Adams County, Pennsylvania

Adams County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 103,852.[2] Its county seat is Gettysburg.[3] The county was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County, and was named for the second President of the United States, John Adams. On July 1–3, 1863, a crucial battle of the American Civil War was fought near Gettysburg; Adams County as a result is a center of Civil War tourism.

Adams County
County
Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg
Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg
Official seal of Adams County
Seal
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Adams County
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Map of the United States highlighting Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°52′N 77°13′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedJanuary 22, 1800
Named forJohn Adams
SeatGettysburg
Largest boroughGettysburg
Area
 • Total522 sq mi (1,350 km2)
 • Land519 sq mi (1,340 km2)
 • Water3.1 sq mi (8 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total103,852
 • Density200/sq mi (80/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district13th
Websitewww.adamscounty.us
TypeCity
DesignatedNovember 6, 1982[1]

Adams County comprises the Gettysburg metropolitan statistical area, which is also included in the Harrisburg–York–Lebanon combined statistical area.

Geography
Eternal Light Peace Memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 522 square miles (1,350 km2), of which 519 square miles (1,340 km2) is land and 3.1 square miles (8.0 km2) (0.6%) is water.[4] The Borough of Gettysburg is located at the center of Adams County. This county seat community is surrounded on three sides by the Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP). The Eisenhower National Historic Site adjoins GNMP on its southwestern edge. Most of Adams County's rural landscapes and its mid-19th century roadway pattern remain intact today. Thirteen historic roadways converge at or near Gettysburg Borough. Two circular rings of towns surround Gettysburg; the first is typically found at a distance of approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Gettysburg. The second ring is found at a distance of 12 to 15 miles (24 km) from the county seat. This "spokes and wheel" pattern is one of the few examples of Central Place Theory in the Eastern United States.

The county is in the watershed of the Chesapeake Bay and is drained by the Susquehanna and Potomac Rivers.

Adjacent counties

National protected areas

Climate

Adams has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa).

Climate data for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 72
(22)		 78
(26)		 87
(31)		 93
(34)		 93
(34)		 98
(37)		 104
(40)		 104
(40)		 98
(37)		 92
(33)		 83
(28)		 79
(26)		 104
(40)
Average high °F (°C) 39
(4)		 43
(6)		 52
(11)		 64
(18)		 73
(23)		 82
(28)		 86
(30)		 84
(29)		 77
(25)		 66
(19)		 55
(13)		 43
(6)		 64
(18)
Average low °F (°C) 21
(−6)		 23
(−5)		 30
(−1)		 40
(4)		 49
(9)		 58
(14)		 63
(17)		 61
(16)		 53
(12)		 41
(5)		 33
(1)		 25
(−4)		 41
(5)
Record low °F (°C) −25
(−32)		 −14
(−26)		 0
(−18)		 16
(−9)		 27
(−3)		 35
(2)		 43
(6)		 35
(2)		 31
(−1)		 20
(−7)		 12
(−11)		 −5
(−21)		 −25
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.24
(82)		 3.00
(76)		 3.54
(90)		 3.53
(90)		 4.33
(110)		 4.29
(109)		 3.36
(85)		 3.81
(97)		 4.22
(107)		 3.28
(83)		 3.40
(86)		 3.23
(82)		 43.23
(1,097)
Source: The Weather Channel[5]

Recreation

Recreational areas of Adams County include

Government

Commissioners

Adams County is administered by a three-person Board of Commissioners, who serve four-year terms. Elections occur in the odd-numbered years that precede U.S. presidential elections, with the next election falling in 2023. All three Commissioners are chosen in the same election, and voters may vote for no more than two of the candidates. The Commissioners are responsible for the management of the fiscal and administrative functions of the county.

