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Frequently asked questions

Derry Township, PA

Derry Township is a township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. It surrounds the borough of Derry, which is a separate municipality. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 13,631. It was named after the city of Derry by Scots-Irish settlers.

The first settlements in Derry township were created by soldiers from Forbes' army in 1762. After hearing of the land being settled by soldiers from Forbes' army, John Pomroy, a man of Scots-Irish descent, left his home in Cumberland Valley and settled in Derry township, near present-day New Derry. Later, James Wilson came and settled nearby and they helped one another build and farm. One winter, a few years after settling in Derry township, Pomroy and Wilson returned to their homes in the East. When they returned, each brought with him a wife. Pomroy married Isabel Barr. Later, her father and two of her brothers, along with William Guthrie and Richard Wallace and others migrated to Derry township.

To protect the citizens of Derry township from Indian attacks, Fort Barr and Fort Wallace were built in 1774. Other dangers that early settlers faced included bears, panthers, and foxes.

The Bear Cave is a natural maze of caverns. Some 8,500 feet of passages have been mapped and it has become a popular recreational site. After 1839, accounts of the Bear Cave began to appear in local newspapers. Keystone State Park was established in 1945.

The Samuel Patterson House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Three-person board of supervisors, elected for a six-year term, governs the township.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 97.4 square miles (252 km²), of which 95.8 square miles (248 km²) is land and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²) (1.56%) is water.

The township contains the following communities: Andrico, Andrico No. 2, Atlantic, Bairdstown, Bradenville, Brenizer, Hillside, Loyalhanna, Cokeville Heights, Cooperstown, Kingston, Mannitto Haven, McChesneytown, Millwood, New Derry, Osburn, Pandora, Peanut, Seger, Snydertown, Superior, Torrance, and West Derry.

The villages of Livermore and Cokeville no longer exist, relocated as part of the Conemaugh Dam Flood Control project.

To the west lie Unity Township, Latrobe, Salem Township, and New Alexandria; to the north lie Loyalhanna Township, Conemaugh Township, Black Lick Township, Burrell Township and Blairsville; to the east, Fairfield Township; and to the south, Ligonier Township. Derry borough is entirely situated within Derry Township.

It is traversed by the William Penn Highway (US-22 / US-119 concurrency) across the northern half of the township. US-30 runs along the southern border. The Chestnut Ridge makes up the southeastern border that meets both Fairfield and Ligonier Townships

The Loyalhanna Creek makes up the southern and eastern borders with Unity Township, Latrobe and Salem Township The Conemaugh River makes up the northern border with Burrel Township, Blairsville, Black Lick Township, and Conemaugh Township.

Derry Township places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC Harrisburg offer comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness provides a comprehensive fitness experience with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training options. For a great workout, head to Derry Township Community Center, which boasts a fitness center, gym, and various classes. To improve your golf skills, Latrobe Country Club offers a well-maintained course. The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg offers various wellness programs, including fitness and aquatics.

Top sites in Derry Township, PA include Keystone State Park, Historic Hanna's Town, and Point State Park.

Population: 13,631 (2020). Elevation: 1,201 feet (366 meters). Area: 28.1 square miles (72.8 km²). ZIP Code: 15627. Area Code: 724.

FAQs

Is Derry, PA a good place to live?

Derry is in Westmoreland County. Living in Derry offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Derry and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Derry are above average.

What is the history of Derry, PA?

The first settlements in Derry township were created by soldiers from Forbes' army in 1762. After hearing of the land being settled by soldiers from Forbes' army, John Pomroy, a man of Scots-Irish descent, left his home in Cumberland Valley and settled in Derry township, near present-day New Derry. Later, James Wilson came and settled nearby and they helped one another build and farm. One winter, a few years after settling in Derry township, Pomroy and Wilson returned to their homes in the East. When they returned, each brought with him a wife. Pomroy married Isabel Barr. Later, her father and two of her brothers, along with William Guthrie and Richard Wallace and others migrated to Derry township.

What are the demographics of Derry, PA?

With 13,422 people, Derry township is the 187th most populated city in the state of Pennsylvania out of 2,570 cities. The largest Derry township racial/ethnic groups are White (94.9%) followed by Black (2.4%) and Two or More (1.3%). In 2022, the median household income of Derry township households was $62,825. Derry township households made slightly more than Donegal township households ($62,821) and Washington township households ($62,813) . However, 7.7% of Derry township families live in poverty. 

Sources

Derry Township

Wikipedia

Niche

Pennsylvania Demographics

Keystone State Park

Historic Hanna's Town

Point State Park

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

UPMC Harrisburg

Planet Fitness

Derry Township Community Center

Latrobe Country Club

The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg

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