Erie is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania along the shores of Lake Erie. With a population of 98,434 as of 2020, it is the state’s fourth most populous city behind Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. Erie’s location along the Great Lakes region helped it develop into an industrial hub, although its economy has diversified over the years.
History and Demographics
Erie was founded in 1795 and originally incorporated as a borough in 1805 before becoming a city in 1851. In its early days, it served as a minor cargo port and a shipbuilding center. But the introduction of railroads and access to iron ore and coal helped transform Erie into a major manufacturing center for steel and other goods by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Like many cities in the Rust Belt, Erie’s population peaked in the 1950s at around 140,000 residents. But declines in manufacturing led to population declines over the following decades. The city’s population fell below 100,000 in the 2000 Census for the first time since the 1920s.
Today, Erie has a majority white population (73%) but with sizable black (15%) and Hispanic/Latino (8%) minorities. About 22% of residents live below the poverty line. Erie’s population skews older than the national average, with a median age of 35.5 years old compared to 38.5 for the entire U.S.
Economy and Major Employers
For many years, Erie’s economy was dominated by manufacturing, led by major employers like GE Transportation, which built locomotives, engines, and other industrial products. While manufacturing is still important, the city’s economy has diversified into healthcare, education, tourism, and other service industries.
Today, the city’s major employers include:
- UPMC Hamot (6,100 employees) – Regional hospital and healthcare provider
- GE Transportation (4,500 employees) – Manufactures locomotives, engines, etc.
- Saint Vincent Hospital (1,900 employees) – Regional Catholic hospital
- Erie Insurance Group (1,900 employees) – Insurance provider
- Plastek Group (1,500 employees) – Plastics manufacturer
- Erie School District (1,200 employees) – Public school system
Other major industries include plastics, rubber, and specialty manufacturing. Despite diversification efforts, the city’s economy still faces challenges. Erie’s GDP shrank by 2.7% in recent years even as the national economy grew, and the city continues to lose residents and struggle with poverty and unemployment rates above state and national averages.
Landmarks and Attractions
Erie is rich in history and home to several notable landmarks and attractions:
- Maritime Museum – Located in a former power plant, features exhibits on Erie’s naval history.
- Erie Art Museum – Focused on folk art, decorative arts, and craft-based pieces.
- Bicentennial Tower – Observation deck with panoramic views from the city’s tallest structure.
- Presque Isle State Park – Peninsular state park with beaches, trails, and recreational activities.
- Warner Theatre – Historic 1928 movie palace that still hosts performances and events.
The city also has a growing food scene,including the newly redeveloped Bayfront Food Court featuring local eateries. Other tourist draws include wine tours of Lake Erie’s vineyards, minor league sports teams, Splash Lagoon indoor waterpark, and seasonal festivals.
Sports
Despite its small size, Erie has a rich sports tradition and is home to several minor league and junior league teams:
- Erie SeaWolves – Baseball team in the Double-A Northeast League and affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
- Erie Otters – Hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League that has developed top NHL talents.
- Erie BayHawks – NBA G League team affiliated with the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Erie Commodores Football – Semi-pro football team in the NAL.
The SeaWolves play at UPMC Park right downtown along the bayfront, while the Otters take the ice at the iconic Erie Insurance Arena. Fans can catch affordable minor league action while watching rising stars on their way to the pros.
Outlook
While Erie faces some economic headwinds, its affordable cost of living, natural beauty, and wealth of cultural assets still make it an attractive Rust Belt city. Efforts are underway to boost entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth sectors like plastics and polymers. If Erie can leverage its existing strengths while transitioning into new industries, the future looks bright.
To learn more, visit the City of Erie’s Facebook page, the city’s website, or the Erie Visitor’s Bureau tourism site.