Lehigh County, often referred to as "the Valley", is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. As of 2000, the population is 312,090. Its county seat is Allentown⁶, the third most populous city in the state. It is named after the Lehigh River, which runs through the centers of Allentown and Bethlehem.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 902 km² (348 mi²). 898 km² (347 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.48% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 312,090 people, 121,906 households, and 82,164 families residing in the county. The population density is 348/km² (900/mi²). There are 128,910 housing units at an average density of 144/km² (372/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 87.02% White, 3.56% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 2.10% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 5.28% from other races, and 1.83% from two or more races. 10.22% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 121,906 households out of which 30.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.00% are married couples living together, 10.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.60% are non-families. 27.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.90% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 15.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.60 males.

Famous people from Lehigh County

• Chuck Bednarik, former professional football player, Philadelphia Eagles.
• Stephen Vincent Benét, author.
• H.D., writer.
• Jonathan Frakes, actor.
• Peter Gruner, professional wrestler.
• Lee Iacocca, former chairman of Chrysler Corporation.
• Keith Jarrett, musician.
• Michael Johns, health care executive and former White House speechwriter.
• John Kline, Member of Congress.
• Carson Kressley, fashion consultant on Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
• The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) - professional wrestler and actor.
• Amanda Seyfried, actress.
• Dana Snyder, voice actor.
• Christine Taylor, actress and wife of actor Ben Stiller.
• Jonathan Taylor Thomas, actor.

Cities and towns

• Alburtis
• Allentown
• Ancient Oaks
• Bethlehem
• Catasauqua
• Coopersburg
• Coplay
• Emmaus
• Fountain Hill
• Fullerton
• Hanover Township
• Heidelberg Township
• Hokendauqua
• Lower Macungie Township
• Lower Milford Township
• Lowhill Township
• Lynn Township
• Macungie
• North Whitehall Township
• Salisbury Township
• Schnecksville
• Slatington
• South Whitehall Township
• Upper Macungie Township
• Upper Milford Township
• Upper Saucon Township
• Washington Township
• Weisenberg Township
• Whitehall Township

External links

• Lehigh County Government.
• Lehigh Valley Mall.