Official Party Term ends
Randy PhielRepublican2023
Jim MartinRepublican2023
Marty QuallyDemocratic2023

Elected county officials

As of the November 2017 election:[6]

Office Official Party Term ends
Clerk of CourtsKelly A. LawverRepublican2023
ControllerJohn PhillipsRepublican2023
CoronerPatricia FelixRepublican2023
TreasurerChrissy ReddingRepublican2021
District AttorneyBrian SinnettRepublican2023
ProthonotaryBeverly BoydRepublican2023
Recorder of Deeds and Register of WillsKaren HeflinRepublican2023
SheriffJames W. MullerRepublican2021

Politics

Presidential politics

Adams is a consistently Republican county, like most of South Central Pennsylvania. In 2020, Donald Trump carried the county with 66.3% of the vote to Joe Biden's 32.2%. In 2016, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton only received 29.6% of the vote, the lowest share any Democrat had received in the county since George McGovern 44 years prior.[7] No Democratic presidential candidate has won Adams County since Lyndon Johnson's 1964 landslide.[8] However, Democratic strength exists in Gettysburg, which Biden carried 63%-35%.[9]

United States presidential election results for Adams County, Pennsylvania[10][11]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 37,567 66.13% 18,254 32.13% 988 1.74%
2016 31,423 65.48% 14,219 29.63% 2,348 4.89%
2012 26,767 62.80% 15,091 35.40% 767 1.80%
2008 26,349 58.89% 17,633 39.41% 759 1.70%
2004 28,247 66.89% 13,764 32.59% 217 0.51%
2000 20,848 62.34% 11,682 34.93% 914 2.73%
1996 15,338 51.98% 10,774 36.51% 3,396 11.51%
1992 13,552 45.94% 9,576 32.46% 6,373 21.60%
1988 15,650 64.92% 8,299 34.43% 156 0.65%
1984 16,786 69.44% 7,289 30.15% 99 0.41%
1980 13,760 61.42% 7,266 32.43% 1,378 6.15%
1976 12,133 56.90% 8,771 41.14% 418 1.96%
1972 13,593 70.19% 5,529 28.55% 243 1.25%
1968 11,303 59.78% 5,993 31.70% 1,611 8.52%
1964 8,617 43.39% 11,148 56.13% 95 0.48%
1960 12,933 62.02% 7,895 37.86% 26 0.12%
1956 12,250 66.11% 6,281 33.89% 0 0.00%
1952 11,016 65.82% 5,691 34.00% 30 0.18%
1948 7,988 59.13% 5,409 40.04% 112 0.83%
1944 8,787 59.63% 5,881 39.91% 67 0.45%
1940 8,609 53.86% 7,354 46.01% 21 0.13%
1936 8,313 47.75% 8,336 47.88% 761 4.37%
1932 6,084 45.09% 7,185 53.25% 225 1.67%
1928 9,656 67.29% 4,635 32.30% 58 0.40%
1924 5,778 52.92% 4,840 44.33% 300 2.75%
1920 5,323 56.94% 3,852 41.20% 174 1.86%
1916 3,290 43.76% 3,963 52.71% 266 3.54%
1912 819 11.36% 3,682 51.07% 2,709 37.57%
1908 3,685 46.95% 4,034 51.40% 130 1.66%
1904 4,017 50.65% 3,812 48.06% 102 1.29%
1900 3,718 47.47% 3,967 50.65% 147 1.88%
1896 4,170 50.95% 3,814 46.60% 201 2.46%
1892 3,384 47.20% 3,716 51.83% 70 0.98%
1888 3,371 46.54% 3,794 52.38% 78 1.08%
1884 3,080 46.15% 3,530 52.89% 64 0.96%
1880 3,137 45.08% 3,752 53.92% 69 0.99%

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Adams County consists of two Pennsylvania House Districts. The 91st district is exclusively in Adams County, comprising the southern and middle parts of the county, including Gettysburg. The 193rd District spans into Cumberland County to the north.

DistrictRepresentativeParty
91Dan MoulRepublican
193Torren EckerRepublican

Pennsylvania Senate

Adams County is entirely contained within the 33rd Senatorial District, which also includes parts of York and Franklin Counties.

DistrictRepresentativeParty
33Doug MastrianoRepublican

United States House of Representatives

From 2012 until 2018, Adams County was part of the 4th Congressional District until the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Commonwealth's Congressional Districts constituted an illegal partisan Gerrymander.[12] As a result, Adams County was moved from the 4th District to the 13th Congressional District and elected a new Representative in the 2018 election.

