Population119,541 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Mountain Transportation And A Courthouse Town
Blair County, PennsylvaniaHollidaysburg anchors Blair County, while Altoona contributes a distinct railway history. The county’s mountain setting made transportation a powerful influence, connecting canal-era engineering, railway facilities and civic development in communities whose roles changed as new routes crossed the region. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 119,541 residents in Blair County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 525 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.
Blair County at a Glance
Population119,541 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatHollidaysburg
Largest Municipality (2025 estimate)Altoona city
Established1846 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP Code LookupUSPS address lookup
Total Area, Including Water526.548 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Roads & Traffic511PA travel updates
Telephone Area CodesPUC area-code map
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Blair County
Blair County
Blair County was formed in 1846 from Huntingdon and Bedford counties and named for John Blair. Hollidaysburg had already incorporated in 1836 and became the seat. Its role in the Portage Railroad connected canal transport across the mountains, while Altoona developed around the Pennsylvania Railroad's facilities. The two towns illustrate different stages of transport development rather than a single railway narrative. Their roles help explain how engineering across difficult terrain influenced both local work and public institutions.
Begin in Hollidaysburg for the courthouse setting, then follow a railway-history theme in Altoona. The county also identifies Fort Roberdeau as a landmark. Choose one period or institution for a focused visit rather than treating every transportation and historic site as interchangeable. A two-town comparison can show the transition between transport systems more clearly than one isolated landmark. Check the chosen institution's visitor information and allow travel time between the communities.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
The county's mountain setting made transportation a powerful influence, connecting canal-era engineering, railway facilities and civic development in communities whose roles changed as new routes crossed the region.
Community History
Blair County was formed in 1846 from Huntingdon and Bedford counties and named for John Blair. Hollidaysburg had already incorporated in 1836 and became the seat.
Explore Locally
Begin in Hollidaysburg for the courthouse setting, then follow a railway-history theme in Altoona. The county also identifies Fort Roberdeau as a landmark.
Discover the communities connected by routes across the mountains.
A Closer Look
Blair County
Places and perspectives from Blair County
Blair County Wire
Blair County & Pennsylvania News
Includes Pennsylvania statewide reporting; stories may cover other counties.Photo CreditsSpotlight PA — Pennsylvania Statewide
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Blair County
Stories from every corner of Blair County.
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Erie gunman who killed family controlled their movements, finances: police
A Pennsylvania man who fatally shot eight others, including seven family members, before killing himself had exercised strict…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Rep. Perry’s Trump ties targeted by Dems in closely watched Pa. swing district race
The president’s declining popularity could be a liability for Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Trump loyalist who…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Reading could pull up to $24M from reserves to balance its next 2 budgets
Reading may use $24 million in reserves to cover budget gaps over two years, raising fears the city…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
The legislature didn’t act on skill games by the Pa. Supreme Court’s deadline. What happens now?
Top lawmakers said they wanted to act before the court-imposed deadline but didn’t, leading some members to mount…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Baker El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 108 W Ward Ave, Altoona, PA 16602. 814-946-8388.
Lewis M Myers El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 220 Martin Street, Bellwood, PA 16617. 814-742-2272.
Claysburg-Kimmel El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-06. 240 CK Elementary Drive, Claysburg, PA 16625. 814-239-5144.
Foot of Ten El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-06. 450 Foot of Ten Rd, Duncansville, PA 16635. 814-695-1941.
Martinsburg El Sch – Elementary; grades 03-05. 415 Spring Street, Martinsburg, PA 16662. 814-501-6111.
Tyrone Area El Sch – Elementary; grades PK-04. 601 Clay Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686. 814-684-1342.
Williamsburg Community El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-06. 607 Sage Hill Drive, Williamsburg, PA 16693. 814-832-2125.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Upmc Altoona – Acute Care Hospitals. 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601. 814-889-2011.
Conemaugh Nason Medical Center – Acute Care Hospitals. 105 Nason Drive, Roaring Spring, PA 16673. 814-224-2141.
Penn Highlands Tyrone – Critical Access Hospitals. 187 Hospital Drive, Tyrone, PA 16686. 814-684-1255.
James E. Van Zandt Va Medical Center (Altoona) – Acute Care – Veterans Administration. 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602. 814-943-8164.
Public Safety
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Emergency Services
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
State Parks
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Trails
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Utilities
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Altoona Area Public Library – 1600 Fifth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. 814-946-0417.
Bellwood Antis Public Library – 526 Main St, Bellwood, PA 16617. 814-742-8234.
Claysburg Area Public Library Inc – 957 Bedford St, Claysburg, PA 16625. 814-239-2782.
Hollidaysburg Area Public Library – One Furnace Road, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. 814-695-5961.
Martinsburg Community Library – 201 South Walnut St, Martinsburg, PA 16662. 814-793-3335.
Roaring Spring Community Library – 320 East Main St, Roaring Spring, PA 16673. 814-224-2994.
Tyrone-Snyder Public Library – 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686. 814-684-1133.
Courts
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
DMV
Pennsylvania — Find a Location
Pennsylvania — Title and Registration
Pennsylvania — Licenses & Photo IDs
Transportation
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Plan Your Blair County Visit
Find places to go, compare activities and make the most of your time here.
