Pennsylvania is a weird place. I mean that in the best way possible, but if you’re trying to look at a list city in Pennsylvania, you’re going to run into some confusing legal jargon almost immediately. Most people think a "city" is just any big town where you can find a decent Starbucks and a lot of traffic. In the Keystone State, though, the word "city" is a very specific legal label.
There are only 56 official cities here.
That’s it. In a state with over 12 million people and thousands of municipalities, only 56 actually hold the title of "City." Everything else? They’re boroughs, townships, or in the case of Bloomsburg, the state's only official "town." It sounds like nitpicking, but it changes everything from how the police are run to who fixes the potholes on your street.
The Big Two and the "Class" System
You can’t talk about a Pennsylvania city list without starting at the top. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the heavyweights, but they aren’t even in the same category.
Pennsylvania divides its cities into classes based on population. Philadelphia is the only "First Class" city. Basically, it’s in a league of its own. Then you have Pittsburgh, which is the sole "Second Class" city. Scranton used to be in a weird middle ground but is now often grouped as "Second Class A."
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The Heavy Hitters
- Philadelphia: The birthplace of the country. It’s got 1.6 million people, the best cheesesteaks (don't @ me), and more history than you can shake a stick at.
- Pittsburgh: The Steel City. It’s got 446 bridges—more than Venice, Italy. It’s also where the first commercial radio station, KDKA, started broadcasting in 1920.
- Allentown: The third largest. It’s the heart of the Lehigh Valley and famous for hiding the Liberty Bell from the British back in the day.
Most of the other names you recognize—places like Erie, Reading, and Lancaster—are "Third Class" cities. Honestly, most people living there don't wake up thinking about their municipal classification, but it dictates their entire local government structure.
Why the List City in Pennsylvania is Shrinking (and Growing)
If you look at a list city in Pennsylvania from fifty years ago versus today, the numbers tell a story of massive shifts. Cities like Johnstown or Erie have struggled with the decline of manufacturing. Erie, once a massive maritime hub on the Great Lakes, has seen its population dip below 95,000.
But then you have the outliers.
Look at Lancaster. It’s vibrant. It’s grown into this weirdly cool blend of Amish countryside and a tech-savvy, artsy downtown. People are moving there because it’s cheaper than Philly but still feels like a "real" city.
The Cities You Might Not Realize are Cities
Some places on the official list are tiny. Take Parker, for example. It’s technically a city, but its population is under 700 people. It’s known as the "Smallest City in the USA." It’s basically a small village with a city charter. Then you have places like State College—home to Penn State—which feels huge and dense but is actually a borough, not a city.
Confused yet? You’re not alone.
Breaking Down the Modern Map
When you're looking at a list city in Pennsylvania for travel or moving, you have to look at the "metro" areas rather than just the city limits. Because PA is so old, the "city" part is often just a small, dense core surrounded by dozens of tiny boroughs that look and feel like the city but are technically separate.
Notable Cities by Region
- Eastern PA: Beyond Philly, you’ve got the Lehigh Valley trio—Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Bethlehem is legendary for its "Steel Stacks," an old steel mill turned into a massive concert and arts venue. It’s arguably one of the coolest industrial repurposing projects in the world.
- Central PA: Harrisburg is the capital, obviously. It sits right on the Susquehanna River. Nearby, York and Lancaster are massive historical hubs. York was actually the capital of the United States for a hot minute during the Revolutionary War.
- Western PA: It’s more than just Pittsburgh. You’ve got New Castle, Aliquippa, and Meadville. These are the "working" cities that built the country's infrastructure.
- Northern Tier: Erie is the king here. It’s PA’s only link to the Great Lakes and has some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see at Presque Isle State Park.
The "Borough" Trap
Here is where most people get tripped up. If you search for a list city in Pennsylvania, you won't find State College. You won't find Norristown or Bethel Park.
Why? Because they chose to stay boroughs.
Boroughs usually have a Mayor and a Borough Council. Townships are run by Supervisors. Cities have much more complex structures, often with a "Strong Mayor" system. For a lot of mid-sized towns, the "City" label just brings more red tape and higher taxes, so they stay as boroughs even if they have 40,000 people.
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Honestly, the legal distinction is mostly for the nerds in the state house in Harrisburg. For you and me, if it has a skyline and a bus system, it’s a city.
What You Should Actually Do Next
If you’re trying to use a list city in Pennsylvania to plan a move or a trip, stop looking at the population numbers and start looking at the "Home Rule" status.
Cities that have adopted "Home Rule" charters have way more power to set their own laws and taxes. This matters if you’re a business owner or a renter.
- Check the County first: Pennsylvania has 67 counties. Often, the county government provides more services than the city or borough itself.
- Look at the School District: In PA, school districts are their own separate taxing entities. You could live in a "city" but be in a school district that covers four other townships.
- Visit the "Main Street" programs: If you want that city feel without the city headaches, look for boroughs that are part of the Pennsylvania Main Street program. They usually have the best walkable downtowns.
Whether you're headed to the "Electric City" of Scranton or the "Christmas City" of Bethlehem, just remember: the label "City" is just the start of the story in the Keystone State.
To get the most out of your research, cross-reference the official 56-city list with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) records. This will give you the most current tax and governance data for 2026, which is far more useful than a simple headcount of residents.