Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
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Location of Lower Burrell in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
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 Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Westmoreland |
| Settled | 1852 |
| Incorporated (city) | 1959 |
| Government | |
| • Type | City council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 11.52 sq mi (29.83 km2) |
| • Land | 11.27 sq mi (29.19 km2) |
| • Water | 0.25 sq mi (0.65 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 11,758 |
| • Density | 1,043.30/sq mi (402.84/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Zip code |
15068
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| FIPS code | 42-44864 |
| Website | http://www.cityoflowerburrell.com/ |
Lower Burrell is a city in western Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is located right next to the Allegheny River. The city is about 18 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh and is part of the larger Pittsburgh metropolitan area. In 2020, about 11,758 people lived there.
Contents
History of Lower Burrell
The land where Lower Burrell is today was once a hunting ground for the Iroquois people. European settlers began to arrive in the 1760s. In 1773, Westmoreland County was officially created.
In 1852, the area's population grew, so a new township was formed. It was called Burrell Township, named after Judge Jeremiah Murry Burrell. Later, in 1879, Burrell Township was split into two parts: Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell.
Over the years, Lower Burrell changed a lot. It went from being a quiet farming community to a place with many homes and businesses. Upper Burrell, however, stayed mostly rural, though it has seen some new growth recently.
In 1959, the people of Lower Burrell voted to become a "third class city." This meant it would have its own city government. The city continued to grow until the 1980s. Like many towns in Western Pennsylvania, Lower Burrell faced challenges when big industries closed down. Since the 1990s, the city has grown a little, but some shopping areas are still empty.
The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 4 is an important landmark in the area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Geography of Lower Burrell
Lower Burrell is located at 40°35′2″N 79°43′19″W / 40.58389°N 79.72194°W.
The city covers a total area of about 11.8 square miles (30.6 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 11.6 square miles (30.0 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.3 square miles (0.8 square kilometers), is water.
Lower Burrell has different neighborhoods and areas. Some of these include Bon Air, Braeburn, Central City, and Kinloch. The main business area of Lower Burrell is found where the Bon Air, Central City, and Gladeview neighborhoods meet.
The city is part of the Appalachian Plateau, which is a western section of the Appalachian Mountains. The land here changes a lot. You can find flat areas, gentle hills, and even steep cliffs. The Allegheny River forms the northern and southwestern borders of the city. Jacks Island, which is about 0.6 miles (0.96 kilometers) long, is located in the river near the Braeburn neighborhood.
Streams in Lower Burrell
Several streams flow through or near Lower Burrell:
- Pucketa Creek flows into the Allegheny River. It forms the border between Lower Burrell and Plum.
- Little Pucketa Creek joins Pucketa Creek within Lower Burrell.
- Chartiers Run also flows into the Allegheny River in Lower Burrell.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 11,952 | — | |
| 1970 | 13,654 | 14.2% | |
| 1980 | 13,200 | −3.3% | |
| 1990 | 12,251 | −7.2% | |
| 2000 | 12,608 | 2.9% | |
| 2010 | 11,761 | −6.7% | |
| 2020 | 11,758 | 0.0% | |
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In 2000, there were 12,608 people living in Lower Burrell. There were 5,133 households and 3,654 families. The city had about 1,092 people per square mile (422 people per square kilometer).
Most of the people living in the city were White (about 97.95%). A smaller number were African American (0.93%), Asian (0.36%), or from other backgrounds.
About 27.6% of households had children under 18 living with them. Most households (58.6%) were married couples. About 25.8% of all households were people living alone.
The average age of people in the city was 43 years old. About 21.5% of the population was under 18. About 22.7% of the people were 65 years old or older.
The average income for a household in the city was about $41,000 per year. For families, the average income was about $50,036 per year.
Education in Lower Burrell
Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell Township share a school system called the Burrell School District. This district includes several schools:
- Bon Air Elementary School (for grades K-3)
- Stewart Elementary School (for grades 4-5)
- Charles A. Huston Middle School
- Burrell High School
For students who want to continue their education after high school, there are some options nearby. Lower Burrell used to have two business and arts schools, but they closed in 2013. However, Penn State New Kensington is located in nearby Upper Burrell Township. Also, a campus of Westmoreland County Community College is in New Kensington.
Notable People from Lower Burrell
Many interesting people have come from Lower Burrell:
- Jason Altmire – A former member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Pete Babando – An NHL player who won the 1950 Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings.
- Shane Black – A well-known film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.
- Tom Brown – An NFL running back who played for the Miami Dolphins.
- Linda Drane Burdick – A prosecutor famous for the State of Florida vs. Casey Anthony case.
- Stefan Lundberg – A former soccer player for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
- Leonard R. Olijar – An accountant who became the director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
- Tom Squitieri – A journalist and former foreign correspondent for USA Today.
See also
In Spanish: Lower Burrell para niños
