Williamstown, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Williamstown, Pennsylvania
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Borough
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,_Dec._2023.jpg)
East Market Street in Williamstown
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Location in Dauphin County and the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
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 Williamstown, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Williamstown, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Dauphin |
| Settled | 1869 |
| Incorporated | 1877 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Borough Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.26 sq mi (0.67 km2) |
| • Land | 0.26 sq mi (0.67 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,303 |
| • Density | 5,030.89/sq mi (1,940.88/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
17098
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| Area code(s) | 717 |
| FIPS code | 42-85320 |
Williamstown is a small town, also known as a borough, located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is about 38 miles northeast of Harrisburg, the state capital. In the past, Williamstown was known for its anthracite coal mines and factories that made hosiery (like socks). According to the 2020 census, about 1,303 people live there.
Williamstown is part of the larger Harrisburg–Carlisle area, which is a major population center.
Williamstown's Location and Size
Williamstown is found in the northeastern part of Dauphin County. It sits in a valley next to Wiconisco Creek. To the north, you can see Big Lick Mountain, and to the south is Berry Mountain. A main road, U.S. Route 209, runs just south of the borough. This road can take you northeast to Pottsville or west to Elizabethville.
The United States Census Bureau says that Williamstown covers a total area of about 0.67 square kilometers (or 0.26 square miles). All of this area is land, with no large bodies of water inside the borough limits.
People Living in Williamstown
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The population of Williamstown has changed over many years. Here is a look at how many people have lived there during different census counts:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,771 | — | |
| 1890 | 2,324 | 31.2% | |
| 1900 | 2,934 | 26.2% | |
| 1910 | 2,904 | −1.0% | |
| 1920 | 2,878 | −0.9% | |
| 1930 | 2,958 | 2.8% | |
| 1940 | 2,769 | −6.4% | |
| 1950 | 2,332 | −15.8% | |
| 1960 | 2,097 | −10.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,919 | −8.5% | |
| 1980 | 1,664 | −13.3% | |
| 1990 | 1,509 | −9.3% | |
| 2000 | 1,433 | −5.0% | |
| 2010 | 1,387 | −3.2% | |
| 2020 | 1,303 | −6.1% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 1,301 | −6.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 1,433 people living in Williamstown. These people made up 611 households, and 406 of those were families. Most of the people living in the borough were White. A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds.
About 25.7% of the households had children under 18 years old. Nearly half of the households (49.3%) were married couples living together. About 29% of all households were made up of people living alone. Many of these single residents (15.9%) were 65 years old or older.
The average age of people in Williamstown in 2000 was 40 years old. About 21.8% of the population was under 18. About 20.7% of the people were 65 years or older.
The average income for a household in Williamstown was around $33,359 in 2000. For families, the average income was about $36,548. Some families and individuals lived below the poverty line. This included about 18.6% of those under 18 and 10.8% of those 65 or older.
Famous People from Williamstown
Williamstown has been home to a few notable individuals:
- Gary Collins was a professional American football player. He played college football for the University of Maryland Terrapins from 1959 to 1961. After that, he played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns from 1962 to 1971.
- Charles Clarence Curtis was a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of major general.
- John Sylvanus Thompson was an author who wrote many popular method books for learning to play the piano. He was born and grew up right here in Williamstown, Pennsylvania.