DistrictRepresentativeParty
13John JoyceRepublican

United States Senate

Voter registration

As of July 17, 2023 there were 70,831 registered voters in the county. Republicans hold a majority of the voters. There were 40,766 registered Republicans, 18,835 registered Democrats, 8,201 voters without any partisan affiliation, and 3,029 voters registered to other parties. "Other Parties" also includes voters who left their preferred party blank; only those who chose No Affiliation are included under No Partisan Affiliation.[13]

Chart of Voter Registration

  Republican (57.55%)
  Democratic (26.59%)
  No Party Affiliation (11.58%)
  Other Parties (4.28%)
Voter registration and party enrollment
Party Number of voters Percentage
Republican 40,766 57.55%
Democratic 18,835 26.59%
No Partisan Affiliation 8,201 11.58%
Other Parties 3,029 4.28%
Total 70,831 100%

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
180013,172—
181015,15215.0%
182019,37027.8%
183021,37910.4%
184023,0447.8%
185025,98112.7%
186028,0067.8%
187030,3158.2%
188032,4557.1%
189033,4863.2%
190034,4963.0%
191034,319−0.5%
192034,5830.8%
193037,1287.4%
194039,4356.2%
195044,19712.1%
196051,90617.4%
197056,9379.7%
198068,29219.9%
199078,27414.6%
200091,29216.6%
2010101,40711.1%
2020103,8522.4%
2022 (est.)106,0272.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]
1790–1960[15] 1900–1990[16]
1990–2000[17] 2010–2017[18][19]

As of the 2010 census,[20] there were 101,407 people, 33,652 households, and 24,767 families in the county. The population density was 194 people per square mile (75 people/km2). There were 35,831 housing units at an average density of 69 per square mile (27/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.39% White, 1.21% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.71% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. 3.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 42.7% were of German, 14.1% American, 8.5% Irish and 7.1% English ancestry. 95.0% spoke English and 3.6% Spanish as their first language.

There were 33,652 households, of which 33.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.10% were married couples living together, 8.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.40% were non-families. 21.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.

The county population was spread out, with 24.90% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.80 males. Adams County is one of two counties in Pennsylvania where Latter-Day Saints make up 1% of the population.

2020 census
Adams County Racial Composition[21]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 89,945 86.6%
Black or African American (NH) 1,473 1.42%
Native American (NH) 147 0.14%
Asian (NH) 952 1%
Pacific Islander (NH) 33 0.03%
Other/Mixed (NH) 3,512 3.4%
Hispanic or Latino 7,790 7.5%

Metropolitan and Combined Statistical Area

The US OMB[22] has designated Adams County as the Gettysburg, PA metropolitan statistical area (MSA). As of the 2010 census[23] the metropolitan area population of 101,407 ranked 19th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 349th most populous in the United States. Adams County is also a part of the larger Harrisburg–York–Lebanon combined statistical area (CSA), which combines the populations of Adams County with those of Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties in Pennsylvania. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 5th in the State of Pennsylvania and 43rd most populous in the United States with a population of 1,219,422.

Education
Map of Adams County, Pennsylvania School Districts

Colleges and universities

Community, junior and technical colleges

Public school districts

Public charter schools

County residents may apply to attend any of the Commonwealth's 14 (as of 2015) public, cyber charter schools at no additional cost to the parents.[24]

Private schools

As reported by Pennsylvania Department of Education April 2015

  • Academy for Media Production – McSherrystown
  • Adams County Christian Academy – Gettysburg
  • Delone Catholic High School – McSherrystown
  • Forest Lane Mennonite School – Gettysburg
  • Freedom Christian School – Gettysburg
  • Gettysburg SDA Church School – Gettysburg
  • Independent Baptist Day School – Biglerville
  • JIL Christian School – Biglerville
  • Littlestown Christian Academy – Littlestown
  • Oxford Christian Academy – New Oxford
  • Paradise School – Abbottstown
  • St. Teresa of Calcutta School -McSherrystown
  • St James Child Care Center – Gettysburg
  • St Joseph Academy Preschool – McSherrystown

Intermediate Unit

Lincoln Intermediate Unit (IU#12) region includes: Adams, Franklin, and York Counties. The agency offers school districts, home schooled students and private schools many services including: Special education services, combined purchasing, and instructional technology services. It runs Summer Academy which offers both art and academic strands designed to meet the needs of gifted, talented and high achieving students. Additional services include: Curriculum Mapping, Professional Development for school employees, Adult Education, Nonpublic School Services, Business Services, Migrant & ESL (English as a Second Language), Instructional Services, Special Education, Management Services, and Technology Services. It provides a GED program for adults to earn a high school diploma, and offers literacy programs. The Lincoln Intermediate Unit is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, each a member of a local school board from the 25 school districts. Board members are elected by school directors of all 25 school districts for three-year terms that begin July 1.[25] There are 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania. They are funded by school districts, state and federal program specific funding and grants; they do not have the power to tax.

