Cities & Towns in Allegheny County, PA

Home to the historic city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania contains a diverse mix of urban neighborhoods as well as suburban and rural towns. Though Pittsburgh provides an economic anchor, each community within the county has cultivated its own identity. Some of the most notable cities and boroughs include Pittsburgh, McKeesport, Bethel Park, Ross Township, and Monroeville.

Pittsburgh serves as Allegheny County’s seat with its iconic skyline, historic sites, and lively cultural scene. McKeesport provides small town living along the Monongahela River. Bethel Park offers a family-friendly community. Ross Township contains portions of North Park. And Monroeville is known for shopping at the Monroeville Mall.

The county seat and largest city is Pittsburgh, which is also the 66th-largest city in the United States and the cultural and economic center of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The county was established in 1788 and named after the Allegheny River, which flows through it. Allegheny County has 130 incorporated municipalities, including four cities, 91 boroughs, and 35 townships. Here are some brief introductions to each of the four cities:

• Pittsburgh: The largest and most populous city in the county and the metropolitan area, with a population of 302,205. It is located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, known as the “Golden Triangle”. 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.

• McKeesport: The second-largest city in the county and the 18th-largest in the state, with a population of 18,927. It is located south of Pittsburgh, on the banks of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. It is a historic and industrial city, dating back to the late 18th century. It has a rich heritage and culture, featuring the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center, the McKeesport Little Theater, and the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra.

• Duquesne: The third-largest city in the county and the 44th-largest in the state, with a population of 5,565. It is located east of Pittsburgh, on the Monongahela River. It is also a historic and industrial city, once home to one of the largest steel mills in the world. It has a diverse and resilient community, featuring the Duquesne City Hall, the Duquesne-West Mifflin Boys & Girls Club, and the Duquesne Light Company.

• Clairton: The fourth-largest city in the county and the 63rd-largest in the state, with a population of 6,432. It is located south of Pittsburgh, on the Monongahela River. It is also a historic and industrial city, known for its coke production and steelmaking. It has a proud and vibrant community, featuring the Clairton Public Library, the Clairton Education Center, and the Clairton Bears football team.

Additionally, Allegheny County includes college towns like Plum Borough, industrial river towns like Oakmont along the Allegheny River, and tiny agricultural enclaves like Fawn Township. From steel heritage to high technology, the municipalities of Allegheny County reflect the evolution and spirit of western Pennsylvania.