Paoli is a census-designated place (CDP) situated in the townships of Tredyffrin and Willistown, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is historically known for being the site of the famous Battle of Paoli which occurred on September 20th, 1777 during the American Revolution.
From its origins as an agricultural settlement to its recognition as an important part of American history, Paoli has been a significant location in this part of Pennsylvania. It became an integral part of colonial life and culture.
Along with its significance in terms of military history, it has also been home to many other milestones including notable people such as Thomas Hartley who was instrumental in drafting and passing early Pennsylvania post-Revolutionary War state laws.
Population
Based on the most recent report of the United States Census Bureau in April 2020, Paoli has a total population of 6, 002 – a 7.6% increase from 5, 575 total from the 2010 census report.
Demographics Data
Citizenship
Paoli, PA has a lower-than-average percentage of US citizens, with 90.3% in 2019 decreasing to 91.2% in 2020, compared to the nationwide average of 93.4%. The number of foreign-born citizens residing in Paoli is higher than the national average at 14.6%, up from 13.5%.
Race
| Race | Number of people |
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 4, 420 |
| Asian (Non-Hispanic) | 717 |
| Two+ (Non-Hispanic) | 201 |
Language
All households in Paoli, PA reported that their primary shared language spoken at home is English. It should be noted that this information only reflects the self-reported primary language spoken by all members of the household and does not account for potential multilingualism within households.
The Origin of Paoli
Paoli originated from an inn kept in 1769 by Joshua Evans. His father had purchased 500 acres from William Penn in 1719 close to the current site of the Post Office. Evans named this inn after General Pasquale Paoli, a Corsican, who had extended the 45th and final toast at a Saint Patrick’s Day gathering.
The inn’s vicinity on the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, just 20 miles away from Philadelphia, gave it an edge over others. Another factor that contributed to its success was the development of Main Line Public Works across Pennsylvania, which included the passing of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad through Paoli.
This further developed into the Pennsylvania Railroad and with its help, many suburban commuter lines were set up in the late 19th century out of Philadelphia leading to faster growth in suburbans around Philly; one of them being the “Main Line” which terminated precisely at Paoli.
All these factors significantly enhanced the village’s stature and helped it become what we see today – an aesthetically gorgeous town full of amazing locales one can explore all round year.
Quality of Life
With its safe environment and pleasant atmosphere that fosters wellness, and convenient amenities nearby, Paoli is an ideal spot to call home. The neighborhoods of this area have extremely low crime rates – 78% lower than the national average.
Violent crime is even lower at 74% less than the rest of the country. Keeping residents safe is paramount in Paoli, with a police force consisting of 41 active officers from the Tredyffryn Township Police Department.
Living in close proximity to downtown Philadelphia has its perks for those who want to get out and explore the city but still come home to small-town living. Convenience is key here – one can easily access local attractions without having to travel far away!
Economy
| Economic Statistic | Number of People |
| Total Employment | 2,600 |
| Industries | |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | 527 |
| Educational Services | 343 |
| Finance & Insurance | 339 |
| Highest Paying Industries (Average Annual Salary) | |
| Information | $116,563 |
| Professional, Scientific, & Technical Service | $98,617 |
| Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services | $98,191 |
| Employment Change (2019-2020) | -2.4% |
| Most Common Job Groups | |
| Management Occupations | 458 |
| Sales & Related Occupations | 279 |
| Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations | 260 |
Economic statistics such as total employment, the largest industries by the number of employees, the highest paying industries, the change in employment between 2019 and 2020, and the most common job groups by the number of people in Paoli, PA.
Health
| Health Statistic | % |
| Persons with a disability, under the age of 65 years | 7.1% |
| Persons without health insurance, under the age of 65 years | 3.0% |
Source: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/paolicdppennsylvania
Note: The first statistic shows the percentage of persons under age 65 with a disability, while the second statistic shows the percentage of persons under age 65 without health insurance.
Education
The Paoli area is served by two distinct school districts: the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District and Great Valley School District. The boundaries between each district are largely based on their respective townships. The portion of Paoli that lies within Tredyffrin Township is serviced by the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, while the portion of Paoli located in Willistown Township is serviced by the Great Valley School District.
Residents of the Paoli area are also fortunate to have several schools accessible, including Delaware Valley Friends School, St. Norbert School, and many public schools.
| Education Statistic | % |
| High school graduate or higher, age 25 years and over | 95.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher, age 25 years and over | 63.3% |
Transport
Paoli is served by multiple transportation modes. The U.S. Route 202 freeway, U.S. Route 30, and Pennsylvania Route 252 connect the area to King of Prussia and Philadelphia. SEPTA Suburban Bus routes serve local buses along Route 30 on the Main Line, with Paoli Pike being used for buses heading to West Chester. The routes 92 and 106 buses link Paoli to West Chester, as well as other Main Line communities and the 69th Street Transportation Center.
The 204 and 206 buses provide connections from the Paoli station to Eagleview or Great Valley Corporate Center respectively. Results from 2016 indicated that 76% of commuters prefer driving alone to work over using public transportation (only 10.97%).
Places to Visit
Paoli is a town with a remarkable history full of interesting people, places, and events. For those looking for unique experiences to explore their area, here are some of the can’t-miss locations in Paoli for every traveler.
- Wharton Esherick Museum is an extraordinary opportunity to get a glimpse into the artist’s life and work. The museum captures his furniture designs and artwork, perfect for a guided tour with knowledgeable guides.
- A visit to Paoli would not be complete without stopping by the local library housed within Tredyffrin Township Libraries which is part of the Chester County Library System offering visitors learning materials about their surroundings and local history.
- Daylesford Abbey brings visitors a tranquil setting ideal for contemplation and peace of mind. Inviting attendees to Mass, this site provides respite from our day-to-day lives.
- The Flying Pig Saloon plays host to local nightlife with its drinks, food, and live music; it’s guaranteed to be an exciting evening out!
- Splitting Edge Axe Throwing adds a touch of wild fun where competitors can test their skills on targets by throwing axes.
- Pinball Gallery features classic pinball machines and arcade games providing joyous entertainment with vintage flair for parents and children.
- For freshly-brewed beers and tasty food, you can visit Will’s + Bill’s Brewery, La Cabra Brewing, and Great American pub to complete the whole Paoli experience!
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