Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown: The third most populous city in Pennsylvania.
About
Allentown is a city located in the county of Lehigh in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Its population at the 2010 census was 118,032 and a population density of 2,528 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 121,470 inhabitants.
The city was created 264 years ago in 1761.
Allentown is the third most populous city in Pennsylvania located in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. With over 120,000 residents, it is the center of the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area.
History
Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen who served as mayor of Philadelphia. It grew quickly as a center for government services, transportation, and commerce.
The discovery of large iron ore deposits led to thriving iron works and manufacturing. Allentown embraced innovation as home to Mack Trucks and Western Electric. Historically, it had one of the largest industrial outputs in the US.
Although manufacturing has declined, the city has reinvested itself around service, healthcare, education and tourism.
Economy
Major employers today are Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network, Air Products, PPL, and Amazon. Finance, life sciences, high-tech and distribution are also economic pillars.
The region benefits from its central northeast location and low operating costs for business. Allentown has revitalized its urban core and riverfront.
Attractions
Popular sites include the Allentown Art Museum, historic Liberty Bell Museum, family-friendly Da Vinci Science Center, and popular festivals at SteelStacks.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom offers amusement rides and water fun. The PPL Center hosts Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey games.
With reinvented economy and downtown, restored historic sites, relative affordability, and easy access to New York City – Allentown has rebounded as an excellent place to live, work and visit.
Quick Facts about Allentown
| Population | 121,470 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Pennsylvania (United States) |
| County | Lehigh County |
| Postal code | 18102, 18104, 18101, 18175, 18105, 18109, 18106, 18195, 18103 |
| Area | 46.69 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 40.6084,-75.4902 |
| Named for | William Allen |
| Altitude | 338 feet / 103 meters |
| Capital city | Allentown is capital of Lehigh County |
| Establishment | January 01, 1762 (264 years ago) |
| Time Zone | UTC−05:00 |
| Local time | 16:27:58 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 2,602 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 2.83% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 66℉ Chance Rain Showers 7-days weather |
Geography
Allentown is located at 40°36'30"N 75°29'25"W (40.6084300, -75.4901800).
Allentown map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
A chance of rain showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an i...
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Allentown
Official WebsiteDemographics
The population of Allentown increased by 2.83% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 118,032 | - | census |
| 2011 | 118,782 | 0.63% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 118,878 | 0.08% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 118,826 | -0.04% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 119,167 | 0.29% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 120,071 | 0.75% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 120,420 | 0.29% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 121,047 | 0.52% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 121,537 | 0.4% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 121,442 | -0.08% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 121,470 | 0.02% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Allentown
1Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, United States View details
Phone: +16103953724 | Website available
2Cedar Beach Park
2600 Parkway Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104, United States View details
Phone: +16104377757 | Website available
3Lehigh Parkway
Lehigh Parkway E, Allentown, PA 18103, United States View details
Phone: +16104377757 | Website available
4Allentown Rose Gardens
Allentown, PA 18104, United States View details
Phone: +16104377750 | Website available
5Trexler Memorial Park
155 Springhouse Rd, Allentown, PA 18104, United States View details
Phone: +16104377757 | Website available
Where to Eat in Allentown
1Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
1875 Airport Rd, Allentown, PA 18109, United States View details
Phone: +16102661776 | Website available
Where to Stay in Allentown
1Red Roof Inn Allentown Airport
1846 Catasauqua Rd, Allentown, PA 18109, United States View details
Phone: +16102645404 | Website available
2Red Roof Inn Allentown South
2650 Moravian Ave, Allentown, PA 18103, United States View details
Phone: +16107971234 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Allentown
1U.S. Department of Agriculture
2211 Mack Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103, United States View details
Phone: +16107919810 | Website available
People born in Allentown (199)
People born in Allentown, including actress Michaela Conlin, pop singer Rod Michael, racecar driver Eddie Sachs, .
