Because of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s unique form of local government, there are 76 municipal jurisdictions in Luzerne County in which you can live and work. The county includes four cities: Hazleton, Nanticoke, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre, 36 boroughs and 36 townships.
Learn More About Living Here
Wilkes-Barre is located roughly at the center of Luzerne County on the east bank of the Susquehanna River. This valley community was originally settled by Connecticut Yankees as early as 1762 and currently has a population of about 40,000. It is home to Wilkes University and King’s College and the county government buildings. The county’s historic courthouse building is located in River Common on the Susquehanna River. Downtown Wilkes-Barre is the center of much of the business activity in the county.
The city of Hazleton is located in the mountains of southern Luzerne County. It has the highest elevation of any city in Pennsylvania and offers sweeping vistas. It has a population of about 25,000 and is compromised of residential neighborhoods with homes in almost every price category. Hazleton has a modest downtown with shops, banks, businesses and government offices. It is also a hub for business with two large industrial park complexes located near the city.
Nanticoke was named for the Nanticoke Indians from Maryland who settled in this part of the Wyoming Valley around 1750. Nanticoke is located eight miles downriver from Wilkes-Barre and has a population is about 11,000. Luzerne County Community College is located in the city.
Pittston was founded by the Connecticut Yankees in 1769. It is located along the banks of the Susquehanna River about eight miles north of Wilkes-Barre and has a population of about 8,000. Pittston is distinguished by a charming downtown business district, with older neighborhoods that are close to the community’s churches and schools.
