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Monroe County, Pennsylvania

Coordinates: 41°04′N 75°20′W / 41.06°N 75.34°W / 41.06; -75.34
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Not to be confused with Monroe, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.

Monroe County
County
Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg in November 2009
Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg in November 2009
Official seal of Monroe County
Seal
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Monroe County
Location within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Map of the United States highlighting Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 41°04′N 75°20′W / 41.06°N 75.34°W / 41.06; -75.34
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
FoundedApril 1, 1836
Named forJames Monroe[1] 270
SeatStroudsburg
Largest townshipCoolbaugh Township
Area
 • Total
617 sq mi (1,600 km2)
 • Land608 sq mi (1,570 km2)
 • Water9.0 sq mi (23 km2)  1.5%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
168,327 Decrease
 • Density270/sq mi (100/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts7th, 8th
Websitehttp://www.monroecountypa.gov

Monroe County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 168,327.[2] Its county seat is Stroudsburg.[3] The county is part of the Northeast Pennsylvania region of the state.[a] The county was formed from sections of Northampton and Pike counties on April 1, 1836.[4] It was named in honor of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. The county borders Northampton County and the Lehigh Valley to its south, Pike and Wayne counties to its north, Carbon and Luzerne counties to its west, and the Delaware River and Warren County, New Jersey to its east. It is part of the New York metropolitan area, but also receives media from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia radio and television markets.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Monroe County was one of the fastest-growing counties in Pennsylvania, largely due to Pocono Mountain-related tourism and partly due to an influx of residents from New York City and its metropolitan area who sought a lower cost of living while still being close enough to commute to the city.[5] The population increased by over 70% from 1990 to 2010, and the commercial and retail sectors expanded significantly, although population growth has since slowed.

The county is home to East Stroudsburg University.

The Lehigh River, a 109-mile-long (175 km) tributary of the Delaware River, flows southward through Monroe County and then into the Lehigh Valley, where it joins the Delaware River in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 617 square miles (1,600 km2), of which 608 square miles (1,570 km2) is land and 9.0 square miles (23 km2) (1.5%) is water.[6] It has a humid continental climate (Dfb except for some Dfa in the southern and SE tiers) and the hardiness zone ranges from 5a to 6b. The area code is 570, except in the southwest where the Kunkletown exchange uses 610.

Adjacent counties

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National protected areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18409,879—
185013,27034.3%
186016,75826.3%
187018,3629.6%
188020,1759.9%
189020,111−0.3%
190021,1615.2%
191022,9418.4%
192024,2955.9%
193028,28616.4%
194029,8025.4%
195033,77313.3%
196039,56717.2%
197045,42214.8%
198069,40952.8%
199095,70937.9%
2000138,68744.9%
2010169,84222.5%
2020168,327−0.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2019[11]

As of the census[12] of 2010, there were 169,842 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 inhabitants per square mile (88/km2). There were 67,581 housing units at an average density of 111 units per square mile (43/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 70.5% White Non-Hispanic, 13.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 4.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. 13.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 19.9% were of German, 16.8% Irish, 14.5% Italian, 8.8% Pennsylvania German, 5.4% Polish, 5.1% American and 5.1% English ancestry.

There were 49,454 households, out of which 36.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.30% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.16.

As of the end of 2021, the median value of all homes in Monroe County was $210,972, an increase of 13% since the prior year.[13]

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.80% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.

2020 census

[edit]
Monroe County Racial Composition[14]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 104,716 62.2%
Black or African American (NH) 22,823 13.6%
Native American (NH) 289 0.17%
Asian (NH) 3,947 2.34%
Pacific Islander (NH) 56 0.03%
Other/Mixed (NH) 7,938 4.72%
Hispanic or Latino 28,558 17%

Metropolitan Statistical Area

[edit]
See also: List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas and List of Combined Statistical Areas

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has designated Monroe County as the East Stroudsburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area.[15] Prior to 2023, the area was designated as a metropolitan area.[16] As of the 2010 census the Metro area had a population of 169,842. The area ranks 12th most populous in the state of Pennsylvania and ranks 244th most populous in the United States.

