Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre (WILKS-bair or -bair-ee) is a city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Luzerne County. Located at the center of the Wyoming Valley in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it had a population of 44,328 in the 2020 census. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century after the discovery of nearby coal reserves and the arrival of hundreds of thousands of immigrants. The coal mining fueled industrialization in the city, which reached the height of its prosperity in the first half of the 20th century. Its population peaked at more than 86,000 in 1930. Today, the city has around half of its peak population of the 1930s, making it the largest city in Luzersne County and the 13th-largest city in Pennsylvania. It is the cultural and economic center of a region called Northeast Pennsylvania, which is home to over 1.3 million residents. The ScrantonWilkesBarreHazleton, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania after the Delaware Valley, Greater Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley with an urban population of 401,884. The contiguous network of 5 cities and more than 40 boroughs all built in a straight line in the urban area act culturally and logistically as one continuous city, so while the city of Wilkes- Barre itself is a smaller town, the larger unofficial city of Scrant on/Wilkes/Barre contains nearly half a million residents in roughly 200 square miles.

History

In 1753, the Susquehanna Company was founded in Connecticut for settling the Wyoming Valley. Connecticut succeeded in purchasing the land from the Native Americans; however, Pennsylvania already claimed the very same territory through a purchase they made in 1736. In 1762, roughly two hundred Connecticut settlers (Yankees) established a settlement near Mill Creek. Thirty settlers were killed, and several others were taken prisoner. The Delaware then burned what was left of the Yankee settlement. Wilkes-Barre was nicknamed "The Diamond City" due to its high productivity of coal as a source of domestic heat. The growing demand for coal led to changes in immigration patterns. Many workers from central and southern Europe came to the American coal fields to work for low wages. Until 1870, all immigration from the north of Europe was from the Irish, with predominating workers predominate the Irish. In 1808, Judge Jesse Fell discovered a solution to ignite anthracite with the usage of an iron grate; it allowed the coal to burn easier. This led to the expansion of the Northeastern Pennsylvania coal industry for light and light and heat. In the 19th century, the population skyrocketed due to the discovery ofAnthracite coal in the 19TH century. The coal industry in Northeastern Pa. became a major source of income for the area. The population of the area grew to more than 100,000 by the end of the 20th century. It is the birthplace of the U.S. Air Force.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.2 square miles (19 km²) Most of Downtown is located on a wide floodplain. The elevation of the downtown area is about 550 feet (170 m) above sea level. Wilkes-Barre Mountain is a physical barrier southeast of the city. The city is bordered by the Susquehanna River to the west. The surrounding mountains have an influence on the climate, leading to wide variations within a short distance. The temperature falls within 0 °C (32 °F) if the continental climate is used or 0 °F (32°C) if it is a humid subtropical climate. On average, temperatures within a distance of 0.5 miles (1.5 km) below the city's average are 0.0°C (17°F) and 0.1°C. The average January temperature is 28.0 °2 (2.2 °C) and the average February temperature is 0.3 °C and 3.7°F (0.8°C). The city houses over one dozen neighborhoods: Central City, East End, Heights, Mayflower, North End, Parsons, and Rolling Mill Hill. There are also several smaller neighborhoods and sub-neighborhoods in the city, including Brookside, Upper Miners' Mills, Lower Miners’ Mills, and Barney Farms. The area is home to the headquarters of more than 100 national corporations.

