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Lausanne Township, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Lausanne Township
Along Stagecoach Road north of the municipal offices
Along Stagecoach Road north of the municipal offices
Location of Lausanne Township in Carbon County
Location of Lausanne Township in Carbon County
Location of Carbon County in Pennsylvania
Location of Carbon County in Pennsylvania
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Carbon
Area
 • Total 5.96 sq mi (15.42 km2)
 • Land 5.96 sq mi (15.42 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,375 ft (419 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 237
 • Estimate 
(2016)
229
 • Density 38.46/sq mi (14.85/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s) 570
FIPS code 42-025-41888

Lausanne Township is a small community located in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. It's part of the wider Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The township was first established in 1808. This was when the original Lausanne Landing settlement created its own local government.

History of Lausanne Township

The first settlement at Lausanne Landing had a changing population. It included a few year-round residents and many workers. These workers came for logging, mining, or building boats. Today, the township has a smaller, more stable population. In 2010, 237 people lived there.

The township was named after Lausanne, a city in Switzerland. The valley near its first settlement was often called the "Switzerland of America." This was because of its bowl shape and natural beauty.

How Lausanne Township Was Formed

Lausanne Township began as part of a much larger area. This area was known as the Towamensing District within Northampton County. The district was mostly wild land north of Blue Mountain.

Over time, this large district was divided into smaller townships.

  • In 1752, Northampton County was created. The area north of Blue Mountain was called the Towamensing District.
  • In 1768, the district was split into two townships: Towamensing and Penn.
  • In 1808, Lausanne Township was formed from the upper part of Penn Township. This was also when Schuylkill County was created.
  • Later, other towns and townships were created from parts of Lausanne. This included Mauch Chunk Township in 1827.
  • More divisions happened in the 1800s. Banks Township was created in 1842. Carbon County was formed in 1843. Packer Township was set off in 1847.
  • The town of Weatherly became its own borough in 1863.
  • Finally, Lehigh Township was created in 1875. This left Lausanne Township as a much smaller area.

Today, Lausanne Township is a narrow strip of land. It is located right against the border between Luzerne and Carbon counties.

Geography of Lausanne Township

Lausanne Township is found along the northern edge of Carbon County. To its north is Luzerne County. The township sits in a valley. This valley is surrounded by two mountains: Buck Mountain to the north and Round Head Mountain to the south.

The only village in the township is Buck Mountain. It is located at the base of the mountain with the same name.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lausanne Township covers about 15.4 square kilometers (5.96 square miles). All of this area is land. The township is part of the Lehigh River watershed, meaning its water flows into the Lehigh River.

Climate and Weather

Lausanne has a climate known as a warm-summer humid continental climate. This means it has warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Average monthly temperatures in Buck Mountain range from about 24.4°F (around -4°C) in January to 69.7°F (around 21°C) in July.

Nearby Communities

Lausanne Township shares borders with several other communities:

  • Lehigh Township (to the east and south)
  • Weatherly (to the southwest)
  • Banks Township (to the west)
  • Foster Township, Luzerne County (to the north)

Transportation in Lausanne Township

2022-08-08 13 07 12 View north along Buck Mountain Road between Fritz Lane and Sotack Lane, crossing into Lausanne Township from Lehigh Township in Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Entering Lausanne Township from Lehigh Township along Buck Mountain Road

As of 2007, Lausanne Township had about 6.77 miles (10.9 kilometers) of public roads. Most of these roads, about 5.36 miles (8.6 kilometers), are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The township itself maintains the remaining 1.41 miles (2.27 kilometers).

No major numbered highways pass through Lausanne Township. The main roads you'll find here are Buck Mountain Road and Eckley Road.

Population and People

Historical population
Census Pop.
2010 237
2016 (est.) 229 −3.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 218 people living in Lausanne Township. These people lived in 88 households, and 60 of these were families. The population density was about 37.7 people per square mile (14.6 people per square kilometer). All of the residents were identified as White.

About 30.7% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households (61.4%) were married couples living together. About 27.3% of all households were individuals living alone.

The population was spread out in terms of age:

  • 22.0% were under 18 years old.
  • 6.9% were between 18 and 24 years old.
  • 30.3% were between 25 and 44 years old.
  • 27.1% were between 45 and 64 years old.
  • 13.8% were 65 years or older.

The average age in the township was 41 years.

The median income for a household was $30,625. For a family, the median income was $42,679. About 11.9% of the population lived below the poverty line. This included 20.0% of those under 18 and 5.4% of those 65 or older.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Municipio de Lausanne (condado de Carbon, Pensilvania) para niños

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