Happy TravellerWelcome to Plum, Pennsylvania, a charming borough located in Allegheny County. With a population of 27,144 as of the 2020 census, Plum is a suburb of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and is often referred to as Plum Boro by locals. Founded in 1788 as Plum Township, the borough was reorganized in 1956 and took its name from nearby Plum Creek.
History:
Plum Township was one of the original seven townships of Allegheny County and originally extended as far south as Versailles, east to the county line, west to Pitt Township, and north to the Allegheny River. While Plum has shrunk greatly over the years in area, it still remains among the larger municipalities in Allegheny County. The township was described in the 1889 history of Allegheny County as having no villages of importance, but listed the first post office, Antrim, 1840–1857; New Texas, a hamlet, in the geographic center of the township with the usual mechanics, local stores, etc., post office from 1856; and Logans Ferry, on the Allegheny River and Allegheny Valley railroad, in the northeastern part of the township, deriving its name from early settler Alexander Logan and family, post office from 1844.
Geography:
The borough has a total area of 29.0 square miles (75 km2), of which 28.6 square miles (74 km2) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2), or 1.34%, is water. Plum Borough is the second largest borough (area-wise) in the state of Pennsylvania. Plum is surrounded by Monroeville to the south, Penn Hills and Oakmont to the west, Harmar Township, Cheswick, and Springdale to the north across the Allegheny River, and Lower Burrell, New Kensington, Upper Burrell Township, and Murrysville to the east and northeast in Westmoreland County.
Demographics:
At the 2010 census, there were 27,126 people, 10,528 households, and 7,431 families living in the borough. The population density was 935.4 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the borough was 93.9% White, 3.6% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9%. The median household income was $66,680 and the median family income was $74,941. About 3.8% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
Education:
The Plum Borough School District serves the borough grades K–12. The elementary schools (grades K–4) are Center and Pivik. The middle elementary school is Holiday Park Elementary (grades 5–6). The junior high school is A.E. Oblock Junior High School (grades 7–8) and Plum Senior High School serves grades 9–12. Plum School District is governed by the Plum School Board. Plum Borough is also serviced by the Plum Borough Community Library.
Landmarks:
Oakmont Country Club is partially located within Plum’s borders and is consistently ranked as one of the five best golf courses in America. It hosted its ninth U.S. Open in 2016, the most of any course. The portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from mile markers 49 through 55 crosses through Plum.
Notable people:
Plum has been home to several notable people, including William D. Boyce, founder of the Boy Scouts of America, Pat McAfee, media personality and former punter for the Indianapolis Colts and West Virginia Mountaineers football team, Elias (real name Jeffrey Sciullo), professional WWE wrestler, Alex Kirilloff, professional baseball player for the Minnesota Twins, R. J. Umberger, former National Hockey League player, and Matt Morgan, former tackle for the St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills and former tackle for the University of Pittsburgh football team.
Whether you’re a history buff, a golf enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming suburban getaway, Plum, Pennsylvania has something for everyone. Come explore this hidden gem and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