Parks and recreation

Wilkes-Barre has a Downtown Riverfront Park system that contains 91 acres of open space. Kirby Park is one of the region's most valued recreational resources. Nesbitt Park is also located on the west side of the Susquehanna River. The River Common joins with the Luzerne County Courthouse grounds. It has a 750-person amphitheater, paved walk-ways, gardens, ornamental trees, seating areas, a fishing pier, and two grand gateways connecting the city to the river. The city's annual Cherry Blossom Festival (held during the last weekend of April) and the city's July 4 Celebration are held in the park. The park is open to the public and has tennis courts, a fitness trail, pond, walking paths, running track, softball fields, parking area, volleyball courts, pavilions, and more. It is located across from Kirby Park. The Market Street Bridge bisects the park, and it is located along the eastern bank of the River Common. Its features include a750-person Amphitheater and paved. walk-way, gardens, ornamental Trees, seating. areas, seating area, fishing pier, and twogrand gateways. The market street bridge is a two-lane bridge that connects the city with the county courthouse grounds. The river common joins the countyCourthouse grounds with the Market Street bridge, which is a one-mile walk from the Courthouse. It also has walking paths and areas for picnicking.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 44,328 people and 15,581 households residing in the city. The city's population has been in constant decline since the 1930s, but the decline has been slowing in recent decades. As of the 2010 census, the city was 79.2% White, 10.9% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.4% Asian, and 2. 9% were two or more races. The Hispanic population was just 1.58% of the population as of the 2000 census. The local accent of American English is Northeast Pennsylvania English. More than half (59.3%) of the city’s population is religious: 43.8% Catholic, 4. 4% Methodist, 3.1% Lutheran, 2.0% Presbyterian, and 0.5% Islam. The median household income was $37,902, while 26.6% were found below the poverty line. The per capita income is $20,197. The popeulation density was 5,945 per square mile (2,430.6/km²). The average household size was 2.42. With population spread of 22.9 per cent under the age of 18, 61.3 per cent between the ages of 1964 and 65, and 15.8 per cent over 65. Females made up 50.6 per cent of the town's population, and males made up just 14.7 per cent.

Economy

As of March 2019, income per capita in Wilkes-Barre was $18,375, compared to the national average of $31,177. The city's unemployment rate in March 2019 was 6.4%. In 2016, 30.1% of residents lived below the poverty line, more than double the Pennsylvania average of 12.9%. Large employers in the city include GUARD Insurance Group and Lord & Taylor. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch, or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255. For support in the UK, call the Salvation Army on 0800-825-7255 or click here.

Government

The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Wilkes-Barre is 1 in 35. The city is the administrative center of Luzerne County. The county government is responsible for imposing taxes, providing services to the public, and administering laws and regulations. Based on FBI crime data, Wilkes/Barre has a crime rate that is higher than 91% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. The current mayor is George Brown (Democrat). He has been in office since 2019. The council chair, who is appointed by his or her fellow council members, is both the highest-ranking officer on the assembly and the head of county government for ceremonial purposes. The mayor is a Democrat, as is the City Controller, a Republican, and the City Attorney. The City Council is made up of five members elected by a single-member district to four-year terms. The County Council also has a full-time manager (who supervises the county's day-to-day operations) and many other officials (e.g., the county controller, district attorney, and sheriff) The county council also appoints and works alongside a full time manager (who supervises and works with the city council) The City Controller is a Democratic Democrat, elected to a 4-year term. The Council Chair is a Republican who has been on the council for three years. The Mayor and City Controller are both Democrats. The chance of getting caught in a crime-related incident in the city is one in 35, compared to one in 100,000 in Pennsylvania.

Education

Wilkes-Barre City is home to three high schools. The area is also home to several colleges and universities. The Osterhout Free Library is the headquarters for the Luzerne County Library System in the main branch. The Diocese of Scranton also has a high school in Wilkes-barre. The city is the home of the Wilkes Barre Area School District, which has 3 high schools: James M. Coughlin, Elmer L. Meyers and G.A.R. Memorial High School. In 2020, the 3 High Schools became one, as a new High School was built in nearby Plains Township. The Wilkes Barre Area High School is known as the Wolfpack, after the nickname of the local football team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The town also has several libraries, including three branches of the Oster hout free library. The main branch of the library is located in the town's downtown area, near the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Lackawanna County line. The library system's headquarters is in the city's main branch, which is located near the Turnpahn Road intersection. The borough has a population of 2.2 million. It is one of the largest cities in the state, along with Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The population of the borough is 2.3 million, making it the second-largest city in the county after Pennsylvania. It also has the third-largest population in the United States, after Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Transportation

Five international airlines fly from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in nearby Pittston Township. Smaller, private planes may also use the Wilke's Wyoming Valley Airport in Forty Fort. The city was at one time served by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Central Railroad of New Jersey, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, Delaware and Hudson Railway, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Norfolk Southern Railway and the Luzerne and Susquehanna Railway provide freight service within the city limits. The WilkesBarre Traction Company formed a streetcar line from Georgetown to Nanticoke and over the river into Plymouth (it ceased operations in the mid-1940s) The city is about 10 miles (16 km) north of Interstate 80 and near the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension. The North Cross Valley Expressway, starting at the junction of Interstate 81 and Pennsylvania Route 115, connects the city to Dallas in the north. The Martz Trailways Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from downtown to Scranton, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Wind Creek Bethlehem. In addition to servicing the city, it provides transportation for the northern half of the county. It also has a connecting bus to Scanton via an interchange at Pittston with the Transit System of Lackaw Hanna County (COLTS), the public transit authority of Lackapalooza County. It is located near the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 309 and Interstate 81.