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has also designated Monroe County as part of the larger Allentown-Bethlehem-East Stroudsburg, PA-NJ Combined Statistical Area.[16] As of the 2020 US Census, the population of the CSA was 1,030,216, making it the third most populous Combined Statistical Area in Pennsylvania, and the 59th most populous in the United States. Monroe County was once part of the New York CSA, but as of 2023, Pike County is the only county in Pennsylvania grouped with New York's CSA.

Politics

[edit]

In the 19th and early 20th century, Monroe was the most Democratic county in Pennsylvania. For much of the second half of the 20th century, Monroe County was a Republican stronghold. However, in recent years, party registration has leaned toward the Democratic Party, a result of continued migration to the county by former New York City residents, many of whom are Democrats. While in the 2004 U.S. presidential election the county was carried by Republican George W. Bush by a margin of four votes, beginning with the first campaign (2008) of Barack Obama, Democratic candidates carried Monroe County. In that election Obama carried the county by a 17-point margin, 58% to 41%–the first Democrat to win the county since 1964, and only the second since 1940. The other three 2008 statewide Democratic candidates also carried the county handily. Additionally, the Democratic presidential candidates carried the county in 2012 (Obama), 2016 (Hillary Clinton), and 2020 (Joe Biden). The Democratic streak ended in 2024 when Republican Donald Trump narrowly flipped the county, becoming the first Republican to win the county in two decades.

United States presidential election results for Monroe County, Pennsylvania[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 42,676 49.90% 42,007 49.12% 842 0.98%
2020 38,726 46.08% 44,060 52.43% 1,248 1.49%
2016 33,386 47.69% 33,918 48.45% 2,704 3.86%
2012 26,867 42.63% 35,221 55.89% 935 1.48%
2008 28,293 41.23% 39,453 57.50% 872 1.27%
2004 27,971 49.65% 27,967 49.64% 404 0.72%
2000 23,265 49.63% 21,939 46.80% 1,674 3.57%
1996 17,326 44.35% 16,547 42.36% 5,192 13.29%
1992 14,557 38.82% 13,468 35.91% 9,475 25.27%
1988 17,185 62.79% 9,859 36.02% 327 1.19%
1984 16,109 65.82% 8,193 33.48% 172 0.70%
1980 12,357 55.44% 7,551 33.88% 2,381 10.68%
1976 10,228 50.72% 9,544 47.33% 393 1.95%
1972 12,701 67.51% 5,619 29.87% 494 2.63%
1968 9,465 53.33% 6,946 39.14% 1,336 7.53%
1964 6,281 36.91% 10,622 62.41% 116 0.68%
1960 11,299 63.74% 6,312 35.61% 115 0.65%
1956 10,081 64.30% 5,506 35.12% 92 0.59%
1952 9,502 62.09% 5,760 37.64% 42 0.27%
1948 6,674 53.02% 5,913 46.98% 0 0.00%
1944 6,202 52.88% 5,490 46.81% 37 0.32%
1940 6,001 47.30% 6,670 52.57% 16 0.13%
1936 5,778 41.04% 8,212 58.33% 89 0.63%
1932 4,659 41.60% 6,357 56.76% 183 1.63%
1928 7,469 69.40% 3,266 30.35% 27 0.25%
1924 3,462 44.28% 3,901 49.89% 456 5.83%
1920 3,278 48.01% 3,396 49.74% 154 2.26%
1916 1,456 29.80% 3,348 68.52% 82 1.68%
1912 536 11.64% 3,107 67.48% 961 20.87%
1908 1,454 31.62% 3,004 65.32% 141 3.07%
1904 1,446 34.46% 2,587 61.65% 163 3.88%
1900 1,264 27.99% 3,054 67.63% 198 4.38%
1896 1,447 31.80% 2,887 63.44% 217 4.77%
1892 1,020 24.53% 3,078 74.01% 61 1.47%
1888 1,107 24.95% 3,274 73.79% 56 1.26%
1884 1,009 23.59% 3,242 75.78% 27 0.63%
1880 962 22.30% 3,334 77.28% 18 0.42%

As of November 11, 2024, there are 120,056 registered voters in Monroe County.

