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McCandless: Chronicle of a Pennsylvania Township

An in-depth exploration of its history, geography, demographics, and community life.

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Overview

Location & Status

McCandless is a township with home rule status situated in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is recognized as a suburb within the North Hills region of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Community Structure

The township is part of the North Allegheny School District and participates in the Northland Public Library system, serving its residents through shared regional resources.

Governance

Although McCandless operates under a home rule charter and is not formally governed by the First Class Township Code, it retains classification as a first-class township for specific administrative purposes.

Historical Journey

Early Settlement & Native Lands

Evidence of Native American artifacts, primarily from the Iroquois Nation, has been found within the township. Early European records note visits by figures like George Washington and his guide Christopher Gist in 1753. The area was known as the "Depreciation Lands" during the Revolutionary War, established by Pennsylvania legislation to compensate soldiers.

Founding & Naming

James Duff, the first European settler, purchased 400 acres in 1796. The township was officially founded in 1851 as "Taylor Township" and later incorporated in 1857 as a second-class township, renamed "McCandless Township" in honor of District Judge Wilson McCandless.

Growth and Development

Primarily an agricultural community in the 19th century, McCandless saw development spurred by the Harmony Line commuter railroad in 1908 and a concurrent oil boom. The closure of the Harmony Line in 1931 due to automobile prevalence marked a shift. North Park, established in 1927, occupies approximately 1,600 acres within the township. The mid-20th century saw significant population growth, followed by commercial development along McKnight Road and the establishment of a Community College of Allegheny County campus in 1972. McCandless Crossing, a mixed-use development, was completed in 2016.

Geographical Landscape

Area and Terrain

McCandless Township covers a total area of 16.6 square miles (43.00 km²), with 16.5 square miles (43.00 km²) being land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) of water. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, situated on the Allegheny Plateau, with a notable floodplain along Pine Creek.

Surrounding Areas

The township shares borders with Pine Township to the north, Hampton Township to the east, Ross Township to the south, and the borough of Franklin Park to the west.

Notable communities and neighborhoods within or associated with McCandless include:

  • Allison Park
  • Meadow Oaks I & II
  • Meadow Oaks III
  • Guyton Farms
  • Greybrooke
  • Bennington Woods
  • Pin Oak
  • Briarwood
  • Park Meadows
  • Foxcroft Village
  • Coyne Lots I & 2 (Longvue Heights)
  • Sample Manor
  • Colington Square
  • Royal Manor
  • Pinnacle Pointe
  • Longvue Acres

Community Demographics

Population Trends

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, McCandless had a population of 29,709. An estimate for 2022 placed the population at 29,038. The population density is approximately 1,800.8 inhabitants per square mile (695.3/km²).

2020 Census Breakdown:

  • Total Population: 29,709
  • Households: 12,265
  • Average Household Size: 2.30 people
  • Housing Units: 11,697
  • Average Housing Density: 707.1 units/sq mi (273.0 units/km²)

Racial Makeup (2020):

  • White: 85.5%
  • African American: 1.9%
  • Native American: 0.2%
  • Asian: 6.6%
  • Pacific Islander: 0.01%
  • Other Races: 2.0%
  • Two or More Races: 4.4%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 3.8%

Economic Profile

The median income for a household in McCandless was $62,159, with a median family income of $73,482. Males reported a median income of $57,415, compared to $33,319 for females. The per capita income was $31,792.

Approximately 2.2% of families and 4.0% of the population live below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under 18 and 9.1% of those aged 65 and over.

Age Distribution

The township's population is distributed across age groups, with the median age being 40 years. The age breakdown is as follows:

  • Under 18: 23.6%
  • 18 to 24: 6.8%
  • 25 to 44: 27.8%
  • 45 to 64: 25.8%
  • 65 and over: 16.1%

There is a slightly higher proportion of females to males, with 90.7 males per 100 females.

Key Facts

Government & Administration

Type: Home Rule Municipality (Township)

Settled: 1796

Incorporated: 1851

Government: Town Council

Council President: Jason Singer

Town Manager: John F. Schwend

Location & Contact

State: Pennsylvania

County: Allegheny

Elevation: 1,024 ft (312 m)

Time Zone: UTC-5 (EST) / UTC-4 (EDT)

ZIP Codes: 15237, 15090, 15044, 15101, 15127

Area Codes: 412, 724, 878

Website: townofmccandless.org

Area Details

Total Area: 16.6 sq mi (43.00 km²)

Land Area: 16.5 sq mi (42.73 km²)

Water Area: 0.1 sq mi (0.27 km²)

Terrain: Allegheny Plateau, hilly with floodplain along Pine Creek.

Political Landscape

Presidential Election Results

McCandless has shown a trend towards Democratic candidates in recent presidential elections.

Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2024 Lost WON Lost
2020 46% 8,893 52% 9,980 1% 237
2016 51% 8,469 45% 7,575 4% 686
2012 59% 9,557 40% 6,514 1% 147

Local Governance

The township is governed by a Town Council, with current leadership including Council President Jason Singer and Town Manager John F. Schwend. Local election results indicate a dynamic political environment.

Note: This section may require updates to reflect the most recent election cycles and council compositions.

Notable Residents

Community Figures

McCandless has been home to various individuals who have made significant contributions in different fields. For a comprehensive list of notable people associated with McCandless, please refer to the community's dedicated category.

Category:People from McCandless, Pennsylvania (opens in new tab)

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References

References

  1.  The Pennsylvania Manual 117
  2.  PENNDOT Type 10 highway map of Allegheny County
A full list of references for this article are available at the McCandless, Pennsylvania Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official municipal documentation, historical archives, or seeking advice from qualified local historians or government officials. Always refer to official sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.