Libraries
  • A R Wentz Library – Gettysburg
  • Adams County Historical Society[26] – Gettysburg
  • Adams County Library at Carroll Valley – Carroll Valley[27]
  • Adams County Law Library – Gettysburg[27]
  • Gettysburg Library - Gettysburg[27]
  • Harbaugh-Thomas Library – Biglervilleh[27]
  • Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin[28] – East Berlin
  • Littlestown Community Library – Littlestown[27]
  • Musselman Library – Gettysburg
  • New Oxford Area Library – New Oxford[27]

Transportation

Air

There are currently no scheduled commercial flights into Adams County. The nearest airports with regular commercial service are in Hagerstown, Maryland (Hagerstown Regional Airport), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (Harrisburg International Airport), and Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Lancaster Airport).

Bus

Public bus service in Adams County is available through the Adams County Transit Authority.

Major highways

    Communities
    Map of Adams County with municipal labels showing boroughs (red), townships (white), and census-designated places (blue)

    Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in Adams County, as well as unincorporated areas and CDPs:

    Boroughs

    Townships

    Census-designated places

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

    Unincorporated areas

    Population ranking

    The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Adams County.[23]

    † county seat

    Rank City/Town/etc. Population (2010 Census) Municipal type Incorporated
    1 † Gettysburg 7,620 Borough 1806
    2 Littlestown 4,434 Borough 1864
    3 Carroll Valley 3,876 Borough 1974
    4 McSherrystown 3,038 Borough 1882
    5 Lake Meade 2,563 CDP
    6 Midway 2,125 CDP
    7 Bonneauville 1,800 Borough 1961
    8 New Oxford 1,783 Borough 1874
    9 East Berlin 1,521 Borough 1879
    10 Lake Heritage 1,333 CDP
    11 Biglerville 1,200 Borough 1903
    12 Abbottstown 1,011 Borough 1835
    13 Arendtsville 952 Borough 1896
    14 York Springs 833 Borough 1868
    15 Heidlersburg 707 CDP
    16 Bendersville 641 Borough 1866
    17 Hampton 632 CDP
    18 Hunterstown 547 CDP
    19 Fairfield 507 Borough 1896
    20 Cashtown 459 CDP
    21 Aspers 350 CDP
    22 McKnightstown 226 CDP
    23 Idaville 177 CDP
    24 Orrtanna 173 CDP
    25 Gardners 150 CDP
    26 Table Rock 62 CDP
    27 Floradale 38 CDP

    Notable people

    See also

    References
    1. "PHMC Historical Markers Search". Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original (Searchable database) on March 21, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
    2. "Census - Geography Profile: Adams County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
    3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
    4. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
    5. "Gettysburg, PA Monthly Weather". The Weather Channel.
    6. "Administration & Elected Officials- Departments". www.adamscountypa.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
    7. "2016 Election Results" (PDF).
    8. Sullivan, Robert David; "How the Red and Blue Map Evolved Over the Past Century"; America Magazine in The National Catholic Review; June 29, 2016
    9. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".
    10. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
    11. "Our Campaigns - U.S. President". Retrieved January 22, 2021.
    12. League of Women Voters of Pa. v. Commonwealth, 159 MM 2017 (Pa. Dec. 29 2017).
    13. Pennsylvania Department of State (July 17, 2023). "Voter registration statistics by county". dos.pa.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-20.
    14. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
    15. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
    16. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
    17. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
    18. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
    19. "Census 2020".
    20. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
    21. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Adams County, Pennsylvania".
    22. "Office of Management and Budget". The White House.
    23. "2010 Census Population Map". Archived from the original on 2014-08-05.
    24. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "Pennsylvania Charter School".
    25. Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 website (accessed April 2010)
    26. "Home — Adams County Historical Society". www.achs-pa.org.
    27. "Home - Adams County Library". www.adamslibrary.org.
    28. "East Berlin Community Library". October 19, 2011. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011.
    29. Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607–1896. Chicago IL: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.
    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Adams County, Pennsylvania.
    Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Adams County (Pennsylvania).

    39.87°N 77.22°W / 39.87; -77.22

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