  • Democratic: 51,318 (42.74%)
  • Republican: 43,711 (36.41%)
  • Independent: 19,275 (16.06%)
  • Minor Party: 5,752 (4.79%)

Other county offices

[edit]
  • Controller, Erik Diemer, Democratic
  • Coroner, Thomas Yanac, Democratic
  • District Attorney, Mike Mancuso, Democratic
  • Prothonotary, George Warden, Republican
  • Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills, Kate Best, Democratic
  • Sheriff, Nick Cirranello, Democratic
  • Treasurer, Theresa Johnson, Republican

State Representatives[18]

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State senator

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United States Representatives

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United States Senators

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Governor

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Transportation

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Public transportation

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Public transportation throughout the county is provided by the Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA), known as the "Pocono Pony".[20] MCTA operates a fixed route bus system[21] and a paratransit curb to curb service for eligible populations.[22]

New Jersey Transit is restoring train tracks in northwestern New Jersey along the Lackawanna Cut-off. This would, potentially, also involve the train to go to Scranton from Hoboken, which would go through the Poconos, marking the first time since the early 1970s when the Erie Lackawanna Railroad stopped running daily trains through the area.

Major highways

[edit]
I-80 eastbound in Monroe County

Education

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Colleges and universities

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Public school districts

[edit]
Map of Monroe County public school districts

They are:[23]

Charter schools

[edit]
  • Evergreen Community Charter School, Cresco

Technology schools

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  • Monroe Career and Technical Institute, Bartonsville

Private schools

[edit]
  • Art Learning Center, East Stroudsburg
  • Character Builders Christian Academy, Pocono Pines
  • Monsignor McHugh School, Cresco - Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, **closed in 2020**[24]
  • Notre Dame Elementary School, East Stroudsburg
  • Notre Dame High School, East Stroudsburg
  • St Pauls Lutheran Pre-School, East Stroudsburg
  • Stroudsburg 7th Day Adventists School, Stroudsburg
  • Triumphant & Excellence Academy 1, East Stroudsburg
  • Triumphant & Excellence Academy 2 TEA Institute, Tobyhanna
  • Triumphant Living Heritage, Marshalls Creek
  • Victory Baptist Christian School, Brodheadsville
  • The Growing Concern Elementary School, Stroudsburg [25]

Private schools are as reported in EdNA school database maintained and published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2011

Industry

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The Tobyhanna Army Depot, the U.S. Department of Defense's largest center for the repair and fabrication of electronic systems, is located in Monroe County.[26] It was identified in 2004 as the largest employer in northeastern Pennsylvania.[27]

Parks and trails

[edit]
The view from Big Pocono State Park at Camelback Mountain

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which "includes nearly 70,000 acres (280 km2) of mountains, valleys and floodplains," is partially located in Monroe County.[28] The county also has Pennsylvania state parks, such as Big Pocono State Park and parts of the Delaware State Forest, Gouldsboro State Park, and Tobyhanna State Park.[29]

The Appalachian Trail passes through Monroe County. David Pierce wrote in the Pocono Record, "The 2,184-mile [3,515 km] public footpath—from Georgia to Maine—has a particularly scenic but rugged section that straddles Monroe County’s southern border..." He stated that "trail hiking has long been an integral part of Monroe County's identity..."[30]

During the Revolutionary War in 1779, General John Sullivan marched his troops through Monroe County on their expedition to fight the Iroquois tribe in New York State.[31] There are many historical markers identifying the Sullivan Trail.[32] Sergeant Moses Fellows of the Third New Hampshire Regiment described the area as "...very poor & Barren and I think as never will Be Settled.”[33]

