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Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Delaware County (known colloquially as "Delco") is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2000, the population was 550,864, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties.

Delaware County was created on September 26, 1789, from part of Chester County and named for the Delaware River. Its county seat, since 1851, is Media. Chester City, prior to 1851, was the county seat of both Delaware County and, before that, of Chester County.

Socioeconomically, Delaware County runs the gamut from economically depressed and working class communities such as the City of Chester and the Borough of Darby to the posh suburban neighborhoods of Radnor Township and Villanova located along the wealthy Main Line to the north. of the county are occupied by the Ridley Creek State Park.

The county, located just west of Philadelphia, is part of the Delaware Valley area. Delaware County is the only county that consists entirely of the area code 610.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 191 square miles (494 km²), of which, 184 square miles (477 km²) of it is land and 7 square miles (17 km²) of it (3.42%) is water.

Adjacent counties

Montgomery County (north)
Philadelphia County (east)
Gloucester County, New Jersey (southeast)
New Castle County, Delaware (southwest)
Chester County (west)

Politics

Presidential elections results
Year	GOP	Dems
2004	42.3% 120,425	57.1% 162,601
2000	42.7% 105,836	54.4% 134,861
1996	39.5% 92,628	49.5% 115,946
1992	40.8% 108,587	41.8% 111,210
1988	59.9% 147,656	39.0% 96,144
1984	61.8% 161,754	37.4% 98,027
1980	55.8% 143,282	34.4% 88,314
1976	54.9% 148,679	43.3% 117,252
1972	63.9% 175,414	34.3% 94,144
1968	50.2% 133,777	40.0% 106,695
1964	42.9% 111,189	56.8% 147,189
1960	52.0% 135,672	47.8% 124,629

Politically, Delaware County has traditionally been a Republican stronghold. It voted for the Republican candidate in nearly every election since 1854 through 1988. As was the case in most of the Philadelphia suburbs, however, the brand of Republicanism that prevailed in the area was traditionally a moderate one.

In recent elections, however, Delaware County has been trending Democratic. It narrowly voted for Bill Clinton in 1992, but has gone Democratic in every election since then by 10 points or more. In the 2004 election was won by Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry by 14 points. In the 2004 US Senate election, Republican Arlen Specter defeated Joe Hoeffel but Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. defeated Rick Santorum in the 2006 Senate election.

Most of Delaware County is located in the state's 7th congressional district, represented by Democrat Joe Sestak. The district had been held for 20 years by Republican Curt Weldon until he was ousted by Sestak, a retired admiral, in the 2006 U.S. House of Representatives election. A small portion of the county, mostly consisting of the areas around Chester, Yeadon and Darby, is in the Philadelphia-based 1st district, represented by Democrat Bob Brady.

As of April 2008, there are 385,256 registered voters in Delaware County

Democratic: 157,301 (40.83%)
Republican: 188,924 (49.04%)
Other Parties: 39,031 (10.13%)

Demographics

As of 2000, there were 550,864 people, 206,320 households, and 139,472 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,990 people per square mile (1,155/km²). There were 216,978 housing units at an average density of 1,178 per square mile (455/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 80.32% White, 14.52% African American, 0.11% Native American, 3.29% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. 1.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.6% were of Irish, 17.5% Italian, 10.1% German and 6.7% English ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 206,320 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.80% were married couples living together, 12.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.40% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county, the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 91.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $50,092, and the median income for a family was $61,590. Males had a median income of $44,155 versus $31,831 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,040. About 5.80% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.00% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.

Media

The county itself is serviced by several newspapers, most notably the News of Delaware County, the Delaware County Daily Times, and The Suburban and Wayne Times. The Philadelphia Inquirer also has a significant presence, reflecting Delaware County's status as a suburb of Philadelphia.