More notable people
- Fred Ewing Lewis (American politician (1865-1949)) he was born in 08/02/1865
- Amanda Seyfried (American actress and model) she was born in 03/12/1985
- Keith Jarrett (Jazz and classic pianist) he was born in 08/05/1945
- Christine Taylor (American actress) she was born in 30/07/1971
- Devon (American movie actress) she was born in 28/03/1977
- Andre Reed (former professional American football player) he was born in 29/01/1964
- Aimee Mullins (American athlete, actress, and fashion model) she was born in 20/07/1975
- Lee Iacocca (American businessman) he was born in 15/10/1924
- James B. Cunningham (American diplomat) he was born in 01/01/1952
- Marion Jessup (American tennis player) she was born in 06/05/1896
- John Kline (American politician) he was born in 06/09/1947
- Rick Braun (American smooth jazz trumpeter, vocalist and record producer) he was born in 06/07/1955
- Jessica Grieco (American bicycle racer) she was born in 10/08/1973
- Charlie Dent (American politician) he was born in 24/05/1960
- Dana Snyder (American stand-up comedian) he was born in 14/11/1973
- Larry Miller (American basketball player) he was born in 04/04/1946
- Billy Kidman (American professional wrestler) he was born in 11/05/1974
- Jerry Sags (American professional wrestler) he was born in 05/07/1964
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Allentown, PA. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 212328 | Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley | Whitehall (PA) | 18052 |
| 214175 | Muhlenberg College | Allentown (PA) | 18104 |
| 211468 | Cedar Crest College | Allentown (PA) | 18104-6196 |
| 216746 | Welder Training and Testing Institute | Allentown (PA) | 18109-3253 |
| 456579 | Platt College-McCann-Allentown | Allentown (PA) | 18109 |
Nearby Transit Stations (28)
Rail and bus stations connected to Allentown, PA. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHV | White Haven, PA | I-476, Exit 95/I-80, Exit 277, at Hwy 940 | BUS |
| PAO | Paoli | 13 Lancaster Ave. | RAIL |
| EXT | Exton | 425 Walkertown Road | RAIL |
| ARD | Ardmore | Station Road and Lancaster Ave. | RAIL |
| DOW | Downingtown | West Lancaster Ave. and Stuart Ave. | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Allentown.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown Post Office | Allentown (PA) | 18101 |
| Whitehall Post Office | Whitehall (PA) | 18052 |
| Catasauqua Post Office | Catasauqua (PA) | 18032 |
| Allentown Airpor Post Office | Allentown (PA) | 18109 |
| Bethlehem Airpor Post Office | Allentown (PA) | 18109 |
Other places with the same name (2)
- Allentown, New Jersey borough of New Jersey with a population of 1,761 people.
- Allentown, Georgia human settlement in Bleckley, Laurens, Twiggs, and Wilkinson counties, Georgia, United States of America with a population of 152 people.
Other cities in Lehigh County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Lehigh County , PA. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Whitehall Township | 24,896 | Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania |
| Emmaus | 11,493 | Borough in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania |
| Ancient Oaks | 6,661 | Census designated place |
| Catasauqua | 6,606 | Borough of Pennsylvania |
| Weisenberg | 5,294 | Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania |
| Fountain Hill | 4,713 | City in Ashley County, Arkansas, United States of America |
| Slatington | 4,311 | Borough of Pennsylvania |
| Hokendauqua | 3,378 | Census designated place in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania |
| Coplay | 3,217 | Borough of Pennsylvania |
| Macungie | 3,183 | Borough of Pennsylvania |
| Schnecksville | 2,935 | Census designated place |
| Alburtis | 2,643 | Borough of Pennsylvania |
| Coopersburg | 2,460 | Borough of Pennsylvania |
| Haines | 1,561 | Township in Centre County, Pennsylvania |
| Spring Creek | 781 | Township of Pennsylvania |
| Chapman | 211 | Borough in Pennsylvania, United States of America |
Distance to Other Cities
Allentown distances to largest Pennsylvania cities