The Long Pond Conservation Easement has over 10,000 acres (40 km2) of public access land with numerous trail systems. It's one of the most extensive public access trail systems in Monroe County.[34]

Dixon Miller State Forest – this is an extensive trail system in Long Pond, PA.[35]

Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve is over 300 acres (120 ha) of Trail system that encompasses an old mountain ridge, and Jonas Creek.[36]

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge has elaborate Trail systems, and public access.[37]

Mount Wismer is a scenic hike in Monroe County.[38]

Nothstein Preserve is an elaborate wooded trail system in the Poconos [39]

Chestnut mountain nature preserve is a many acre preserve atop the Plateau.[40]

Resorts

[edit]
Inn At Pocono Manor, May 2015
The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

Two of the earliest Pocono resorts, founded by rival factions of the Philadelphia Quaker community, were located in Monroe County: Inn at Buck Hill Falls (1901) and Pocono Manor (1902).[41][42][43] These resorts did not allow liquor or dancing, and evening dress was discouraged.[44] The Quakers "brought a quiet, unostentatious style to the region,"[44] but their hotels later developed from religious retreats into "luxurious mountain resorts."[45] Buck Hill's stone facade became a model for close to 300 stately stone-and-shingle homes in the region.[44] Pocono Manor offers sweeping vistas of the eastern and western Pocono region and has been referred to as the "Grand Lady of the Mountains."[46] Buck Hill closed in 1990 and the Inn at Pocono Manor was mostly destroyed by fire in 2019.[44][47]

Skytop Lodge, built in 1928, is also located in Monroe County and has been described as a "Dutch Colonial-style manor house."[43][48] Designed in reaction to the Quaker resorts, it had a dance floor and served liquor in a basement bar.[44] Skytop offers thirty miles of hiking trails, and the main building "is surrounded by 5,000 acres (20 km2) of wood, glacial bogs, hemlock gorges, beaver marshes, and cascading waterfalls."[46]

The Buckwood Inn opened in Monroe County in 1911 and included the first golf course to be designed by renowned golf architect A. W. Tillinghast.[49][50][51] Bandleader Fred Waring purchased the resort in 1943, renamed it the Shawnee Inn, and broadcast his radio shows from there.[52] The Shawnee Inn is a Spanish colonial revival building with white-Moorish architecture and Spanish tiled roofs,[44] and it was identified in the 1990s as the only resort on the banks of the Delaware River.[53][54]

Mount Airy Lodge, which expanded from an eight-room inn into the largest Pocono resort, was located in Monroe County.[55][56] It heavily advertised in the New York media market with the catchy jingle, "Beautiful Mount Airy Lodge."[57] Headliners, such as Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and Connie Francis, performed in the Crystal Room, Mount Airy's 2,000-seat theater. Comedian Mickey Freeman said, "The food was lousy, but it was a legalized orgy." The 1,200 acres (490 ha) resort's heyday was in the 1960s and 1970s before closing in 2001.[56] In October 2007 the Mount Airy Casino Resort opened on the site.[55]

As of July 2015, there were three resorts in Monroe County with indoor water parks: Great Wolf Lodge, Aquatopia at Camelback Resort, and Kalahari Resort.[58]

Communities

[edit]
Map of Monroe County, Pennsylvania 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 only boroughs or towns being over 15,000 in population in the 2020 Census are Coolbaugh, Middle Smithfield and Stroud.

The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Monroe County:

Boroughs

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Townships

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Census-designated places

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Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law.

