Cities & Towns in Philadelphia County, PA

As one of the most densely populated urban counties in the United States, Philadelphia County is dominated by its namesake city of Philadelphia. As the county seat, Philadelphia serves as the economic and cultural center for the surrounding metropolitan area. However, Philadelphia County does contain other smaller municipalities, neighborhoods, and communities that each contribute their own identity.

Some of the most notable areas within Philadelphia County beyond downtown Philadelphia include Manayunk, East Falls, Chestnut Hill, West Philadelphia, and South Philadelphia. Manayunk is known for its bustling Main Street and canal towpath. East Falls contains historic colonial estates and a campus of Jefferson University. Chestnut Hill boasts stately mansions and a quaint commercial district. West Philadelphia includes University City and Clark Park. And South Philly provides an immersive Italian Market and cheesesteak shops.

Philadelphia County is a county in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. It is the most populous county in Pennsylvania and the 24th-most populous county in the nation, with 1,603,797 residents as of 2020. Its county seat and largest city is Philadelphia, the nation’s sixth-largest city and the birthplace of American democracy. Philadelphia County is one of the three original counties, along with Chester and Bucks counties, founded by William Penn in November 1682. Philadelphia County has 31 incorporated cities and towns, each with its own charm and history. Here are some of the highlights of each city and town:

• Philadelphia: The largest and most populous city in the county and the state, with a population of 1,708,127. It is located on the banks of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, near the border with New Jersey. It is a center of culture, commerce, education, and sports, hosting many museums, theaters, festivals, and professional teams. It also has a vibrant downtown area with skyscrapers, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Bensalem Township: The second-largest township in the county and the 12th-largest in the state, with a population of 60,491. It is located northeast of Philadelphia, on the border with Bucks County. It is a suburban and diverse community, offering many amenities and attractions such as the Parx Casino and Racing, the Neshaminy Mall, and the Bensalem Historical Society.
• Lower Merion Township: The third-largest township in the county and the 13th-largest in the state, with a population of 58,288. It is located west of Philadelphia, on the border with Montgomery County. It is an affluent and historic community, featuring many mansions and landmarks such as the Ardmore Music Hall, the Merion Golf Club, and the Lower Merion Synagogue.

Additionally, Philadelphia County includes portions of the Wissahickon Valley Park System and FDR Park as well as the communities of Lower Merion, Upper Darby, and Cheltenham along the county line. Though small in area, Philadelphia County comprises a city of vibrant, diverse neighborhoods beyond just the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.