Upper Providence Township is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. Spanning 5.8 square miles (15.0 km), the township sits between Ridley Creek on the West and Crum Creek on the East.
Much of Ridley Creek State Park lies within its northern border, giving Upper Providence Township a natural beauty that appeals to both residents and visitors alike.
Upper Providence Township consists largely of suburban homes, with each carefully maintained for comfortable living by those who call this place home.
With its mixed deciduous forests and proximity to nearby parks and trails, it provides a charming countryside lifestyle with urban convenience in a land known for its robust education system and incredible diversity in culture.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau report in 2021, Upper Providence Township has a total population of 24, 438.
Demographics Data
Racial Makeup
The 2010 census revealed that the racial makeup of the township was 89.8% White, 3.9% African American, 0.0% Native American, 4.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races, whereas 1.5% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Age Distribution
Approximately a quarter (24.7%) of the population was under the age of 18, while 5.9% fell within the 18 to 24 age group. The largest age group was those between the ages of 25 to 44, accounting for 28.9% of the population, followed closely by those aged 45 to 64 years (27.9%). The age group of 65 and above make up 12.6% of the population. The median age of the population was 40 years.
Income
The median income for households in the township was $107,166, while families made a median of $130,450. Men earned $99,848 on average compared to women with just $75,491; the per capita income was $55,532. Sadly, around 1.3% of families and 3.9% of the population lived under the poverty line; 2.7% of those were under 18 while 3.4% were over 65 years old.
History
Upper Providence Township was formed in 1683 when settlers first arrived and established a settlement. It was split into Upper and Nether Providence in 1687, with the borough of Media subsequently being incorporated in 1850 through pieces of both townships.
Ridley Creek, which flows through the township, played an important role in its early history. Mills and factories were constructed along the creek, relying on its water power for production purposes. This enabled Upper Providence to become an area of significant economic activity that helped further industrialize the surrounding region.
Quality of Life
Upper Providence Township is situated near Philadelphia and Ridley Creek State Park. It offers numerous job opportunities, vibrant social activities, and recreational spots. The Spring-Ford Area School District serves the township and has earned many accolades for its excellent education programs.
Upper Providence Township is an ideal location that combines the convenience of modern urban amenities with easy access to natural sites like Ridley Creek State Park. Its top-notch schools ensure that citizens can enjoy a high-quality life in this thriving community.
Economy
Below is the current economic data of Upper Providence Township based on their most recent census during the 2017-2021 period.
| Economic Statistic | Value |
| Total civilian labor force, percent of the population age 16 years+ | 71.9% |
| Female civilian labor force, percent of the population age 16 years+ | 67.3% |
| Total accommodation and food services sales, 2017 ($1,000) | 48,012 |
| Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000) | 84,484 |
| Total transportation and warehousing receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000) | 128,931 |
| Total retail sales, 2017 ($1,000) | 304,511 |
| Total retail sales per capita, 2017 | $12,699 |
Source: US Census Bureau
Healthcare
Below is the current healthcare data of Upper Providence Township based on their most recent census during the 2017-2021 period.
| Health Statistic | Percentage |
| Persons with a disability, under the age of 65 years | 4.9% |
| Persons without health insurance, under the age of 65 years | 2.6% |
Source: US Census Bureau
Education
Upper Providence Township is a part of the Rose Tree Media School District. Students in grades K-5 are assigned to either Rose Tree Elementary School or Media Elementary School, based on where they reside. Those in grades 6-8 attend Springton Lake Middle School, and Penncrest High School is for students in grades 9-12.
The township also offers several private educational options. The Walden School provides schooling for children aged 3 – 14, Benchmark specializes in students with learning challenges, and St Mary Magdalen offers a Catholic parochial education. Each of these institutes ensures that all Upper Providence Township students have the opportunity to get quality educational instruction regardless of their background or learning needs.
Transportation
Upper Providence Township in Pennsylvania has an extensive road system. Made up of both local and major roads, like US 1 and PA 252, which are maintained by PennDOT. Another feature is the Philadelphia and Reading railroad, as well as the Perkiomen Railroad. The Rails to Trails Initiative converted the latter into a trail for everyone to enjoy.
Local roads include Rose Tree Road, Baltimore Pike, Bishop Hollow Road, Ridley Creek Road, Kirk Lane, and more. These feature frequently in many travelers’ routes after leaving Upper Providence and often become the main thoroughfare when entering the township too. It is easy to reach other major highways like Philadelphia’s I-476 and Lancaster’s I-76 from certain points of access.
Places to Visit
Upper Providence Township is a delightful municipality with plenty of places to explore and enjoy for both locals and visitors alike. From parks and recreational facilities to historical sites and events such as The Wall That Heals, people have something to see or do in every corner of Upper Providence Township.
Parks and Recreation
Upper Providence Township consists of several parks and recreation areas with amenities such as baseball fields, basketball courts, pavilions, summer camp programs, and more. The Parks & Rec department also offers sports teams for kids along with fitness classes for adults throughout the year. It will be hosting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall tour in October 2023.
Historic and Nature Sites
The historic sites of Upper Providence Township are listed on the National Register of Historic Places – these include Black Rock Bridge Section and Schuylkill Navigation Canal, Oakes Reach Section. Other landmarks that reflect its history include Schuylkill Canal used for passenger transport decades ago as well as sections of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad that runs across the state, plus the Perkiomen Creek on the side – a 37.7-mile-long tributary of the Schuylkill River.
Additional Places to Visit
- Wame Shawarma Middle Eastern Food is an acclaimed restaurant serving a great variety of Middle Eastern food in the area.
- Dim Sum Court is another popular local joint serving delicious dim sum dishes accompanied by artisanal teas.
- Tuned Up Brewing Co offers its patrons unique craft beers which they can enjoy while catching up with friends after their visit to the township’s attractions.
- Providence Town Center is located in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and offers a lifestyle center experience.
All these places make Upper Providence Township an excellent destination for tourists or locals looking for something fun to do during their stay here!
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