Scranton

by The Linguist

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Scranton is a city located in Lackawanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania. With a population of around 77,000 as of 2020, it is the 6th largest city in Pennsylvania.

Population

As of the 2020 US Census, the population of Scranton was 76,653. This is a decline from the city’s peak population of 143,433 in 1930. Once a major industrial and transportation hub, the city saw a steady population decline in the second half of the 20th century as industries left the region.

However, recent years have seen renewed growth and development in Scranton. The city’s affordability, historic architecture, and proximity to New York City have made it an attractive destination for new residents and businesses.

History

Scranton was founded in the mid-1800s and quickly became a thriving industrial city thanks to its rich deposits of anthracite coal. It was incorporated as a borough in 1856 and then as a city in 1866.

For much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Scranton was a major railroad and manufacturing hub. Its factories produced everything from silk textiles to iron and steel. Immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Eastern Europe, and beyond flocked to Scranton for jobs in the mines and mills.

Prominent sites from Scranton’s past include the Electric City Trolley Museum, the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, and the Scranton Iron Furnaces.

To learn more about Scranton’s history, visit the Lackawanna Historical Society or take a historical walking tour of the city.

Economy

While Scranton has moved beyond its industrial past, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and government remain major employers. Major companies headquartered in Scranton include medical device maker Cinram, truck accessory manufacturer Bak Industries, and printer and copier producer Xerox.

The city is also home to the University of Scranton, Marywood University, Lackawanna College, Johnson College, and Penn Foster College. Healthcare providers Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and Allied Services employ thousands in the region.

In recent years Scranton has worked to revitalize its downtown through initiatives like the Marketplace at Steamtown mall and cultural attraction. A lower cost of living compared to nearby New York and Philadelphia has attracted new businesses and residents.

Learn more about economic development in Scranton at the Scranton Chamber of Commerce website.

Tourism

Scranton attracts over 1 million visitors per year. Popular attractions include:

Outdoor activities are also popular in Scranton, with hiking, biking, and skiing available in the surrounding Pocono Mountains region. Anglers can fish for trout in the Lackawanna River which runs through downtown.

Landmarks

Some of Scranton’s most famous architectural landmarks include:

  • Scranton Iron Furnaces – Historic iron furnaces dating back to the 1840s.
    GPS coordinates: 41.41258° N, 75.66372° W
    Address: 159 Canal St, Scranton, PA 18505
  • Lackawanna County Courthouse – Historic courthouse with large dome built in 1909.
    GPS coordinates: 41.40868° N, 75.6640° W
    Address: 200 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
  • Scranton Cultural Center – Former Masonic temple completed in 1930 featuring ornate architecture and a large theater.
    GPS coordinates: 41.40841° N, 75.66290° W
    Address: 420 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503

View an interactive map of Scranton landmarks here.

County Information

Scranton is the county seat of Lackawanna County. The Lackawanna County government website can be found here.

Address: 123 Wyoming Ave # 2, Scranton, PA 18503

Phone: (570) 963-6800

School Districts

Public schools in Scranton are managed by several different school districts:

There are also several private schools located in Scranton, including Scranton Preparatory School, Marywood Academy, and Holy Cross High School.

Local Resources

Some other useful local resources and institutions in Scranton include: