PENNSYLVANIA - For a state so rich in history and known as the "Keystone State," identifying its precise geographic center is a trivia question that holds both historical and symbolic interest. The geographic center is essentially the center of gravity of a state's shape, meaning a theoretical point on which a cutout of the state would balance perfectly.
The Center Point
The official geographic center of Pennsylvania is located in Centre County.
- Precise Location: The point is specifically located 2.5 miles southwest of the town of Bellefonte, near the small community of Nevin (formerly known as Yarnell).
- Coordinates: The approximate coordinates for this point are latitude and longitude.
- The Setting: Fittingly, this precise spot is marked by a monument (often a small marker or plaque) in a wooded area, acknowledging its unique designation.
Why Centre County?
The name of the county, Centre County, directly reflects its position within the state. The county was established in 1800, carved from parts of neighboring counties, specifically because of its central location. Its county seat, Bellefonte, also lies very close to this geographical heart.
The Difference: Geographic vs. Population Centers
It is essential to distinguish between the static geographic center and the shifting population center:
- Geographic Center: This point never changes because it is based solely on the state's physical boundaries. It reflects the overall shape and landmass of Pennsylvania.
- Population Center: This point is the center of the total population distribution, a point on which the state would balance if each resident weighed the same. The population center of Pennsylvania has been moving steadily southeast over the past few decades, reflecting population growth and concentration in the greater Philadelphia and Harrisburg metropolitan areas.
While the exact spot near Bellefonte might not be a major tourist destination, it remains a fascinating point of interest—the true physical center of the Keystone State.
