Greenville are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are special and protected because of their history. These are the Greenville Commercial Historic District and the Alexander P. and James S. Waugh House.
Where is Greenville Located?
Greenville is located in northwest Pennsylvania. Its exact location is 41°24′18″N 80°23′12″W / 41.40500°N 80.38667°W. The town is situated along the Shenango River. Greenville is about 945 feet above sea level.
Who Lives in Greenville?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 1,848 | — | |
| 1880 | 3,007 | 62.7% | |
| 1890 | 3,674 | 22.2% | |
| 1900 | 4,814 | 31.0% | |
| 1910 | 5,969 | 24.0% | |
| 1920 | 8,101 | 35.7% | |
| 1930 | 8,628 | 6.5% | |
| 1940 | 8,149 | −5.6% | |
| 1950 | 9,210 | 13.0% | |
| 1960 | 8,765 | −4.8% | |
| 1970 | 8,704 | −0.7% | |
| 1980 | 7,730 | −11.2% | |
| 1990 | 6,734 | −12.9% | |
| 2000 | 6,380 | −5.3% | |
| 2010 | 5,919 | −7.2% | |
| 2020 | 5,541 | −6.4% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 5,499 | −7.1% | |
| Sources: | |||
In 2000, there were 6,380 people living in Greenville. These people made up 2,464 households and 1,471 families. The town had about 3,038 people per square mile.
Most of the people in Greenville were White (96.33%). There were also African American (1.77%), Asian (0.82%), and Native American (0.13%) residents. About 0.49% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Many residents have German (28%), Irish (12%), English (12%), and Italian (10%) backgrounds.
Age and Households in Greenville
In 2000, about 21.7% of the population was under 18 years old. About 16.8% were between 18 and 24, and 24.8% were between 25 and 44. People aged 65 or older made up 16.7% of the population. The average age in Greenville was 35 years.
About 27.8% of households had children under 18. Many households (45.3%) were married couples. The average household had 2.28 people, and the average family had 2.96 people.
The average income for a household in Greenville was $31,250. For families, it was $38,869. About 13.8% of the population lived below the poverty line.
What Does Greenville's Economy Look Like?
The Werner Company is the biggest employer in Greenville. They are known for making ladders and are the largest ladder manufacturer in the world. Richard D. Werner started the company in New York City in 1922. After World War II, he began making aluminum ladders, and the Werner Ladder business grew quickly. Today, their main office is on Werner Road in Greenville.
Other major employers in Greenville include UPMC Horizon, Walmart, Thiel College, the Greenville Area School District, and St. Paul's.
Fun and Culture in Greenville
Greenville has seven parks that the town takes care of. The largest is Riverside Park. This park has a recreation center, an outdoor amphitheater, and a new playground built by volunteers in 2012. The South Greenville Recreation Center at Riverside Park was made much bigger in 2016.
A sports complex is located nearby, where kids and adults can play softball, soccer, and football. The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce helps to make the community a better place.
Arts and Entertainment
Greenville has a community theater group for people aged 18 and over. There's also the Penn-Ohio Young Actors Playhouse for younger performers (under 18). Greenville even has its own symphony orchestra!
The Greenville Area Public Library has been serving the community since 1921.
Museums to Explore
Greenville is home to three museums where you can learn about the past:
- The Greenville Area Historical Society at the Waugh House Museum
- The Greenville Railroad Park and Museum
- The Erie Extension Canal Museum
The Railroad Park and Museum has old train equipment, including a rare "Union" steam locomotive. Every year in early July, Greenville celebrates "Heritage Days." This event includes fireworks, crafts, historical reenactments, activities for kids, and a large free car show. The Waugh House, built in 1826, is the oldest brick house in Greenville.
The post office building in Greenville is special. It was built during the Great Depression as part of a government program called the WPA.
Learning in Greenville
The Greenville Area School District serves parts of the area. It has two main school buildings. The Reynolds Area School District also serves some areas and has two buildings.
Thiel College, a private liberal arts college, is also located in Greenville.
Famous People from Greenville
- Štefan Banič, who invented one of the first parachute designs.
- Nicholas James, an American actor.
- Gus Kefurt, a Medal of Honor recipient.
- Eric Kloss, a jazz saxophonist.
- Larry Lake, a musician and radio personality.
- Bill Mitchell, a former vice president of design for General Motors.
- Nolan Reimold, a former professional baseball player.
Images for kids
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Main Street
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Flag of Greenville
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Seal of Greenville
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Logo of Greenville
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Location in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
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Greenville Post Office