Unincorporated communities

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Population ranking

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The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Monroe County.[59]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2010 Census)
1 East Stroudsburg Borough 9,840
2 Arlington Heights CDP 6,333
3 † Stroudsburg Borough 5,567
4 Sierra View CDP 4,813
5 Penn Estates CDP 4,493
6 Indian Mountain Lake (partially in Carbon County) CDP 4,372
7 Saw Creek (mostly in Pike County) CDP 4,016
8 Mount Pocono Borough 3,170
9 Emerald Lakes CDP 2,886
10 Sun Valley CDP 2,399
11 Effort CDP 2,269
12 Brodheadsville CDP 1,800
13 Pocono Pines CDP 1,409
14 Mountainhome CDP 1,182
15 Saylorsburg CDP 1,126
16 Gouldsboro (mostly in Wayne County) CDP 890
17 Delaware Water Gap Borough 746

Watersheds

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Monroe County has three major watersheds, all of which are part of the Delaware River Watershed.[60]

The Brodhead Watershed,[61] the Aquashicola Pohopoco Watershed,[62] and the Tobyhanna Tunkhannock Watershed.[63]

Climate

[edit]

Pocono Plateau Region

[edit]

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, the higher elevation Pocono Plateau Region of Monroe County has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0 °F (22.2 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid on the Pocono Plateau, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 92 °F (33 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 93.0 °F (33.9 °C) on July 15, 1995, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 70.8 °F (21.6 °C) on January 8, 2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 6.43 inches (163 mm) on September 30, 2010. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −11.2 °F (−24.0 °C).[64] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −22.9 °F (−30.5 °C) on January 21, 1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −24 °F (−31 °C). The average snowiest month is January which correlates with the average coldest month of the year. Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) of snow occur nearly every year, particularly during nor’easters from December through March.

Climate data for 4 NE Tobyhanna, Elevation 2,087 ft (636 m), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1981–2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 60.9
(16.1) 		71.1
(21.7) 		80.3
(26.8) 		86.4
(30.2) 		88.9
(31.6) 		88.5
(31.4) 		93.0
(33.9) 		91.5
(33.1) 		89.1
(31.7) 		81.4
(27.4) 		74.8
(23.8) 		65.2
(18.4) 		93.0
(33.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 29.9
(−1.2) 		33.3
(0.7) 		41.6
(5.3) 		54.3
(12.4) 		65.4
(18.6) 		73.2
(22.9) 		77.5
(25.3) 		76.0
(24.4) 		68.9
(20.5) 		57.3
(14.1) 		46.1
(7.8) 		34.3
(1.3) 		54.9
(12.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 21.9
(−5.6) 		25.0
(−3.9) 		32.3
(0.2) 		44.6
(7.0) 		55.2
(12.9) 		63.5
(17.5) 		68.1
(20.1) 		66.8
(19.3) 		59.8
(15.4) 		48.4
(9.1) 		38.5
(3.6) 		27.3
(−2.6) 		46.0
(7.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 13.9
(−10.1) 		16.6
(−8.6) 		23.0
(−5.0) 		34.8
(1.6) 		45.0
(7.2) 		53.8
(12.1) 		58.7
(14.8) 		57.6
(14.2) 		50.7
(10.4) 		39.5
(4.2) 		30.9
(−0.6) 		20.3
(−6.5) 		37.2
(2.9)
Record low °F (°C) −22.9
(−30.5) 		−14.1
(−25.6) 		−9.0
(−22.8) 		10.7
(−11.8) 		27.5
(−2.5) 		33.2
(0.7) 		38.1
(3.4) 		34.3
(1.3) 		28.2
(−2.1) 		17.9
(−7.8) 		−0.7
(−18.2) 		−16.2
(−26.8) 		−22.9
(−30.5)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.66
(93) 		3.31
(84) 		4.27
(108) 		4.54
(115) 		4.67
(119) 		5.13
(130) 		4.78
(121) 		4.32
(110) 		5.14
(131) 		5.31
(135) 		4.44
(113) 		4.25
(108) 		53.82
(1,367)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 20.9
(53) 		15.0
(38) 		15.6
(40) 		3.7
(9.4) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		3.9
(9.9) 		12.5
(32) 		71.7
(182)
Average relative humidity (%) 76.0 70.3 66.5 62.3 64.9 74.1 74.0 77.1 78.5 75.2 74.2 77.8 72.6
Average dew point °F (°C) 15.5
(−9.2) 		16.7
(−8.5) 		22.4
(−5.3) 		32.5
(0.3) 		43.6
(6.4) 		55.1
(12.8) 		59.5
(15.3) 		59.4
(15.2) 		53.1
(11.7) 		40.9
(4.9) 		31.0
(−0.6) 		21.3
(−5.9) 		37.7
(3.2)
Source: PRISM[65]

