 The
State of Pennsylvania has established 5
main types of governing municipalities that are incorporated and
recognized within it's counties: cities (several classes), boroughs,
townships (several classes), towns and
home rule
charters. There are 2,567 municipalities in the state.
A "Village", often identified by a roadside
sign, is unincorporated, and is merely an historical locale without
distinct boundaries.
Home rule municipalities, a newer form of
municipality first authorized in 1968, may still call themselves
cities, boroughs and townships, but their government structural is
different from that of a municipality following traditional state
guidelines for a city, borough or township (or town).
In 1870,
Bloomsburg, the county seat of
Columbia County was incorporated as a
town, and since then has been recognized by state government
publications as "the only incorporated town" in Pennsylvania.
However, in 1975,
McCandless Township, in
Allegheny County
adopted a home rule charter under the name "Town of McCandless".
While it has the title of a town, it's structure is that of a home
rule municipality.
Taxes on real estate are levied at the county,
municipality, and school district levels. In addition, some local
bodies assess a wage tax on personal income. Generally, the total
wage tax rate is capped at 1% of income but some municipalities with
home rule charters may charge more than 1%. Thirty-two of the
Commonwealth's sixty-seven counties levy a personal property tax on
stocks, bonds, and similar holdings.
(Source: Wikipedia)
The following diagram illustrates the main
local government entities with which a Pennsylvanian will interact:
Here are reference links providing more information
related to Pennsylvania Municipalities:
Local Government Entities in Pennsylvania
(PDF)
Pennsylvania Municipal Statistics
(PDF)
Pennsylvania Municipalities Information
PA's Local Government Web Sites
PA State and Local Governments On the Internet
Pennsylvanians Online: Local PA Municipalities Directory
Home Rule and Municipal Government Resource Links
(CELDF)
Pennsylvania eLibrary
- the e-Library is an
electronic database and clearinghouse of county and municipal
land-use documents.
Pennsylvania Local Government Commission
[Municipal
Desktop]
NewPA: Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development
Pennsylvania's State Archives for Counties and Municipalities
Pennsylvania Archives by Footnote Catalog
PA State Data Sources
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