Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County is in western Pennsylvania, part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The county seat is Greensburg, and the largest community is Hempfield Township. Founded on February 26, 1773, it was named after Westmorland in England. The county covers about 1,036 square miles, with most of it being land.
As of the 2020 census, about 354,663 people lived in Westmoreland County, with a 2024 estimate around 351,000. The area has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The population is mostly White, with small Black and Asian communities, and a mix of urban and rural residents.
Economy and history: Coal mining and iron, steel, and glass manufacturing were once major industries. Today, health care, manufacturing, and retail are the leading job sectors. Mining now accounts for a very small share of jobs, and there are more than 100 abandoned mines in the county. The Volkswagen Westmoreland plant near New Stanton operated from 1978 to 1988.
Demographics and living: The median age is in the mid-to-late 40s. About 18% of residents are under 18, and roughly 24% are 65 or older. Homeownership is common, with most people living in urban areas rather than rural ones.
Government: Westmoreland County is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners elected in odd-numbered years before presidential elections; elections are structured so a minority party is represented on the board. As of 2023, Republicans held all county row offices and the Board of Commissioners. The county is in Pennsylvania’s 12th and 14th Congressional Districts. The county has four Pennsylvania state parks and several school districts.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 01:54 (CET).