People from Delaware County

Herb Adderley, former professional American football player, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys
Paul Arizin, Named one of 50 greatest Basketball Players in NBA History
Anthony Becht, American football player, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ron Bennington, XM Radio talk show host, The Ron and Fez Show
Jan Berenstain, children's book author
Matt Blundin, former American football player, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions
Leroy Burrell, World Champion Sprinter and former World Record holder in the 100 Meter Dash
Danny Bonaduce, actor, radio talk show host
John Cappelletti, former professional American football player, 1973 Heisman Trophy winner
Mickey Cochrane, Former Major League Baseball Player and Member of Hall of Fame
Dan Connor, All-American linebacker, 2007 Bednarik Award winner
Jerry Crawford, Baseball Umpire
Joe Crawford, NBA Official
Shag Crawford, Baseball Umpire
Jim Croce, singer/songwriter
Pat Croce, Former 76ers President, Founder of Novacare, & author
Ann Crumb, Broadway actress
Bruce Davison, actor
Ray Didinger, Pro Football Hall of Fame Sports Writer
Paul DiMeo, carpenter Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Tim Donaghy, Former NBA Official
David Feldman, Former Professional Boxer and Fight Promotor
Tina Fey, actress/comedienne
Seth Green. actor/comedian
Brian Foster, Problem Resolution Specialist, former Westbrook Park Youth basketball travelling team Most Improved Player
Randy Grossman, former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Bill Haley, singer, "Rock Around the Clock"
Brendan Hansen, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist in 2004 Olympics, World Record holder in 100 and 200 Meter Breast Stroke
Monica Horan, actress
Joan Jett, Musician
Jonathan Henrich, "Jonny Chops" Drummer of rock band Wednesday 13
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Former NFL Punt/Kickoff Returner
Kevin Jones, American Football Player
Jamie Kennedy, actor/comedian
Joe Klecko, Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle
Stephenie LaGrossa Ward, participant Survivor (US TV series) Palau and Guatemala
Glen Macnow Radio host on 610 WIP and well known sportswriter in Philadelphia.
Bill Maas, American Football Player and Commentator
Phil Martelli Basketball Coach
Al Martino, Singer/Actor
Dan McKeown, record producer/songwriter/musician
Larry Mendte, Former CBS Philadelphia newscaster
Ted Meredith, 1912 Olympic gold medal, world record 800 meter Champion
Deron Miller, frontman for CKY
Anna Moffo, American soprano
Dan Morgan, American Football Player
John Morton (politician) Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Danny Murtaugh, Baseball Manager
Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic Guard
Cheri Oteri, actress/comedienne
Vince Papale, former Philadelphia Eagle football player
Adrian Pasdar, actor Heroes (tv series)
Geoff Petrie, NBA Basketball Player and Executive
Frank Piasecki, Inventor of the Twin Rotor Helicopter
Deirdre Quinn, Actress
Jack Ramsay, Basketball Coach
Todd Rundgren, singer/songwriter
Bo Ryan, Basketball Coach University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mike Scioscia, baseball player and manager
Joe Sestak, U.S. Congressman
Ed Stefanski, Philadelphia 76ers General Manager, Former NJ Nets GM
Emlen Tunnell, Hall of Fame American Football Player
Curt Weldon, Former politician
Benjamin West, 18th century artist
Thomas F. Wilson, actor
Andrew Wyeth, artist

Transportation

Delaware County is bisected north to south by Blue Route Interstate 476, which connects I-76 in the extreme northern corner of the county to I-95, which parallels the Delaware River along the southeastern edge of the county.

Delaware County is home to SEPTA's 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby, and is served by the Norristown High Speed Line(P&W), two Red Arrow trolley lines (Routes 101 and 102), four Regional Rail Lines (the R1, R2, R3 and R5), and a host of bus routes.

The western portion of Philadelphia International Airport is located in Delaware County, and the county hosts some airport-related commerce such as Philadelphia's UPS terminal and airport hotels.

Municipalities

There are 49 municipalities in Delaware County. Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, Unincorporated communities in Pennsylvania, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Delaware County:

Census-Designated Places

Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here as well.

Village Green-Green Ridge