Ridge and Valley Region

[edit]

According to the Trewartha climate classification system, the lower elevation Ridge and Valley section of Monroe County has a Temperate Continental climate (Dc) with hot summers (a), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcao). Dcao climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ 72.0 °F (22.2 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are slightly humid in the Ridge and Valley, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 102 °F (39 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 100.3 °F (37.9 °C) on July 22, 2011, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 72.7 °F (22.6 °C) on January 8, 2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. The average wettest month is September which correlates with tropical storm remnants during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 6.36 inches (162 mm) on August 10, 2005. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 6a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −5.4 °F (−20.8 °C).[64] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −18.0 °F (−27.8 °C) on January 21, 1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −17 °F (−27 °C). The average snowiest month is January which correlates with the average coldest month of the year. Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) of snow occur once every couple of years, particularly during nor’easters from December through March.

Climate data for East Stroudsburg, Elevation 531 ft (162 m), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1981–2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 68.6
(20.3) 		77.0
(25.0) 		86.3
(30.2) 		94.4
(34.7) 		94.5
(34.7) 		95.3
(35.2) 		100.3
(37.9) 		98.7
(37.1) 		96.3
(35.7) 		87.9
(31.1) 		79.5
(26.4) 		71.1
(21.7) 		100.3
(37.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 36.1
(2.3) 		39.8
(4.3) 		48.8
(9.3) 		61.6
(16.4) 		71.9
(22.2) 		79.9
(26.6) 		83.9
(28.8) 		82.3
(27.9) 		75.1
(23.9) 		63.6
(17.6) 		52.3
(11.3) 		40.4
(4.7) 		61.4
(16.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 27.0
(−2.8) 		29.9
(−1.2) 		37.9
(3.3) 		49.2
(9.6) 		59.3
(15.2) 		68.0
(20.0) 		72.4
(22.4) 		70.9
(21.6) 		63.5
(17.5) 		51.9
(11.1) 		42.3
(5.7) 		31.9
(−0.1) 		50.4
(10.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 17.9
(−7.8) 		20.1
(−6.6) 		27.0
(−2.8) 		36.9
(2.7) 		46.7
(8.2) 		56.1
(13.4) 		60.9
(16.1) 		59.5
(15.3) 		51.9
(11.1) 		40.3
(4.6) 		32.3
(0.2) 		23.4
(−4.8) 		39.5
(4.2)
Record low °F (°C) −18.0
(−27.8) 		−8.6
(−22.6) 		−0.5
(−18.1) 		14.3
(−9.8) 		27.1
(−2.7) 		36.4
(2.4) 		42.6
(5.9) 		38.0
(3.3) 		29.8
(−1.2) 		19.8
(−6.8) 		6.1
(−14.4) 		−7.1
(−21.7) 		−18.0
(−27.8)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.40
(86) 		2.97
(75) 		3.64
(92) 		4.11
(104) 		4.43
(113) 		4.48
(114) 		4.52
(115) 		4.41
(112) 		4.97
(126) 		4.77
(121) 		4.02
(102) 		4.09
(104) 		49.81
(1,265)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 11.8
(30) 		8.5
(22) 		8.8
(22) 		2.1
(5.3) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		2.2
(5.6) 		7.1
(18) 		40.6
(103)
Average relative humidity (%) 69.1 64.3 59.6 57.4 61.8 68.9 68.9 71.7 72.8 71.0 69.4 70.5 67.1
Average dew point °F (°C) 18.2
(−7.7) 		19.3
(−7.1) 		25.1
(−3.8) 		34.8
(1.6) 		46.2
(7.9) 		57.4
(14.1) 		61.6
(16.4) 		61.3
(16.3) 		54.6
(12.6) 		42.8
(6.0) 		33.0
(0.6) 		23.4
(−4.8) 		39.9
(4.4)
Source: PRISM[65]

