Upper Moreland Township, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Upper Moreland Township is a township in Montgomery County
, Pennsylvania
, United States
. The population was 24,015 at the 2010 census. Upper Moreland Township is primarily a residential community with distinctive neighborhoods that are complemented by several thriving business, industrial, and commercial districts.
, the township has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19.4 km²), all of it land. Upper Moreland is part of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area
and is approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) north of downtown Philadelphia. The township is bordered by the Montgomery County communities of Hatboro
, Upper Dublin, Abington
, Bryn Athyn
, and Lower Moreland while Bucks County
lies to the north.
of 2000, there were 24,993 people, 10,120 households, and 6,638 families residing in the township. The population density
was 3,139.6 people per square mile (1,212.3/km²). There were 10,403 housing units at an average density of 1,306.8/sq mi (504.6/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 90.72% White, 4.36% African American, 0.10% Native American, 3.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races
, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.73% of the population.
There were 10,120 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples
living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the township the population was spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $50,454, and the median income for a family was $61,143. Males had a median income of $41,697 versus $31,963 for females. The per capita income
for the township was $25,382. About 3.0% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
presented the tract of land around present day Upper Moreland Township to Nicholas More in 1682. At the time, the area was referred to as the "Manor of Mooreland". Moreland Township
was first used to describe the tract in the 18th century but the current boundaries were not fixed until 1916 when a line was drawn through the Pennypack Creek
and two municipalities were created: Upper and Lower Moreland Township
s. In 1930, Upper Moreland Township was formally organized as a First Class Township.
Upper Moreland's governmental structure and powers are derived from the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Upper Moreland’s seven member governing body, the Board of Commissioners, is composed of representatives elected from each of the Township's seven wards to serve a four year term. The daily operations of the municipality are administered by the Township Manager, Assistant Township Manager, Chief of Police, and Directors of Emergency Services, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Finance. These positions, as well as the Township Solicitor and Township Engineer, are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The only other elected official is the Township Treasurer.
Township Commissioners:
Ward 1 - Lisa Romaniello
Ward 2 - Kevin C. Spearing
Ward 3 - Donna D. Parsell
Ward 4 - Joseph A. Lavalle, Vice President
Ward 5 - Clifton (Kip) McFatridge
Ward 6 - R. Samuel Valenza, President
Ward 7 - James McKenna
Township Treasurer: Joseph J. Olszak
attracts firms to the township.
China Airlines
operates the Philadelphia Mini Office (Chinese: 費城營業所 Fèichéng Yíngyèsuǒ) in Building 39G at 2300 Computer Avenue in the Willow Grove CDP
and in Upper Moreland Township.
, with the Willow Grove Interchange located in Upper Moreland Township, and Pennsylvania Route 611
, which links the area with Doylestown
to the north and Philadelphia to the south. Other important roadways are York Road (PA 263), Moreland Road (PA 63
), County Line Road, Davisville Road, and Blair Mill Road. Commuter rail and bus services to the Township are provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010, the population was 799,874, making it the third most populous county in Pennsylvania . The county seat is Norristown.The county was created on September 10, 1784, out of land originally part...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 24,015 at the 2010 census. Upper Moreland Township is primarily a residential community with distinctive neighborhoods that are complemented by several thriving business, industrial, and commercial districts.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the township has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19.4 km²), all of it land. Upper Moreland is part of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area
Delaware Valley
The Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...
and is approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) north of downtown Philadelphia. The township is bordered by the Montgomery County communities of Hatboro
Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Hatboro is a borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,360 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Hatboro is located at ....
, Upper Dublin, Abington
Abington Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Abington Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 55,310 in as of the 2010 census.Abington Township is one of Montgomery County's oldest communities dating back to before 1700 and being incorporated in 1704. It is home to some of the county's...
, Bryn Athyn
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania
Bryn Athyn is a home rule municipality, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was formerly a borough, and its official name remains "Borough of Bryn Athyn". The population was 1,375 at the 2010 census...
, and Lower Moreland while Bucks County
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Industry and commerce :The boroughs of Bristol and Morrisville were prominent industrial centers along the Northeast Corridor during World War II. Suburban development accelerated in Lower Bucks in the 1950s with the opening of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the second such "Levittown" designed by...
lies to the north.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 24,993 people, 10,120 households, and 6,638 families residing in the township. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 3,139.6 people per square mile (1,212.3/km²). There were 10,403 housing units at an average density of 1,306.8/sq mi (504.6/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 90.72% White, 4.36% African American, 0.10% Native American, 3.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.73% of the population.
