Adams County, Pennsylvania

County in Pennsylvania, United States From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Adams County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 103,852.[3] Its county seat is Gettysburg.[4] The county was created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County, and was named for John Adams, the second President of the United States.

Country United States
FoundedJanuary 22, 1800
Quick facts Country, State ...
Adams County, Pennsylvania
Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg
Official seal of Adams County, Pennsylvania
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Adams County
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Coordinates: 39°52′N 77°13′W
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedJanuary 22, 1800
Named afterJohn Adams
SeatGettysburg
Largest boroughGettysburg
Area
  Total
522 sq mi (1,350 km2)
  Land519 sq mi (1,340 km2)
  Water3.1 sq mi (8.0 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
103,852
  Estimate 
(2025)[1]
107,594 Increase
  Density200/sq mi (77/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district13th
Websitewww.adamscountypa.gov
TypeCity
DesignatedNovember 6, 1982[2]
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Between July 1 and July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest and most significant battle of the American Civil War, was fought near Gettysburg. As a result, Adams County is a center for Civil War-related tourism. Adams County comprises the Gettysburg metropolitan statistical area, which is also included in the Harrisburg–York–Lebanon combined statistical area. The county is part of the South Central region of the commonwealth.[a]

Geography

The 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.[5] 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

Cumberland
north
FranklinwestselfeastYork
Frederick MDsouthwestsoutheastCarroll

National protected areas

Climate

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

More information Climate data for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Month ...
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)
Mean daily maximum °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)
Mean daily minimum °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[6]
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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 most recent 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.

More information Official, Party ...
Official Party Term ends
Randy PhielRepublican2027
Jim MartinRepublican2027
Marty QuallyDemocratic2027
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Elected county officials

As of the May 2024[7]

More information Office, Official ...
Office Official Party Term ends
Clerk of CourtsKelly A. LawverRepublican2025
ControllerTammy MyersRepublican2027
CoronerFrancis DutrowRepublican2027
TreasurerChrissy ReddingRepublican2025
District AttorneyBrian SinnettRepublican2027
ProthonotaryBeverly BoydRepublican2027
Recorder of Deeds and Register of WillsKaren HeflinRepublican2027
SheriffJames W. MullerRepublican2025
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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.[8] No Democratic presidential candidate has won Adams County since Lyndon Johnson's 1964 landslide.[9] However, Democratic strength exists in Gettysburg, which Biden carried 63%-35%.[10]

