Wilkinsburg, PA

Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania

Introduction to Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania

Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny county, is 6 miles E of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Part of the surrounding Pittsburgh metro area, the town is not isolated and is home to some 19,196 residents.

Wilkinsburg History

Dunning McNair, who arrived in 1788 and constructed a log cabin, planned a village which came to be known as "McNairstown". Samuel A. Rippey and his wife established the Rippey's Tavern in the early 1800s. Over the years, this tavern became so popular that people began to refer to the area itself as "Rippeysville". By the 1810s, the region's name had changed again. According to some historians, the place was christened "Wilkinsburgh" in honor of Judge William Wilkins, who served as President Tyler's Secretary of War. However, according to another tradition, the community was named after John Wilkins, Jr., Judge Wilkins' brother who served in the Revolutionary War and later became the Brigadier General of the Allegheny County militia. By the 1870s, the town had separated from the city of Pittsburgh and was incorporated on October 5, 1887. In 1893, the town was officially named "Wilkinsburg". Because many Protestant churches are located in the town, it is commonly referred to as "The Holy City".

Wilkinsburg and Nearby Attractions

• Old Economy Historical Site
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History
• Westmoreland Museum of American Art
• National Aviary
• Point State Park
• Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Things To Do In Wilkinsburg

Wilkinsburg is home to numerous parks and recreational areas including the Hunter Park, Taylor Park, Whitney Park, and Park Avenue Park. The area is also known for its high concentration of churches and other places of worship like the Wilkinsburg Baptist Church, Shaare Torah Congregation, and Prince Hall Masonic Temple. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, and Frick Art & Historical Center showcase artifacts reflecting the region's natural, historical, and cultural heritage. Old Economy Historical Site, Bushy Run Battlefield, Rachel Carson Homestead, and Clayton - Henry Clay Frick Estate are historic sites located within 20 miles of Wilkinsburg. National Aviary, another popular attraction in the area, is home to more than 500 endangered and exotic birds.

Wilkinsburg Transportation

Air transportation is available from Pittsburgh International Airport.

Wilkinsburg Higher Education

Nearby colleges include the Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, Community College of Allegheny County, and Chatham College.

High Points

Wilkinsburg strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Pennsylvania):

Category	Trophy
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 9%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of Wilkinsburg, PA

Comparing Wilkinsburg to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Pennsylvania (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Wilkinsburg Almanac

Wilkinsburg Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Wilkinsburg Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Wilkinsburg Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Wilkinsburg High Schools (2004)

WILKINSBURG SHS
412-371-9500
Serves 362 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.7

Wilkinsburg Colleges

(List of All Pennsylvania Colleges)

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