Arts and culture

Wilkes-Barre's economic plight is featured in the movie Capitalism: A Love Story, directed by Michael Moore. The Wyoming Valley's NBC affiliate, WBRE-TV 28, is the only television station licensed to the city. There are news, adult alternative, and music radio stations which are receivable in the area. The Two Knights' Defense is named for the Wilkes- Barre chess club. The city is home to Wilkes University and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania's first slots casino. The Times Leader and The Citizens' Voice are the two largest daily newspapers in the city, with a combined circulation of more than 1,000,000. The Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins are a local professional hockey team that play in WilkesBarre. The town is also home to the M.F. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and the Luzerne County Museum. It is also the home of the Wyoming Monument and the Little Theatre of Wilkes Barre, which is located in the town's historic district. It also has a number of other attractions, including a brewery, a museum, and a concert hall. It has a population of about 3,000 people. The mayor of Wilke's Barre is a former mayor of Scranton, and the city's mayor is a current mayor of Wissahickon, a town in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, which also is in the Wyoming Valley.

Air Quality, Water Quality, Superfund Sites & UV Index

The Air Quality index is in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania = 72.2. These Air Quality index is based on annual reports from the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as are the amounts of seven pollutants including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. The Water Quality Index is 79. A measure of the quality of an area’s water supply as rated by the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments, and toxic discharges. The Superfund Sites Index is 50. Higher is better (100=best). Based upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts. The UV Index in Wilkes-Barre = 3.8 and is a measure of an area's exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is most often a combination of sunny weather, altitude, and latitude. The UV Index has been defined by the WHO (www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index) and is uniform worldwide.

Employed

The most recent city population of 44,328 individuals with a median age of 39.3 age the population dropped by -4.76% in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania population since 2000 and are distributed over a density of 6,473.13 residents per square mile of area (2,499.19/km²). There are average 2.16 people per household in the 17,172 households with an average household income of $31,785 a year. The unemployment rate in Alabama is of the available work force and has dropped -4.78% over the most recent 12-month period and the projected change in job supply over the next decade based on migration patterns, economic growth, and other factors will increase by 20.24%. The number of physicians in Wilkes-Barre per 100,000 population = 227.

Weather

The annual rainfall in Wilkes-Barre = 38.6 inches and the annual snowfall = 31.6 inches. The annual number of days with measurable precipitation (over .01 inch) = 124. The average number of days per year that are predominantly sunny = 177. 79 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily high temperature for the month of July and 11.7 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily low temperature for the month of January. The Comfort Index (higher=better) is 56, where higher values mean a more pleasant climate. The Comfort Index measure recognizes that humidity by itself isn't the problem. (Have you noticed nobody ever complains about the weather being 'cold and humid?) It's in the summertime that we notice the humidity the most, when it's hot and muggy. Our Comfort Index uses a combination of afternoon summer temperature and humidity to closely predict the effect that the humidity will have on people.

Median Home Cost

The percentage of housing units in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania which are owned by the occupant = 47.00%. A housing unit is a house, apartment, mobile home, or room occupied as separate living quarters. The average age of homes = 34.5 years with median home cost = $76,330 and home appreciation of 1.45%. This is the value of the years most recent home sales data. Its important to note that this is not the average (or arithmetic mean). The median home price is the middle value when you arrange all the sales prices of homes from lowest to highest. This is a better indicator than the average, because the median is not changed as much by a few unusually high or low values. The property tax rate of $13.81 shown here is the rate per $1,000 of home value. If for simplification for example the tax rate is $14.00 and the home value is $250,000, the property tax would be $14.00 x ($250,000/1000), or $3500. This is the 'effective' tax rate.

Study

The local school district spends $5,573 per student. There are 17.5 students for each teacher in the school, 1118 students for each Librarian and 559 students for each Counselor. 5.77% of the area’s population over the age of 25 with an Associate Degree or other 2-year college degree, 8.23% with a master’s degree, Ph.D. or other advanced college degree and 4.83% with high school diplomas or high school equivalency degrees (GEDs).