Wyoming County, Pennsylvania: overview, history, geography, and communities

Geography and landscape

The landscape is typical of Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains region: narrow valleys carved by tributaries of the Susquehanna, agricultural fields, and sizeable woodlands that support outdoor recreation. Small state parks, local trails and rivers provide fishing, hiking and birding opportunities. For general state context see Pennsylvania and for regional resources consult state and regional guides.

History and name

Wyoming County was created in the mid-19th century from adjoining counties and has roots in early American settlement, agriculture and lumbering. The county’s name links to the broader Wyoming Valley region; that place-name itself comes from a Native American term applied by early settlers. Historical sites and small museums in the county document nineteenth-century life and industry.

Communities, economy and services

Tunkhannock serves as the administrative and cultural center. Other boroughs and townships are primarily residential, agricultural or forested. The local economy combines farming, small manufacturing, service businesses and tourism. For demographic and census details see census sources.

Points of interest and government

Visitors find historic districts, river access points and seasonal festivals. County government provides typical services—courts, planning, public works and emergency services—coordinated from the seat in Tunkhannock. The municipal center is described at Tunkhannock municipal information.

• Major attractions: local parks, river recreation, historic downtown Tunkhannock
• Typical activities: fishing, hiking, small-town festivals
• Notable facts: rural character, scenic valleys, community institutions