Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Montour County, PA had a population of approximately 18,136. The median age was about 44 years. Males made up 48.6% and females 51.4% of the population. Racially, the county was 91.2% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with other groups comprising the remainder.

Elections

As of 2024, Montour County, PA has approximately 11,000 registered voters, with Republicans comprising about 52%, Democrats 36%, and others 12%. The county holds primary, general, and municipal elections at roughly 13 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 64% voted Republican and 34% Democrat. Key issues include property taxes and school funding. The Montour County Board of Elections administers the process, ensuring compliance and transparency. Voter turnout typically ranges from 60% in presidential years to 35% in off-years, reflecting strong civic engagement in this predominantly rural region.

Education, Employment and Housing

Montour County, PA, features 6 public schools, including Danville Area High School, with a graduation rate of 91%. Approximately 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the state average. The district scores 81/100 for school safety and implements educational programs in STEM, arts, and advanced placement (AP) courses. Adult education opportunities are available through the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. Schools maintain a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, supporting individualized instruction and extracurricular engagement.

As of 2022, Montour County, PA, had an employment rate of approximately 61%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (34.6%), manufacturing (13.8%), and retail trade (8.8%). The largest occupation types are management, business, science, and arts occupations (38.7%), and sales and office (20.9%). About 81% of workers commute by car, averaging a 19-minute commute. Key employment hubs are Danville and nearby counties, with 74% working within Montour. The county’s workforce is significantly centered around Geisinger Medical Center, the region’s largest employer.

Montour County, PA has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values near $187,000 as of 2023. Average rent is approximately $900/month. The housing market has seen steady 5% annual growth in property values. Housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and a few small apartment complexes, found in neighborhoods such as Danville and Riverside. Property tax rates average 1.6% of assessed value, with the median annual property tax around $3,000. The area offers a mix of suburban and rural living, appealing to both families and professionals.

County Crime & Safety

Montour County, PA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stood at 8.6 per 1,000. The county reported fewer than 15 violent crimes and about 100 property crimes annually. The Danville Police Department and Montour County Sheriff's Office oversee safety efforts, promoting community crime reporting and prevention. Overall, Montour County remains one of the safer regions in Pennsylvania.