Ecology

[edit]

Long Pond

[edit]

Long Pond is an inland freshwater wetland.[66][67]

The Nature Conservancy's Hauser Nature Center is a destination for hiking and ecological tourism in Long Pond.[68]

Pocono Plateau Region

[edit]

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, the higher elevation Pocono Plateau Region of Monroe County would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Hardwood (106) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern hardwood forest (26).[69] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in early-May and peak fall color usually occurs in early-October. The plant hardiness zone is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −11.2 °F (−24.0 °C).[64]

Ridge and Valley Region

[edit]

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, the lower elevation Ridge and Valley section of Monroe County would have a dominant vegetation type of Appalachian Oak (104) with a dominant vegetation form of Eastern Hardwood Forest (25).[69] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in late-April and peak fall color usually occurs in mid-October. The plant hardiness zone is 6a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −5.4 °F (−20.8 °C).[64]

Glacial Till Barrens

[edit]

Located in the vicinity of Big Pocono State Park, Blakeslee, and Long pond. The Glacial Till Barrens are best exeplified by the Long Pond Conservation Easement. Which has public access trail systems. Glacial Till Barrens are found in Dixon Miller State Forest,[35] and within the Bethlehem Authority property. One of the only such ecosystems in the entire state of Pennsylvania. The Glacial till barrens are mesic (meaning moist), and yet have species that are more typical of far northern climates.[68][70]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Includes Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Schuylkill, Carbon, Pike, Bradford, Wayne, Susquehanna, Wyoming and Sullivan Counties
  1. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 212.
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Monroe County, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Monroe County, Pennsylvania" (PDF). monroecountypa.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  5. ^ "This town has America's lousiest commute". www.cbsnews.com. April 12, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  6. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on December 26, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  9. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  11. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  12. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  13. ^ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors. January 4, 2019. Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  14. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Monroe County, Pennsylvania".
  15. ^ "Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of These Areas" (PDF). whitehouse.gov. Office of Management and Budget. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 21, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2016 – via National Archives.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  18. ^ Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  19. ^ Center, Legislativate Data Processing. "Find Your Legislator". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  20. ^ Monroe County Transit Authority. Gomcta.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2013.
  21. ^ Pocono Pony Bus Routes. Gomcta.com (June 8, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-09.
  22. ^ Monroe County Transportation Authority, The Pocono Pony's Shared Ride Service. Gomcta.com. Retrieved on August 9, 2013.
  23. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Monroe County, PA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved October 30, 2024. - Text list
  24. ^ Mataloni, Carmella (May 6, 2020). "Catholic elementary school to close in the Poconos". WNEP. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  25. ^ "The Growing Concern – Montessori Inspired Education". Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  26. ^ Soper, Spencer (October 20, 2010). "Tobyhanna Army Depot to cut 189 jobs". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  27. ^ Slade, David (July 9, 2004). "Bittersweet victory for depot staff". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  28. ^ Kohler, Aimee (March 31, 2016). "Pocono Photo Tour: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area". Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  29. ^ "State & National Parks & Forests in Pocono Mountains PA". VisitPA.com. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  30. ^ Pierce, David (September 17, 2015). "31 Things That Play in the Poconos: Appalachian Trail beckons local and through hikers". Pocono Record. Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  31. ^ Heffelfinger, Bill (January 14, 1968). "'Sullivan's Trail' Truly Historic". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  32. ^ Amaral, Brian. "CDs lead cars along truly historic Sullivan Trail". Monroe County Historical Association. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  33. ^ Mintz, Max (1999). Seeds of Empire. New York: New York University Press. p. 96. ISBN 0-8147-5622-0.