More information Year, Republican ...
United States presidential election results for Adams County, Pennsylvania[11]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
1880 3,137 45.08% 3,752 53.92% 69 0.99%
1884 3,080 46.15% 3,530 52.89% 64 0.96%
1888 3,371 46.54% 3,794 52.38% 78 1.08%
1892 3,384 47.20% 3,716 51.83% 70 0.98%
1896 4,170 50.95% 3,814 46.60% 201 2.46%
1900 3,718 47.47% 3,967 50.65% 147 1.88%
1904 4,017 50.65% 3,812 48.06% 102 1.29%
1908 3,685 46.95% 4,034 51.40% 130 1.66%
1912 819 11.36% 3,682 51.07% 2,709 37.57%
1916 3,290 43.76% 3,963 52.71% 266 3.54%
1920 5,323 56.94% 3,852 41.20% 174 1.86%
1924 5,778 52.92% 4,840 44.33% 300 2.75%
1928 9,656 67.29% 4,635 32.30% 58 0.40%
1932 6,084 45.09% 7,185 53.25% 225 1.67%
1936 8,313 47.75% 8,336 47.88% 761 4.37%
1940 8,609 53.86% 7,354 46.01% 21 0.13%
1944 8,787 59.63% 5,881 39.91% 67 0.45%
1948 7,988 59.13% 5,409 40.04% 112 0.83%
1952 11,016 65.82% 5,691 34.00% 30 0.18%
1956 12,250 66.11% 6,281 33.89% 0 0.00%
1960 12,933 62.02% 7,895 37.86% 26 0.12%
1964 8,617 43.39% 11,148 56.13% 95 0.48%
1968 11,303 59.78% 5,993 31.70% 1,611 8.52%
1972 13,593 70.19% 5,529 28.55% 243 1.25%
1976 12,133 56.90% 8,771 41.14% 418 1.96%
1980 13,760 61.42% 7,266 32.43% 1,378 6.15%
1984 16,786 69.44% 7,289 30.15% 99 0.41%
1988 15,650 64.92% 8,299 34.43% 156 0.65%
1992 13,552 45.94% 9,576 32.46% 6,373 21.60%
1996 15,338 51.98% 10,774 36.51% 3,396 11.51%
2000 20,848 62.34% 11,682 34.93% 914 2.73%
2004 28,247 66.89% 13,764 32.59% 217 0.51%
2008 26,349 58.89% 17,633 39.41% 759 1.70%
2012 26,767 62.80% 15,091 35.40% 767 1.80%
2016 31,423 65.48% 14,219 29.63% 2,348 4.89%
2020 37,567 66.13% 18,254 32.13% 988 1.74%
2024 40,248 66.12% 19,842 32.60% 781 1.28%
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More information Year, Republican ...
Pennsylvania Gubernatorial election results for Adams County[12]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
1970 8,207 44.26% 7,028 37.91% 3,306 17.83%
1974 8,682 54.18% 7,247 45.23% 95 0.59%
1978 10,386 62.92% 6,034 36.55% 87 0.53%
1982 11,346 60.75% 7,217 38.64% 113 0.61%
1986 10,511 58.43% 7,277 40.45% 200 1.11%
1990 5,687 29.03% 13,890 70.90% 15 0.08%
1994 12,146 52.99% 6,977 30.44% 3,798 16.57%
1998 14,810 73.83% 3,682 18.35% 1,568 7.82%
2002 15,950 65.98% 7,732 31.99% 491 2.03%
2006 17,084 56.72% 13,034 43.28% 0 0.00%
2010 22,696 72.81% 8,474 27.19% 0 0.00%
2014 16,790 60.14% 11,130 39.86% 0 0.00%
2018 22,501 57.62% 15,862 40.62% 690 1.77%
2022 26,819 57.73% 18,821 40.51% 819 1.76%
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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.

More information District, Representative ...
DistrictRepresentativeParty
91Dan MoulRepublican
193Torren EckerRepublican
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Pennsylvania Senate

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

More information District, Representative ...
DistrictRepresentativeParty
33Doug MastrianoRepublican
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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.[13] 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.

More information District, Representative ...
DistrictRepresentativeParty
13John JoyceRepublican
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United States Senate

More information Year, Republican ...
United States Senate election results for Adams County, Pennsylvania1[14][15][16]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
1994 13,618 59.61% 8,066 35.31% 1,162 5.09%
2000 21,621 66.03% 10,177 31.08% 948 2.90%
2006 16,649 55.06% 13,587 44.94% 0 0.00%
2012 25,647 60.47% 15,763 37.17% 1,002 2.36%
2018 23,419 59.89% 14,880 38.05% 803 2.05%
2024 38,505 63.88% 19,947 33.09% 1,824 3.03%
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More information Year, Republican ...
United States Senate election results for Adams County, Pennsylvania3[17][18]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
1992 14,925 51.36% 12,141 41.78% 1,991 6.85%
1998 13,740 68.76% 5,462 27.33% 781 3.91%
2004 27,138 66.30% 10,564 25.81% 3,233 7.90%
2010 21,567 69.35% 9,534 30.65% 0 0.00%
2016 30,492 64.19% 14,593 30.72% 2,418 5.09%
2022 29,039 62.56% 16,096 34.68% 1,284 2.77%
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Voter registration

As of February 8, 2025, there were 74,542 registered voters in the county. Republicans hold a majority of the voters. There were 43,362 registered Republicans, 18,828 registered Democrats, 9,476 voters without any partisan affiliation, and 2,876 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".[19]

Voter registration
  1. Republican (58.2%)
  2. Democratic (25.3%)
  3. No party affiliation (12.7%)
  4. Other parties (3.86%)
More information Voter registration and party enrollment, Party ...
Voter registration and party enrollment
Party Number of voters Percentage
Republican 43,362 58.17%
Democratic 18,828 25.26%
No partisan affiliation 9,476 12.71%
Other parties 2,876 3.86%
Total 74,542 100%
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Demographics

