Country United States County Lancaster Time zone EST (UTC-5) Zip code 17522 Population 13,516 (2013) | State Pennsylvania Incorporated 22 August 1891 Elevation 109 m Local time Saturday 7:06 AM | |
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Area code(s) 717 Exchanges: 721, 733, 738 Weather -8°C, Wind W at 16 km/h, 55% Humidity | ||
Ephrata (English: /ˈɛfrətə/ EF-rə-tə, Pennsylvania German: Effridaa) is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, 38 miles (61 km) south east of Harrisburg and about 57 miles (92 km) west by north of Philadelphia. It is named after Ephrath, a biblical town in what is now Israel. Ephrata's sister city is Eberbach, Germany, the city where its founders originated. In its early history, Ephrata was a pleasure resort and an agricultural community.
Contents
- Map of Ephrata PA 17522 USA
- History
- Geography
- Demographics
- Community Pool
- Schools
- Elementary
- Middle
- High
- Economy
- Religion
- Public services
- Law and government
- Elected officials representing Ephrata
- Notable people
- Museums and historic sites
- Area attractions
- Sister city
- Tornado
- References
Map of Ephrata, PA 17522, USA
Ephrata's population has steadily grown over the last century. In 1900, 2,452 people lived there, in 1910, 3,192, and by 1940, the population had increased to 6,199. The population was 13,394 at the 2010 census. Ephrata is the most populous borough in Lancaster County.
History
Ephrata is noteworthy for having been the former seat of the Mystic Order of the Solitary, a semimonastic order of Seventh-Day Dunkers. The community, which contained both men and women, was founded by Johann Conrad Beissel in 1732.
Many of the members were well-educated; Peter Miller, second prior of the monastery, translated the Declaration of Independence into seven languages, at the request of Congress. At the period of its greatest prosperity the community contained nearly 300 persons.
The Ephrata Commercial Historic District, Ephrata Cloister, Eby Shoe Corporation buildings, Connell Mansion, Mentzer Building, and Mountain Springs Hotel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
Ephrata is located at 40°10′51″N 76°10′57″W (40.17870, -76.17744).
Like the rest of the county, it is mostly flat land suitable for farming.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.3 km2), of which, 3.6 square miles (9.3 km2) of it is land and 0.28% is water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,213 people, 5,477 households, and 3,565 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,672.7 people per square mile (1,417.1/km²). There were 5,672 housing units at an average density of 1,576.6 per square mile (608.3/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 96.10% White, 0.64% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. 2.75% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,477 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $41,550, and the median income for a family was $48,213. Males had a median income of $35,095 versus $22,782 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $19,659. About 3.7% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.
Community Pool
The Borough of Ephrata own and operate the Ephrata Community Pool which is located at 418 Vine Street. Currently, the pool is the oldest continuously operated swimming pool in Lancaster County, finishing its 84th year of operation in September 2015. A newly remodeled pool opened on May 26, 2012. This pool contains zero-depth entries, flume slides, and climbing walls among other things.
Schools
Schools in Ephrata are part of Ephrata Area School District also known as E.A.S.D P.A
Elementary
Middle
High
Economy
In August 2011 a luxury rehab opened adding over 175 new jobs
Ephrata has a mix of large and small businesses of many types.
Religion
Ephrata has a diverse mix of churches and faith groups, primarily Christian.
Public services
The Ephrata Public Library, located on South Reading Road, is a member of the Library System of Lancaster County.
Law and government
Ephrata is a borough. The current mayor of Ephrata is Mayor Ralph Mowen. His term expires in December 2017.
The name 'Ephrata' is also used to refer to the surrounding Ephrata Township, Pennsylvania.
Elected officials representing Ephrata
Notable people
Museums and historic sites
Area attractions
Sister city
Ephrata has one sister city, as designated by Sister Cities International:
Tornado
On Sunday, 29 March 2009, a strong storm briefly swept through Ephrata. On 31 March, the National Weather Service confirmed that it was an EF1 tornado. Strong hail came with it. Although there were no fatalities, 30 homes were damaged and 8 mobile homes were destroyed. Many vehicles could be seen on their side afterwards, and holes were put in houses from the hail.