Norristown, Pennsylvania
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Norristown is a borough located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA. As of the 2000 census, the borough had a total population of 31,282. Established in 1812, it is the county seat of Montgomery CountyTemplate:GR.
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History
Norristown is one of the larger communities under the borough form of government which is unique to Middle Atlantic states. The borough form of government permits the city to be protected by volunteer fire departments, for example. Located on the Schuylkill River, it was established as a mill town and as a seat of county government.
At one time Norristown was a retail center for the rural areas outside of Philadelphia. With the growth of suburban communities and large shopping malls including the Plaza at King of Prussia in the outlying townships, Norristown’s retail sector steadily declined and eventually collapsed. Today the city’s economy is powered by Montgomery County government jobs, the legal profession, and health care. Montgomery County Hospital and Norristown State Hospital are located there. While the downtown has suffered in recent years, the residential areas of Norristown remain largely well-maintained. The housing stock in Norristown is unique and remains affordable. Row homes abound, as do twin homes and some single family residences. The city is a transit center with the terminus of the Norristown High Speed rail line and the former Reading Railroad Norristown train to Center City Philadelphia (both now are part of the regional transit system called the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority).
The Norristown Times Herald is the city's daily newspaper, printing Monday through Saturday and serving most of Montgomery County. Norristown is steeped in and surrounded by history. Valley Forge National Park is nearby. The city is named for Isaac Norris, a member of the colonial Pennsylvania legislature who ordered the casting of the state house bell that became known as the Liberty Bell. Norris was given a grant of land, then called Williamstadt (Penn's Land), by Pennsylvania's founder, William Penn. The Borough of Norristown and the adjacent Townships of East and West Norriton now occupy this former estate.
Geography
Norristown is located at 40°7'12" North, 75°20'30" West (40.119884, -75.341701)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 9.1 km² (3.5 mi²). 9.1 km² (3.5 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 31,282 people, 12,028 households, and 7,144 families residing in the borough. The population density is 3,421.5/km² (8,871.6/mi²). There are 13,531 housing units at an average density of 1,480.0/km² (3,837.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough is 54.32 percent White, 34.80 percent Black or African American, 0.20 percent Native American, 2.96 percent Asian, 0.03 percent Pacific Islander, 4.61 percent from other races, and 3.07 percent from two or more races. 10.49 percent of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Of the 12,028 households, 28.7 percent include children under the age of 18 living, 33.7 percent are married couples living together, 19.8 percent have a female householder with no spouse present, and 40.6 percent consist of individuals who are not related to one another. The census reports 32.7 percent of all households made up of individuals and 9.2 percent have someone living alone who is age 65 or older. Norristown’s average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 3.22.
In the borough the population covers a broad range of ages with 25.1 percent younger than 18 years of age, 10.5 percent from 18 to 24 years, 32.6 percent from 25 to 44 years, 20.1 percent from 45 to 64 years, and 11.8 percent who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.8 males.
The median income for a household in the borough is $35,714, and the median income for a family is $42,357. Males have a median income of $32,113 versus $26,746 for females. The per capita income for the borough is $17,977. Norristown’s population includes 17.2 percent living below the poverty line. Of the families, 13.5 percent have incomes that are below the poverty line. Of the total people living in poverty, 23.6 percent of those under the age of 18 and 13.8 percent of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
External links
- History of the city on official Borough of Norristown website (http://www.norristown.org/history.htm)
- Public Library (http://www.mclinc.org/NPL/)
- Norristown Area School District (http://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/)
- Montgomery Hospital (http://www2.montgomeryhospital.org/home/117)
- Public Schools (http://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/)
- Elmwood Park Zoo (http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/)
- Living Places - Norristown (http://www.livingplaces.com/pa/montgomery/norristownboro.html)
