 Centre County is located in the geographic center of the state and encompasses 1,108 square miles. The County has seen strong growth of electronic- and information-technology-related business springing out of research done at Penn State University. Penn State University is the top employer in Centre County followed by State College Area School District and Pennsylvania State Government.* Centre County (population 135,940) was created on February 13, 1800, from parts of Huntingdon, Lycoming, Mifflin and Northumberland Counties. Its name refers to its geographical location at the center of the state. Bellefonte is the county seat. Its name, French for beautiful spring, alludes to a large spring there and is said to have been suggested by the famous French statesman, Talleyrand.
Encompassing the beautiful Happy Valley and surrounding tree-covered slopes and ridges, Centre County seems a world apart from the hectic pace of urban life. From the fast-paced excitement of Big Ten football to the peaceful solitude of world-class trout fishing, Centre County delivers a full range of attractions and experiences. Best of all, Centre County is easily accessible from metropolitan centers in the Northeast.
Principal cities, towns or municipalities
Chamber of Commerce Government Schools Newspapers Housing, recreation, shopping, restaurants
For a comprehensive list searchable by county, go to Pennsylvania Visitors Network. Other links Nearby counties *Employer information provided by Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. | 