More information Census, Pop. ...
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%
2025 (est.)107,594[20] Increase3.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[21]
1790–1960[22] 1900–1990[23]
1990–2000[24] 2010–2017[25][26]
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Racial and ethnic composition

More information Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic), Pop 1980 ...
Adams County, Pennsylvania – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 1980[27] Pop 1990[28] Pop 2000[29] Pop 2010[30] Pop 2020[31] % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 66,683 75,735 85,558 91,830 89,945 97.64% 96.76% 93.72% 90.56% 86.61%
Black or African American alone (NH) 675 861 1,046 1,450 1,473 0.99% 1.10% 1.15% 1.43% 1.42%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 47 78 164 146 147 0.07% 0.10% 0.18% 0.14% 0.14%
Asian alone (NH) 192 363 446 737 952 0.28% 0.46% 0.49% 0.73% 0.92%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) x [32] x [33] 16 20 33 x x 0.02% 0.02% 0.03%
Other race alone (NH) 82 21 84 79 333 0.12% 0.03% 0.09% 0.08% 0.32%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) x [34] x [35] 655 1,030 3,179 x x 0.72% 1.02% 3.06%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 613 1,216 3,323 6,115 7,790 0.90% 1.55% 3.64% 6.03% 7.50%
Total 68,292 78,274 91,292 101,407 103,852 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
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2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 103,852. The median age was 44.7 years. 20.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.6% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97.4 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.6 males age 18 and over.[36]

36.7% of residents lived in urban areas, while 63.3% lived in rural areas.[37]

The racial makeup of the county was 88.1% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% Asian, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 3.7% from some other race, and 5.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 7.5% of the population.[38]

There were 40,270 households in the county, of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 55.3% were married-couple households, 15.5% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 21.9% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 43,007 housing units, of which 6.4% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 77.2% were owner-occupied and 22.8% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 4.3%.[36]

2022 American Community Survey

As of the 2022,[39] there were 106,027 people and 40,676 households in the county. The population density was 204.4 people per square mile. There were 43,653 housing units with 76% of the units owner occupied.

90.7% of the population 25 years and over were high school graduates, and 24.3% had a bachelor's degree or higher. Per capita income was $36,150, and the median household income was $76,727. 8.4% of the population lived below the poverty line.[39]

7.8% of the population were military veterans. 19% of the population was under 18, 59% between 18 and 64, and 22% 65 or over.[39]

There were 40,676 households, of which 68% were married couples living together, 10% had a female householder with no husband present, 4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 17% were non-families. The average household size was 2.5. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $255,900.[39]

Metropolitan and combined statistical area

The US OMB[40] has designated Adams County as the Gettysburg, PA metropolitan statistical area (MSA). As of the 2010 census[41] 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 school districts

Colleges and universities

Community, junior and technical colleges

Public school districts

School districts include:[42]

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.[43]

Private schools

As reported by Pennsylvania Department of Education May 2024

  • Adams County Christian Academy – Gettysburg
  • Delone Catholic High School – McSherrystown
  • Forest Lane Mennonite School – Gettysburg
  • Freedom Christian School – Gettysburg
  • Gettysburg Adventist Christian School – Gettysburg
  • Indian Acres Amish School - Gettysburg
  • JIL Christian School – Biglerville
  • Pheasant Cottage Amish School - Littlestown
  • St. Francis Xavier School - Gettysburg
  • St. Teresa of Calcutta School (Conewago) - Hanover
  • St. Teresa of Calcutta School -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.[44] 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[45] – Gettysburg
  • Carroll Valley Library – Carroll Valley[46]
  • Adams County Law Library – Gettysburg[46]
  • Adams County Library - Gettysburg[46]
  • Harbaugh-Thomas Library – Biglervilleh[46]
  • Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin[47] – East Berlin
  • Littlestown Community Library – Littlestown[46]
  • Musselman Library – Gettysburg
  • New Oxford Area Library – New Oxford[46]

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 roads and 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.[41]

county seat

More information Rank, City/town/etc. ...
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
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Notable people

See also

Notes

  1. Includes Lancaster, York, Berks, Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Lebanon, Adams and Perry Counties

References

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