  34. ^ "The Nature Conservancy's Hauser Nature Center - Long Pond, PA | Scenic Wild Delaware River".
  35. ^ a b "Dixon Miller Recreation Area". Trails.dcnr.pa.gov. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  36. ^ "Pocono Heritage Land Trust".
  37. ^ "Home – Cherry Valley – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service". December 7, 2020.
  38. ^ "Mount Wismer "from the top" – Brodhead Watershed Association". December 16, 2019.
  39. ^ "Nothstein Preserve – Brodhead Watershed Association". Brodhead Watershed Association. December 16, 2019.
  40. ^ "Chestnut Mountain Nature Preserve – Brodhead Watershed Association". December 17, 2019.
  41. ^ Squeri, Lawrence (2002). Better in the Poconos: The Story of Pennsylvania's Vacationland. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press. pp. 71–73. ISBN 0271021578.
  42. ^ "Corvelle named assistant GM at Pocono Manor". Pocono Record. Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. October 11, 2009. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  43. ^ a b "Nearly Million Surgical Dressings Made by Units Soon to Stop Work". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. July 31, 1945. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  44. ^ a b c d e f Fleeson, Lucinda (September 2, 1994). "Fading Memories In The Poconos". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  45. ^ Uguccioni, Marilyn (May 29, 1976). "Resort industry old-timer in the Pocono Mountains". The Pocono Record. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  46. ^ a b Sulon, Bill (February 6, 2003). "Cold comfort: a trio of Pennsylvania inns". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  47. ^ Scott, Andrew; Sigafoos, Stephanie (November 1, 2019). "'This is heartbreaking': Wind-whipped fire destroys 117-year-old Pocono Manor resort in Monroe County". The Morning Call. Allentown, PA. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  48. ^ "Skytop Lodge". Historic Hotels of America. National Trust For Historic Preservation. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
  49. ^ Goodwin, Stephen; Wolffe, Rick. "The Creator of Golf Courses". The Tillinghast Association. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  50. ^ Jesky, Mike (October 26, 1997). "Shawnee Inn: It's stately, yet inviting". Standard Speaker. Hazleton, PA. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  51. ^ Edelson, Stephen (September 2, 1999). "A Guide To The Best In Fall Golfing". Asbury Park Press. Asbury Park, New Jersey. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  52. ^ Squeri (2002), p. 182
  53. ^ Fodor's national parks and seashores of the east (1 ed.). New York: Fodor's Travel Publications. 1994. p. 164.
  54. ^ Shea, Barbara (September 11, 1994). "Let the current set the pace at the Delaware Water Gap". The Courier-News. Somerville, NJ. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  55. ^ a b McKinley, Jesse; Bagli, Charles (November 6, 2014). "In Faded Vacationland, Gambling's Promise Falls Short". The New York Times. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  56. ^ a b Jacobs, Andrew (November 2, 2001). "The Thrills Are Over At Mount Airy Lodge". The New York Times.
  57. ^ Rubinkam, Michael (February 27, 2005). "For sale at Poconos lodge: The heart-shaped tub, and lots more". The Star-Democrat. Easton, Maryland. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  58. ^ Lauer-Williams, Kathy (July 19, 2015). "Water Park windfall". The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  59. ^ US Census Bureau. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing—by Decade". www.census.gov. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  60. ^ "Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed — Our Members".
  61. ^ "home". Brodhead Watershed Association. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  62. ^ "Home". Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  63. ^ "Tobyhanna Tunkhannock Watershe". www.tctcwa.org. February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  64. ^ a b c d "USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map". United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  65. ^ a b "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  66. ^ "Error" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on September 29, 2020.
  67. ^ "A Natural Areas Inventory of Monroe County, Pennsylvania" (PDF). www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  68. ^ a b "Long Pond Preserve and Hauser Nature Center".
  69. ^ a b "U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)". Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  70. ^ "Barrens Habitat" (PDF). www.pgc.pa.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
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