There were 10,120 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the township the population was spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $50,454, and the median income for a family was $61,143. Males had a median income of $41,697 versus $31,963 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the township was $25,382. About 3.0% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
History
William PennWilliam Penn
William Penn was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was an early champion of democracy and religious freedom, notable for his good relations and successful...
presented the tract of land around present day Upper Moreland Township to Nicholas More in 1682. At the time, the area was referred to as the "Manor of Mooreland". Moreland Township
Moreland Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Moreland Township, is a defunct township that was located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1682 and named by William Penn after Nicholas More, a London physician. In 1916 Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, in the middle of the township, separated for religious reasons...
was first used to describe the tract in the 18th century but the current boundaries were not fixed until 1916 when a line was drawn through the Pennypack Creek
Pennypack Creek
Pennypack Creek is a creek in southeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. It runs southeast through eastern Montgomery County, lower Bucks County, and the northeast section of Philadelphia, before emptying into the Delaware River.-Name:...
and two municipalities were created: Upper and Lower Moreland Township
Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania
Lower Moreland Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 12,982 at the 2010 census.-History:...
s. In 1930, Upper Moreland Township was formally organized as a First Class Township.
Government
| Year | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Democrat Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 41.3% 5,328 | 57.8% 7,448 |
| 2004 | 45.6% 5,810 | 53.9% 6,861 |
| 2000 | 46.0% 5,058 | 51.1% 5,627 |
| 1996 | 43.1% 4,317 | 45.1% 4,517 |
| 1992 | 41.7% 4,796 | 38.7% 4,451 |
Upper Moreland's governmental structure and powers are derived from the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Upper Moreland’s seven member governing body, the Board of Commissioners, is composed of representatives elected from each of the Township's seven wards to serve a four year term. The daily operations of the municipality are administered by the Township Manager, Assistant Township Manager, Chief of Police, and Directors of Emergency Services, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Finance. These positions, as well as the Township Solicitor and Township Engineer, are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The only other elected official is the Township Treasurer.
Township Commissioners:
Ward 1 - Lisa Romaniello
Ward 2 - Kevin C. Spearing
Ward 3 - Donna D. Parsell
Ward 4 - Joseph A. Lavalle, Vice President
Ward 5 - Clifton (Kip) McFatridge
Ward 6 - R. Samuel Valenza, President
Ward 7 - James McKenna
Township Treasurer: Joseph J. Olszak
Economy
The township states that the proximity of the Pennsylvania TurnpikePennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system operated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. The three sections of the turnpike system total . The main section extends from Ohio to New Jersey and is long...
attracts firms to the township.
China Airlines
China Airlines
China Airlines is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of Republic of China . Although not directly state-owned, the airline is owned by China Airlines Group, which is owned by the China Aviation Development Foundation...
operates the Philadelphia Mini Office (Chinese: 費城營業所 Fèichéng Yíngyèsuǒ) in Building 39G at 2300 Computer Avenue in the Willow Grove CDP
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Willow Grove is a census-designated place in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. A community in Philadelphia's northern suburbs, the population was 15,726 at the 2010 census. It is located in Abington Township and Upper Moreland Township...
and in Upper Moreland Township.
Transportation
Major highways serving the Township include the Pennsylvania TurnpikePennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system operated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. The three sections of the turnpike system total . The main section extends from Ohio to New Jersey and is long...
, with the Willow Grove Interchange located in Upper Moreland Township, and Pennsylvania Route 611
Pennsylvania Route 611
Pennsylvania Route 611 is a major state highway in Pennsylvania, United States, running from Interstate 95 south of downtown Philadelphia north to Interstate 380 in Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania in The Poconos....
, which links the area with Doylestown
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Doylestown is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia. As of the 2010 census, the borough population was 8,380. The borough is the county seat of Bucks County.- History :...
to the north and Philadelphia to the south. Other important roadways are York Road (PA 263), Moreland Road (PA 63
Pennsylvania Route 63
Pennsylvania Route 63 is a long state highway located in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. The western terminus of the route is at PA 29 in Green Lane, Montgomery County. The eastern terminus is at Interstate 95 in Bensalem Township, Bucks County...
), County Line Road, Davisville Road, and Blair Mill Road. Commuter rail and bus services to the Township are provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).