Warren County Cooperative Extension -

Facts about Warren County

Warren County’s early history was often one of conflict; as Seneca Indian, French, English and later, Americans struggled for control of the land. Over two centuries ago, with the arrival of "settlers," came the creation of new communities. These communities ushered in an era of growth with the building of houses, farms, schools, businesses and industries. Many of these early features are still visible in the landscape today.

Bordered on the north by New York state, on the east by McKean County, on the west by Crawford and Erie Counties, and on the south by Venango and Forest Counties; Warren county consists of 902 square miles.

Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, most of the land of the county is hilly. High quality hardwood forests cover nearly 80% of the county. Almost a quarter of the county is part of the Allegheny National Forest (the only National Forest in Pennsylvania). In spite of a large area of public land, most of the county’s forests (approx 70%) are owned by private individuals. The Allegheny River flows southerly through the county with the Kinzua Dam controlling the flow that eventually reaches Pittsburgh and joins the Ohio River. Three major tributaries feed the Allegheny River -- the Conewango, Brokenstraw, and Kinzua Creeks. All became important for the rafting of lumber in the late 1800’s.

By the late 1800’s an oil boom developed in Warren County. Sensational oil finds occurred in numerous locations, including Cherry Grove, Tidioute, and Clarendon. Oil production and refining still hold an important position in the county.

The population of Warren County in 1990 was about 45,000. The city of Warren is still the population center of the county. The towns of Youngsville, Sugar Grove, Sheffield, Russell, and Tidioute are the other important population centers. The unemployment rate for Warren County is traditionally lower than most of the state. The October 1999 rate was 2.7%. While some businesses have declined, others, more modern and comprehensive, have established.

Although agriculture and farming have decreased in the county, its status today is more stable than in many parts of the state. The county’s dairy farms milk over 6000 cows and produce milk and products valued at $12 million. Livestock and field crops are the other major agricultural enterprises. The forest industry is also a major employer in the county; benefiting from a land base and climate conducive to producing some of the finest quality black cherry and other high quality hardwoods in the world.

Because of its vast natural resources, Warren County has been and continues to grow in popularity as a tourist destination. Ample recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, swimming, cross-country skiing, picnicking and scenic drives are available throughout the county, making Warren County popular year around. Some of the most popular sites in the county are: The Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir, the Heart’s Content and Tionesta Scenic Area stands of virgin timber, and Chapman Dam State Park. Stop and visit us in Warren County!

County Statistics

Agriculture

Number of Farms - 385
Number of Dairy Farms - 128
Approximate Numbers of Cows - 5,800
Crop Value - $6,830,000
Livestock Value - $4,548,000
Milk Value - $10,827,000
Total Value of Crops, Livestock and Milk - $22,205,000

Master Gardeners

Certified Master Gardeners - 12
1999 Volunteer Time - 342 Hours

Youth Development and 4-H

Number of 4-H Clubs - 23
Number of 4-H Members - 314
Number of 4-H Adult Volunteers - 69
Total Youth Served (including In-school Projects) - 1793

Natural Resources

Total forested acres - 430,000 (Warren County is 50% forested)
Private Forest Ownership - 56%
Income generated in forest production annually - $4,370,00




	Warren County \| County Statistics you are here
Facts about Warren County Warren County’s early history was often one of conflict; as Seneca Indian, French, English and later, Americans struggled for control of the land. Over two centuries ago, with the arrival of "settlers," came the creation of new communities. These communities ushered in an era of growth with the building of houses, farms, schools, businesses and industries. Many of these early features are still visible in the landscape today. Bordered on the north by New York state, on the east by McKean County, on the west by Crawford and Erie Counties, and on the south by Venango and Forest Counties; Warren county consists of 902 square miles. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, most of the land of the county is hilly. High quality hardwood forests cover nearly 80% of the county. Almost a quarter of the county is part of the Allegheny National Forest (the only National Forest in Pennsylvania). In spite of a large area of public land, most of the county’s forests (approx 70%) are owned by private individuals. The Allegheny River flows southerly through the county with the Kinzua Dam controlling the flow that eventually reaches Pittsburgh and joins the Ohio River. Three major tributaries feed the Allegheny River -- the Conewango, Brokenstraw, and Kinzua Creeks. All became important for the rafting of lumber in the late 1800’s. By the late 1800’s an oil boom developed in Warren County. Sensational oil finds occurred in numerous locations, including Cherry Grove, Tidioute, and Clarendon. Oil production and refining still hold an important position in the county. The population of Warren County in 1990 was about 45,000. The city of Warren is still the population center of the county. The towns of Youngsville, Sugar Grove, Sheffield, Russell, and Tidioute are the other important population centers. The unemployment rate for Warren County is traditionally lower than most of the state. The October 1999 rate was 2.7%. While some businesses have declined, others, more modern and comprehensive, have established. Although agriculture and farming have decreased in the county, its status today is more stable than in many parts of the state. The county’s dairy farms milk over 6000 cows and produce milk and products valued at $12 million. Livestock and field crops are the other major agricultural enterprises. The forest industry is also a major employer in the county; benefiting from a land base and climate conducive to producing some of the finest quality black cherry and other high quality hardwoods in the world. Because of its vast natural resources, Warren County has been and continues to grow in popularity as a tourist destination. Ample recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, swimming, cross-country skiing, picnicking and scenic drives are available throughout the county, making Warren County popular year around. Some of the most popular sites in the county are: The Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir, the Heart’s Content and Tionesta Scenic Area stands of virgin timber, and Chapman Dam State Park. Stop and visit us in Warren County! County Statistics Agriculture Number of Farms - 385 Number of Dairy Farms - 128 Approximate Numbers of Cows - 5,800 Crop Value - $6,830,000 Livestock Value - $4,548,000 Milk Value - $10,827,000 Total Value of Crops, Livestock and Milk - $22,205,000 Master Gardeners Certified Master Gardeners - 12 1999 Volunteer Time - 342 Hours Youth Development and 4-H Number of 4-H Clubs - 23 Number of 4-H Members - 314 Number of 4-H Adult Volunteers - 69 Total Youth Served (including In-school Projects) - 1793 Natural Resources Total forested acres - 430,000 (Warren County is 50% forested) Private Forest Ownership - 56% Income generated in forest production annually - $4,370,00 Related Links: Need some stats for your county? Check out these resources. Government Information site Government information on demographics, economics, and educational information. US Census Bureau United States Department of Commerce Timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States. USDA Home Page PA Agricultural Statistics Service
Penn State \| College of Agricultural Sciences \| Cooperative Extension & Outreach This page last updated Monday, December 17, 2001 13:26 Copyright Information This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity University. This site is a product of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Please e-mail us with your questions, comments or suggestions at WarrenExt@psu.edu.