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Worcester Township, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Worcester Township
Township
Peter Wentz Homestead, built in 1758
Peter Wentz Homestead, built in 1758
Official seal of Worcester Township
Seal
Location of Worcester Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Location of Worcester Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Montgomery
Area
 • Total 16.22 sq mi (42.0 km2)
 • Land 16.22 sq mi (42.0 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation
269 ft (82 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 9,750
 • Estimate 
(2016)
10,486
 • Density 601.1/sq mi (232.09/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s) 610, 484, 215, 267, 445
FIPS code 42-091-86496

Worcester Township (pronounced WUR-ses-ter) is a community located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. A township is a type of local government area. In 2010, about 9,750 people lived here.

History of Worcester Township

Worcester Township was founded in 1733. It was named after the city of Worcester, England. Over time, it grew to include three smaller villages: Center Point, Cedars Village, and Fairview Village.

Historic Homes and Landmarks

Two important historical buildings in Worcester Township are the Anthony Morris House and the Peter Wentz Homestead. These homes are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their historical importance. The Peter Wentz Homestead was built in 1758.

Geography of Worcester Township

Worcester Township covers about 16.2 square miles. Most of this area is land, with only a tiny bit of water. The township is part of the Schuylkill River watershed. This means that water from the area eventually flows into the Schuylkill River.

Local Waterways

The township's water drains into Skippack Creek. This creek then flows into Perkiomen Creek. Another stream, Stony Creek, also helps drain the area.

Worcester Township Villages

Several small villages are part of Worcester Township. These include Bethel Hill, Cedars, Center Point, Fairview Village, Heebnerville, Providence Square, and Worcester.

Neighboring Communities

Worcester Township shares its borders with several other communities. These include:

Transportation in Worcester Township

Worcester Township has many public roads. As of 2020, there were over 80 miles of roads. Some roads are maintained by the state, and others by the township itself.

Major Roads and Highways

The most important road passing through Worcester Township is Interstate 476. This highway is also known as the Northeastern Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. However, there are no exits for I-476 directly within the township.

The main roads for local travel are Pennsylvania Route 73 and Pennsylvania Route 363. These routes help people get around the township.

2022-10-12 13 05 32 View north along Interstate 476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension) from the overpass for Bethel Road in Worcester Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
I-476/Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension northbound in Worcester Township

Public Transportation Options

SEPTA provides public bus service in Worcester Township. The Route 91 bus runs through the township on Saturdays. It connects the Norristown Transportation Center in Norristown to the State Correctional Institution – Phoenix in Skippack Township.

Population and People

The number of people living in Worcester Township has grown a lot over the years.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1930 1,487
1940 1,609 8.2%
1950 1,939 20.5%
1960 3,250 67.6%
1970 4,243 30.6%
1980 4,661 9.9%
1990 4,686 0.5%
2000 7,789 66.2%
2010 9,750 25.2%
2020 10,317 5.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2010, the population was 9,750. By 2020, it had grown to 10,317 people.

Diversity in the Township

Worcester Township is home to people from many different backgrounds. In 2010, most residents were White. There were also significant numbers of Asian and African American residents. About 1.6% of the population had Hispanic or Latino family roots.

Household Information

In 2000, there were nearly 2,900 households in the township. Many of these were families with children. The average household had about 2.7 people. The median age of residents was 40 years old.

Education in Worcester Township

Students in Worcester Township attend schools within the Methacton School District.

Local Schools

Most children in the township go to Worcester Elementary School. Some smaller areas are zoned for Eagleville Elementary School. After elementary school, students attend Skyview Upper Elementary School and Arcola Intermediate School. Finally, they go to Methacton High School. These schools serve all parts of the district.

Fun Facts About Worcester Township

  • Worcester Township was established in 1733.
  • It was named after Worcester, a city in England.
  • The township includes the central Schwenkfelder church, which is important to the local community.
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