History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 7, 2025

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, established in 1810 from Luzerne County and organized in 1812, had a population of 38,434 as of the 2020 census. Montrose serves as its county seat. The county's name originates from the Susquehanna River. It is situated within the Northeast Pennsylvania region.

January 1970: End of Passenger Train Services

In January 1970, Susquehanna County's last mainline passenger train services, which passed through New Milford and Hallstead, ceased operations. The railroad line has since been used by freight trains.

2000: 2000 Census Data

In 2000, the census reported 42,238 people, 16,529 households, and 11,785 families residing in Susquehanna County. The population density was 51 people per square mile.

January 2008: Unemployment Rate

In January 2008, the unemployment rate in Susquehanna County was 6.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2010: Population Decline Begins

Starting in 2010, Susquehanna County's population began to decline, concurrent with the expansion of natural gas drilling and related infrastructure.

2011: Active Natural Gas Wells and Violations

As of 2011, there were 1,079 active natural gas wells in Susquehanna County, which had collectively been issued 795 notices of violations by the Department of Environmental Protection of Pennsylvania.

2016: Estimated Population Decline

Between 2010 and 2016, Susquehanna County experienced an estimated population decline of 5.8 percent.

2016: Law Enforcement Capacity

In 2016, all areas in Susquehanna County relied on the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for law enforcement, either with part-time police departments or without any local police.

January 2018: Unemployment Rate

As of January 2018, the unemployment rate in Susquehanna County was 5.7 percent.

2018: Number of Employees Listed

At the end of 2018, the number of employees were listed according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry May 2019 monthly report.

May 2019: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Monthly Report

In May 2019, The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry published a monthly report listing employers in order of number of employees at the end of 2018.