The area that encompasses Delaware County is one of significant contrast.  The county has over half-a-million residents, a median household income in 2004 that was 17% higher than the state average, and a diverse population that has continued to grow and diversify into the 21st century.  The county is a suburb of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and borders two states - New Jersey and Delaware.  Originally one of the first areas settled in Pennsylvania, it has gone from its early settlement, to industrial powerhouse, and eventually to the diverse collection of communities that exist today.

Located in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania and situated on the southwest border of the City of Philadelphia, the county is bordered on the west by Chester County, on the north by Montgomery County, on the southeast by the State of New Jersey and the Delaware River, and on the southwest by the State of Delaware.  Delaware County is comprised of 23 townships, 27 boroughs, 36 other communities and the City of Chester. The county seat of government is located in Media, Pennsylvania.  The county covers approximately 184 square miles and has a population density of approximately 2,900 people per square mile.(1)  Interstate 95 runs along the Delaware River on the Southwestern border of the county.  Several other major state routes, such as Interstate 476, cross through the county.  Located just outside Philadelphia, the county is home to many workers (16 years or older) who, on average travel approximately 27 minutes to work.(1)

Delaware County was home to approximately 556,000 people in 2006, compared to 550,000 in 2000.  This makes it Pennsylvania’s 5th most populas county.(1)  This trend of growth in population has continued since 1990 and is expected to continue through 2010.  The county is one of the fastest growing in Pennsylvania (2003) as residents move away from urban centers such as Philadelphia and in from the state’s vast rural areas.  The population is not only growing in size, but also in wealth.  In 2004, the median estimate household income was $51,287 and increased to $55,372 in 2005, showing nearly an 8% increase in income over a one year period.  Employment has also risen on an average of 0.67% since 2004.(2)  While increasing in overall wealth, this diverse county has communities with median household incomes ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 annually, as well as communities with median household incomes between $100,000 and $200,000 annually.

The County is also quite diverse in population in regards to race and heritage.  Its largest ethnic group are those claiming Irish descent (25%), followed by Italians (16%), African-Americans (15%), and Germans (13%).(2)  Many originally lived in separate, distinct communities, but these communities have become culturally diverse as families grow and spread throughout the county.  Over 77% of county residents were born in Pennsylvania, while 16% were born outside the state, 4% were born outside the United States and 3% are foreign born, non-citizens.(1)  Many county residents are urban refugees, having moved to the county from the City of Philadelphia, while many others have come to live here after securing work in professional fields both within the city and county.  This mixing of economic and social groups has led to growth and diversification in the county from what was mostly farmland to later an immigrant infused industrial center.  There are a plethora of specialty shops ranging from West-African Markets to Italian Deli’s which help to make up the culture of Delaware County. 

The county’s workforce is as diverse as its heritage.  With its greatest number of employees working in healthcare, retail trade, and social assistance fields, it also has large numbers of paid employees in manufacturing, wholesaling, accommodation & food services, and professional, scientific & technical services.  The greatest numbers of establishments are in the retail trade, followed by professional, scientific & technical services, and healthcare & social assistance establishments.(1)   Education also has a strong presence in the county with 15 public school districts, numerous private and parochial schools, and 10 colleges and universities, including Villanova University, Swarthmore College, Haverford College and Widener University.  As of the 2000 Census, 86.5% of persons over 25 were high school graduates and 30% held bachelor’s degrees or higher.(1)

The political make-up is changing as its population continues to grow and change.  Previously a Republican stronghold, registered Republican voters (190,675) now only outnumber registered Democrat voters (172,115) by 18,560.  In the last three Presidential elections, the majority of the county’s voters have voted for the Democratic candidate; however, many of the local elected officials are still Republicans.  This change in the political environment is mostly due to the growing influx of urbanites from Philadelphia moving into Delaware County, which is convenient for commuting to the city.  Also the County is now home of many businesses.

While its political party affiliations may be changing, the county is still family oriented.  Of its 206,320 households (2000), 50.8% were married couples living together and 31.5% of all households had children under the age of 18 living at home.  With 25% of the population under the age of 18, 15% of the population over 65, and a median age of 37, Delaware County is poised for future growth in its population as many seek to stay in the county after high school and college.  Approximately 5.8% of the families in the county were below the national poverty line but the county also has areas where average family incomes soar into the six-figure range.  The average household size for the county is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.17.  The largest age group in the county is of those 25 to 44 years old (28.8%).(1)

Overall, Delaware County is a menagerie of cultures living together.  The county is in a period of growth as conditions in nearby cities deteriorate and conditions in the county improve.  Delaware County is expected to grow in both population and wealth in the coming future and is ready for an influx of people and business.

Sources:(1) www.census.gov(2) www.epodunk.com