Local Questions
Blair County: Places, Plans & Practical Answers
Start with these 11 answers, then find 5 more planning questions below the discovery lists.
No. DelGrosso's in Tipton is a seasonal amusement and water-park destination. The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona focuses on railroad history. Choose by your children's interests and check each attraction's operating calendar before combining them.
Railroaders Memorial Museum: Learn about railroad workers and Altoona's rail history through exhibits. DelGrosso's Park: Plan a seasonal rides-and-water-park outing in Tipton; rides and water attractions require paid access.
Canoe Creek State Park: Walk around the lake, look for wildlife and use the picnic areas east of Hollidaysburg. Lower Trail: Walk or cycle the rail trail along the Frankstown Branch Juniata River; the trail extends beyond Blair County.
Canoe Creek State Park: Walk around the lake, look for wildlife and use the picnic areas east of Hollidaysburg. Lower Trail: Walk or cycle the rail trail along the Frankstown Branch Juniata River; the trail extends beyond Blair County. Free access does not include purchases, rentals or separately ticketed activities.
Tom & Joe's Restaurant: Choose a diner-style meal in downtown Altoona. Al's Tavern: Choose a casual tavern meal on Eighth Avenue in Altoona.
Humble & Kind Boutique: Browse clothing and gifts at this Altoona boutique. Logan Valley Mall: Combine several retail stops in one indoor shopping visit in Altoona.
Humble & Kind Boutique: Browse clothing and gifts at this Altoona boutique. Ravine Uniform Store: Shop for scrubs and professional workwear in Altoona.
The county's mountain setting made transportation a powerful influence, connecting canal-era engineering, railway facilities and civic development in communities whose roles changed as new routes crossed the region. Use the local museums and historic sites above to explore that story in more detail.
Altoona Area Public Library – 1600 Fifth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. 814-946-0417. Bellwood Antis Public Library – 526 Main St, Bellwood, PA 16617. 814-742-8234. These contacts come from the supplied local-library directory; call for current opening hours, children’s programs and visitor services.
Baker El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 108 W Ward Ave, Altoona, PA 16602. 814-946-8388. Lewis M Myers El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 220 Martin Street, Bellwood, PA 16617. 814-742-2272. These are selected contacts from the supplied school directory. Contact the school or district to confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment; a nearby school is not necessarily the assigned school.
Hollidaysburg is the county seat recorded in the supplied Blair County information. Use the Government tab in local resources to locate the department you need; offices may have different addresses and appointment arrangements.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time for a Local DiscoveryExplore places to eat, shop and spend time in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Follow each link for current visiting details.
Kids’ Fun
- Railroaders Memorial Museum — Learn about railroad workers and Altoona's rail history through exhibits.
- DelGrosso's Park — Plan a seasonal rides-and-water-park outing in Tipton; rides and water attractions require paid access.
Restaurants
- Tom & Joe's Restaurant — Choose a diner-style meal in downtown Altoona.
- Al's Tavern — Choose a casual tavern meal on Eighth Avenue in Altoona.
Shopping & Retail
- Humble & Kind Boutique — Browse clothing and gifts at this Altoona boutique.
- Logan Valley Mall — Combine several retail stops in one indoor shopping visit in Altoona.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Humble & Kind Boutique — Browse clothing and gifts at this Altoona boutique.
- Ravine Uniform Store — Shop for scrubs and professional workwear in Altoona.
Outdoor Fun
- Canoe Creek State Park — Walk around the lake, look for wildlife and use the picnic areas east of Hollidaysburg.
- Lower Trail — Walk or cycle the rail trail along the Frankstown Branch Juniata River; the trail extends beyond Blair County.
Free Things to Do
- Canoe Creek State Park — Walk around the lake, look for wildlife and use the picnic areas east of Hollidaysburg.
- Lower Trail — Walk or cycle the rail trail along the Frankstown Branch Juniata River; the trail extends beyond Blair County.
Businesses in This County Guide
More Blair County Questions
How could I build a short Blair County outing from these places?
One possible plan is Railroaders Memorial Museum, a meal at Tom & Joe's Restaurant, and a browse at Humble & Kind Boutique. These are separate stops; map their addresses and check opening times before deciding whether all three fit your day.
How can I keep a Blair County day trip inexpensive?
Start with Canoe Creek State Park and Lower Trail and bring a picnic where permitted. Budget separately for museum or amusement tickets, restaurant meals, parking where charged, rentals and purchases. Check the linked destination’s current fees instead of assuming every activity on its grounds is free.
Where should I check the forecast before visiting Canoe Creek State Park?
Use the county weather section above for the forecast. For Canoe Creek State Park, also open the destination’s notices for trail, road or facility closures. A county forecast does not confirm that an individual trail or activity is operating.
What should I confirm before making a special trip to Humble & Kind Boutique?
Use Humble & Kind Boutique to confirm the physical-store address, current opening days and whether the item or fitting you need is available. Some shops list online stock, multiple locations or appointment services, so contact the store about a specific visit.
Where can I find the businesses featured in this Blair County guide?
The “Businesses in This County Guide” section links to Randy Moyer Auto Glass. Open a business page for its contact details. A business featured in this guide may serve the county from another location; confirm its address and service area directly.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.